Dear OUS administrators, program directors, staff, and students:

Over the past 18 months, Sustainability has risen to the fore of international discourse. Oregon has proved willing to engage this complex challenge with its participation in the Western Climate Initiative, passage of bold legislation for emissions reduction, and its consistent support for renewable energy production. It is heartening to watch our state tackle these difficult issues.

While our faculty carries out the critical teaching and research mission, it is important to recognize that our campuses can and do play a leading role in modeling sustainable practices and behavior. OUS institutions operate half of all state owned buildings and are home to more than 80,000 students. Consequently, we have a significant opportunity (and responsibility) to shrink our environmental footprint while preparing tomorrow's leaders for challenges that lie ahead. During the past few years, OUS campuses have built green buildings, invested in renewable power, and committed to reducing emissions. This kind of leadership by example has earned us a strong green reputation and is something we should all be proud of. Yet I'm certain many of you agree that we need to be even bolder and go even further.

Please join me on October 23rd–24th in Eugene for the first ever OUS Sustainability conference. We'll explore the cutting edge in sustainable campus operations and student engagement. Experts in energy conservation, carbon markets, organizational change, co-curricular activities, purchasing, recycling, and more will lead thought-provoking sessions designed to inspire us to ratchet up our efforts to transform our campuses. Your attendance as decision makers, auxiliaries managers, program directors, staff, and students is necessary so that we can build communication networks, learn from each other's experiences, and implement new policies and programs. Please bring your ideas, passion, and enthusiasm to help transform our campuses into 21st century models of sustainability.

I look forward to seeing you in Eugene.

George Pernsteiner
Chancellor
Oregon University System