The conservation of energy is a growing concern at colleges and universities across the country. In its quest to achieve environmental efficiency and sustainability for its Lawrenceville and Westminster campuses, Rider University has established an Energy and Sustainability Steering Committee, comprised of students, faculty and staff.

Committee members will work collaboratively on the issues and develop an “Energy and Sustainability Master Plan.” The Committee will establish the mission, policies, principles and goals for the University’s energy and sustainability programs.

To assist with plan development, Rider has engaged Utility Advantage, a Mount-Laurel based energy consulting company, to provide the resources, technical expertise and staff to assist the University in developing and implementing its Master Plan.

Utility Advantage will provide Rider with a comprehensive energy assessment that will determine how much energy the University’s buildings are using through equipment and/or use, and will establish efficiency improvement goals. The company in turn will work with members of the campus community to execute these goals. The plan could encompass a wide range of initiatives, which include behavior change programs, renewable energy initiatives and the institution-wide change of purchasing practices and policies.

The Steering Committee will begin meeting in mid-February, and will work throughout the spring semester. “Interested members of the campus community are welcome at committee meetings, which will be publicized in advance,” said Vice President for Finance Julie Karns. “We appreciate community input on the goals and principles that will shape Rider’s initiatives into the future.” Serving on the steering committee are:

• Julie Karns, vice president for finance;
• Carol Kondrach, associate vice president, Office of Information Technologies;
• Phil Voorhees, assistant vice president, Office of Facilities Management;
• Laura Hyatt, assistant professor of biology;
• Barry Janes, professor of communication/journalism;
• Barry Truchil, chair of the sociology department;
• Mike Caputo, a senior English major, and executive editor of “The Rider News;”
• Matt Hanson, a junior marketing major, and residence hall senator for Olson Hall;
• Christian Stück, senior music major (voice concentration) with a minor in arts management and president of Westminster Choir College SGA.

“Rider University takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is committed to smart and sustainable energy use,” said President Mordechai Rozanski. “This new initiative will help us take a leadership role in developing a focused energy and sustainability program.”

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