Source: Michael L. Bell, mlbell@k-state.edu
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-6451.
News release prepared by: Jessica Grant, 785-532-6415, jgrant@k-state.edu
Thursday, May 29, 2008
MICHAEL BELL SERVING AS FIRST DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILTY FOR THE K-STATE STUDENT GOVERNING ASSOCIATION
MANHATTAN -- Michael Bell, senior in architectural engineering, Prairie Village, has several goals planned for his new job as director of sustainability for the Kansas State University Student Governing Association.
The new student government Cabinet position was created by Lydia Peele, K-State student body president, and Robert Swift, student body vice president. Bell's appointment was approved by the K-State Student Senate.
As director of sustainability, Bell will study and recommend ways to use resources and development opportunities to ensure a more sustainable future for K-State. He also will work with student organizations to represent the views of students to student government leaders and university administrators.
"I am greatly honored to be appointed as director of sustainability for the K-State Student Governing Association," Bell said. "This position is necessary as K-State moves toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future."
Bell's goals for the new position include:
* Increasing student awareness and involvement in campus and individual sustainability, which would include starting a university-wide sustainability campaign and improving the existing recycling program. Bell also would like to encourage all student organizations to make campus sustainability a goal, and encourage colleges and departments at K-State to work together toward campus sustainability.
* Pushing for green legislation on campus, as well as at the local and state government levels.
* Helping to establish the LEED -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design -- Green Building Rating System requirements for all new campus buildings. The system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Bell, who is working on becoming a LEED accredited professional by fall, also plans to push for improvements in the energy efficiency of current campus buildings, as well.
* Increasing public transportation options.
"Judging by the effort and enthusiasm our university has toward making K-State more sustainable and environmentally conscious, I believe that we can succeed in completing any goal we make for ourselves," Bell said.
Bell is active with K-State's chapter of the Architectural Engineering Institute. He also is a member of the K-State Emerging Green Builders and will serve as president during the upcoming 2008-2009 school year.
In addition to creating the director of sustainability position, K-State's Student Governing Association also recently approved the formation of a new organization, the Student Sustainability Coalition. The coalition plans to serve as a representative body for students and student organizations dedicated to researching, developing, advocating and implementing programs for improving the sustainability of K-State. The group will participate in education, planning, advocacy and networking in order to help maintain the healthy integrity of ecological, economic and social systems at K-State. The group will be open to members of both the K-State community and the public.