Michael Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs, accepted the 2006 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in Pollution Prevention. Pictured (l-r): Tennessee Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan, Schoenfeld, Vanderbilt Associate Director for Environmental Health and Safety Andrea George and Tennessee Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke.

_{by Todd Vessel}

The state of Tennessee has recognized Vanderbilt with the 2006 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award in Pollution Prevention for its leadership and innovation in protecting the environment.

The flagship program for the university’s winning entry was its Free Ride to Work program, which provides fare on Metro Transit Authority buses to and from Vanderbilt for faculty and staff.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) officials called this year’s contest the most competitive in the 20-year history of the awards program.

Michael Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs, accepted the award on Vanderbilt’s behalf during a ceremony June 23 at the Adventure Science Center.

“We are pleased and proud to be recognized with this award,” Chancellor Gordon Gee said. “As an institution committed to education, discovery and science, we have to be leaders in environmental stewardship, not simply followers. I am particularly grateful to our staff, faculty and students who have worked together on this critical issue.”

Vanderbilt also was a finalist in the “Green Schools – Higher Education” category for its effort to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification on the five new facilities being constructed at the Commons on the Peabody College campus. LEED certification means buildings are designed to benefit both the environment and the buildings’ inhabitants.

Andrea George, associate director of Vanderbilt’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety, coordinated several aspects of Vanderbilt’s environmental efforts into a cohesive presentation to TDEC. “I think it’s a wonderful recognition of a lot of innovative programs that have been implemented by Vanderbilt over the past couple of years,” George said.

The Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Transportation last fall added Vanderbilt to its list of “Best Workplaces for Commuters” in recognition of the university’s efforts to reduce pollution, commuting costs, traffic congestion and employee stress. Vanderbilt is the largest private employer in Middle Tennessee with nearly 20,000 faculty and staff.

In addition to the MTA Free Ride to Work program, two Vanderbilt Medical Center parking garages use FlexPool to reduce parking fees for employees who agree to carpool. The university also provides bicycle racks throughout campus and shower facilities for those who bike to work, and supports flexible work schedules and telecommuting when possible through the Alternative Work Arrangements policy.

The Vanderbilt Valet program at VUMC assists employees with daily errands so that doctors and staff can remain at work while their personal needs are taken care of free of charge. Various eateries facilitated by Dining Services also keep students on campus and out of their cars, adding to commuter benefits and reducing pollution.

These programs, in conjunction with the MTA Free Ride to Work program, added up to the top designation from TDEC.

“The award is really highlighting programs that are win-win for a lot of reasons. These programs have multiple benefits for our entire campus community as well as the greater Middle Tennessee community,” said George. “I see this as a public pronouncement of all the great work that’s being done here.”

_{Posted 07/03/06}