Student Gina Van Deth, chair of the CSUF Environmental Advocacy Committee, says that
students are involved in a number of sustainability efforts. “In fall 2007, we circulated a petition for an on-campus sustainability coordinator and we got more than 500 signatures from students,” she says. Fall plans call for the Titan Student Union to be monitored to determine energy consumption and for a “green” jobs fair. “The TSU might also be going Styrofoam-free,” she adds.

With $300 million in design and construction projects now under way at Cal State Fullerton,
Smith says, upcoming new construction of the Children’s Center and the police department headquarters will incorporate LEED standards and keep sustainability at the forefront of operations.

He notes that he and his staff are re-thinking plant varieties and incorporating indigenous California plants into new projects. At the new residence halls, natural rainfall will be collected and used, and drought-resistant vegetation will be planted.

“Sustainability affects every college, every person on this campus,” says Willem van der Pol,
physical plant director. “We’re a community, and as a community we want to operate in the most efficient way possible. How we behave now is of the utmost importance for the future.”

Van der Pol notes that his staff is busy implementing new solutions to energy demands. New buildings have “cool roofs,” – solar reflective roofs – which will save energy and remove the so -called “heat island” effect. Work has begun in a photovoltaic installation on the Nutwood Avenue parking structure, in which solar panels will provide energy to a portion of the campus. And a new tri-generation station will be ready for next summer, which will reduce Fullerton’s dependence on utility company energy.

“We are at a unique crossroads as a university,” van der Pol says. “We are in the right spot at the right time to do something about this issue. It’s the right thing for the nation, and the right thing globally.” end of story

Alumni Going Green »


Gina Van Deth Student Gina Van Deth says that the average person can: “Support environmentally sound policies through voting or conducting letter writing campaigns to local and national representatives. Be a conscious consumer and promote eco-friendly products with your dollar. Get involved and support eco-friendly policies concerning waste management, food choices, office and school supplies, and building practices.”

Willem van der Pol Willem van der Pol, here in the Clayes Performing Arts Center, believes the university is at a starting point to take on sustainability as a direction, for both societal and environmental reasons. “How we behave now is of the utmost importance for the future.”