April 9, 2008

By Sarah Dearman

Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia

GSW recognized by state of Georgia as environmental leader

AMERICUS – The Pollution Prevention Assistance Division (P²AD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources recognized Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) as an environmental leader at a ceremony earlier today. GSW was recently accepted into P²AD’s Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia at the Silver level. They are committed to protecting and preserving Georgia’s environment. GSW joined 143 other organizations that have already committed to environmental leadership via the program.

            “Georgia Southwestern State University is leading the way in implementing sound environmental practices,” said Suzanne Burnes, Assistant Director of P²AD and Manager of the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia. “We are proud to recognize GSW as the first university accepted in the upper levels of the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia.”

            “In the early 1990s, GSW became very conscious of the impacts that water and air pollution have on our campus and its surrounding community,” said George Smith, GSW Physical Plant director. “Consequently, policies and projects were initiated to preserve trees, eliminate air pollution, and protect our water resources. Now, we are actively engaged in promoting campus projects that go beyond State of Georgia codes and regulations to promote a more sustainable Georgia.” 

            Projects include the creation of a campus water garden to promote study and relaxation and the construction of a nature trail for academic and recreational use by students and campus visitors. 

             “It is imperative for all people on and off campus to become conscience of sustainability and its issues,” continued Smith. “Sustainability and the preservation of air, water, and natural resources are vital for the survival of future generations of Georgians. I encourage all to get involved with preserving the environment and conserving nature.”

            GSW successfully moved up to the Silver level after being a Bronze Partner since 2005. The Partnership offers four levels of participation for organizations throughout the state: Champion, Bronze, Silver and the highest achievement level, Gold. The entry level for each business or organization is based on initiatives already in place as well as those slated for completion during the term of Partnership.

            The Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia is free and open to any business or organization that operates in Georgia. The Partnership offers a variety of incentives, including cost savings through increased efficiencies, potential regulatory flexibility, free technical assistance and training, and access to networking and mentoring among peers, state and local officials. The Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia was established by P²AD to foster environmental leadership and recognize superior environmental performance.

            P²AD is a non-regulatory division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Since 1993, P²AD has provided free, confidential environmental technical assistance in the areas of water conservation, waste reduction, energy conservation, by-product reuse, and recycling. For more information about P²AD and the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia, call 404-651-5120 or 800-685-2443 or visit www.p2ad.org.

PHOTO AVAILABLE

            Environmentally friendly--Pictured from left: Kendall A. Blanchard, GSW President; Suzanne Burnes, assistant director of P2AD and Manager of the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia; Sandra Neuse, assistant vice chancellor for Compliance and Operations, University System of Georgia; and Georgia L. Smith, director of GSW Physical Plant

                                                            - GSW -