I just finished reading the latest edition of The Poly. I noticed a letter mentioning the Talloires Declaration and wanted to voice some opinions about this very interesting document. I have read that the declaration was created and signed by educational leaders from around the world. It lays a foundation where other policies can be created and acted upon to promote environmentally sustainable behavior. The Institute often compares itself with other prestigious universities. If we are going to lead as much as they do, shouldn’t we have an environmental policy like them?

Actions speak louder, and with less ambiguity, than words. What really matters is that RPI lay out a comprehensive environmental policy for itself. It does not matter which wording RPI chooses to select when creating its policy so long as the policy takes a leadership role by incorporating environmental awareness into education, campus life, and campus facilities. Such a policy would serve to demonstrate to the public that RPI really is a responsible institution and is willing to go above and beyond the letter of the law to educate and act with the future in mind.

In President Shirley Ann Jackson’s Rensselaer Plan, one of the goals is “to achieve prominence in the 21st century as a top-tier world-class technological research university, with global reach and global impact.” An institute trying to achieve “global reach and global impact” without initiating an environmental policy would appear misguided, whereas a prominent, top-tier engineering school would appear as such because they face problems head-on without ignoring or defining the problems as outside the scope of the university.

I truly believe that Rensselaer has a definite shot at becoming a leader and first-rate institute, but without taking the initiative and having an environmental policy, we will be continually labeled as a follower.

Eduardo A. Garcia