As further technologies are developed and industrialization continues, the world faces the issue of climate change and pollution. Dr. Victor Udo, Director of Campus Sustainability at Bucknell University, is attempting to combat this problem in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
A PhD recipient in urban affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware, Dr. Udo joined Bucknell University in 2019 and has a 10-year plan for establishing carbon neutrality (discussed at 7:00). Udo believes his work is all about meeting the issues of the present so future generations can be comforted.
Bucknell is attempting to achieve its goal by focusing on four different aspects of efficiency. These sectors include social sustainability, technical sustainability, governance and assets management process, and environmental sustainability.
When asked which section was the hardest to improve, Dr. Udo responded with technical sustainability. He said listed off many things Bucknell needs to address, asking, “How much of our electricity comes from solar? How many of our vehicles are electric? How many charging stations do we have on campus?”
What will happen if Bucknell does reach sustainability? According to Dr. Udo, the future is bright. Becoming sustainable will allow Bucknell to spend less money on cleaning up carbon emissions and on carbon-releasing processes.
Dr. Udo says, “If we become sustainable, can we use that 17 million dollars to help those who cannot afford Bucknell” (discussed at 34:15). Many students could look forward to a more affordable academic career, as long as the environment is taken care of first.
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