Who is CASAB?
SIUE’s Sustainability Advisory Group (SAG) was formed in 2008 by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration to assess progress on existing initiatives and vet ideas for future efforts. In 2021, the group was restructured and renamed as Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board (CASAB) to reflect the goal of developing plans and performing work needed to make SIUE a more sustainable campus and community member.
CASAB consists of members of the faculty, staff and student body. The board was founded on the premise that embracing sustainable practices and providing knowledge for sustainable development within an institution of higher learning can achieve the following:
- Provide leadership for local and regional economic development;
- Provide leaders for a sustainable future;
- Promote awareness on climate and sustainability topics;
- Improve and enhance the institution's reputation;
- Attract students, faculty, and funding;
- Improve teaching and learning;
- Prepare students for citizenship and careers;
- Increase cooperation and satisfaction within institutional units.
CASAB’s charter is charged with:
- Providing a forum for the open exchange of sustainability information in higher education;
- Advising the Chancellor's Council on developing a sustainability vision and plan for SIUE that will reduce the University's ecological footprint, enhance informal and formal sustainability education, and reflect the University's mission, vision and core values;
- Identifying collaboration opportunities that promote sustainable practices in all University activities;
- Developing a method for measuring SIUE's sustainability progress;
- Promoting climate and sustainability issues communication, education and achievements;
- Reporting annually to the Chancellor's Council, as well as to the University committee, on activities and accomplishments.
CASAB Members
- Serdar Celik - Mechanical Engineering, Board Chair
- Julie Babington - University Advancement
- Alan Black - Geography
- Craig Holan - Facilities Management
- Heather Kniffel - University Marketing & Communications
- Katja Kopp - Center for Spirituality and Sustainability
- Hillary Loomis - History
- Matt Maas - Environmental Resource Training Center
- Jeff Manuel - History
- Shannon McCarragher - Geography
- Kathy Mora - Nutrition
- Jennifer Zuercher - Nutrition
- Jim Zhou - Civil Engineering
Subcommittees
CASAB consists of five subcommittees:
- Bicycle-friendly University
- Climate
- Green Buildings and Renewable Energy
- Recycling and Composting
- Social Justice and Diversity
