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From: Barry Scherr, Provost
To: Members of the President's Administrative Forum
I am writing to inform you that Jim Merkel has decided to step down as
Dartmouth's full-time Sustainability Coordinator on July 1, 2007. He has agreed
to continue as a part time consultant through the end of the calendar year. Jim
decided that while he had enjoyed his time at Dartmouth, he needed more freedom
to work on his writing projects and the Global Living Project.
As Dartmouth's first Sustainability Coordinator, Jim has worked with
students, faculty and staff to increase dialogue about the environment as well
as to make improvements in the operations and policies of the institution. In
the short two years that he's been at the College, Jim has expanded Dartmouth's
long-standing commitment to sustainability in the following ways:
- The establishment of Home Plate as a trash-free, sustainable dining venue
on campus
- The inclusion of solar panels on McKenzie Hall to save energy in the
operation of the College's power plant.
- The completion of the 2006 Energy Report that will help to guide the
college's discussion of an energy plan and greenhouse gas reduction target
- The initiation of the Sustainable Office Program, which involves dozens of
offices on the College campus
- Engagement as a guest lecturer with many students and faculty in
environmental sciences, engineering, and architecture
In addition, Jim has worked closely with the Office of Planning, Design
& Construction and Facilities Operations and Management as they develop
plans for upcoming LEEDS-certified buildings, including some Gold LEEDS
certifications.
We are pleased that Jim will remain at Dartmouth as a consultant through the
end of the calendar year. His expertise in sustainability as well as his
talents as a speaker and motivator will continue to move some key initiatives
forward.
We will begin the search for Jim's successor later this year.
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