May 23, 2007

John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute Pledge to Environmental Sustainability:

In his April 12, 2007 letter to the Northeastern University Community, President Joseph Aoun announced the University’s “pledge to environmental sustainability.” In addition, he made an appeal to “all faculty, staff, and students to take their own individual steps towards making Northeastern an exemplar in sustainability.”

In response to this imperative, the John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute (JDOAAI) is incorporating the redblack&GREEN project, an innovative new campaign designed by JDOAAI staff member and N.U. alumna, Núrí Chandler-Smith, with strong support from Dean Lula Petty-Edwards. The goal of the project is to educate JDOAAI students, staff, and the larger community on issues of environmental sustainability and to implement sustainability practices throughout the Institute. This effort includes: taking full advantage of RE-NU’s award winning recycling program, establishing a commitment to buying recycled and environmentally sustainable products and services for the Institute whenever possible, reducing the Institute’s overall energy consumption, and hosting a series of educational workshops, lectures and forums designed to educate students, staff and community members on ways that they can further incorporate “green” choices into their lives.

As a significant facet of West Village F, The John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute is already a part of the University’s efforts towards increased sustainability through the building’s use of a groundwater recharge system and energy saving motion-activated lights, which were included in the design and construction process.  The redblack&GREEN project will be an important asset in furthering these efforts.

The University community is invited to participate in the endeavors of the redblack&GREEN project, and it is our sincere hope that others will take similar steps towards furthering our collective pledge to environmental sustainability. 

For additional information on redblack&GREEN, please contact Núrí Chandler-Smith.