Mission and Purpose

    Our office's role is to foster sustainable development and promote social and environmental responsibility by strategically bridging the academic activities of teaching, research, and outreach with the operations of the University.

    We partner with others at UVM on initiatives that bridge the academic activities of teaching and research with campus operations. We catalyze change, measure and report on progress, and engage with students and employees through peer-to-peer outreach programs.

    Our purpose is to:

     

    • Support organizational strategic planning for the University
    • Track UVM's sustainability bottom line
    • Educate and involve the campus community and the public at large
    • Stimulate and select feasible ideas for sustainability-related projects
    • Create implementation plans and manage projects
    • Celebrate campus successes

    Meet Our Staff

    Gioia Thompson, Director

    Photo of Gioia Thompson

    After working in the recycling arena, Gioia Thompson came to UVM in 1996 to begin working with a team, the Environmental Council, to bring more sustainable practices into campus life. In 2008 Gioia was appointed director of the Office of Sustainability, with another full-time staff member and three graduate student assistants. She is responsible for tracking the institution’s environmental performance; recommending environmentally responsible practices; working with students, faculty members, and staff members on projects; and connecting with the Vermont and higher education communities. Gioia received a B.A. in Environmental Studies in 1987 with an honors thesis on municipal leaf composting, and an M.S. in Natural Resources in 2000 on sustainability in higher education, both from the University of Vermont.

    Caylin McCamp, Education and Outreach Coordinator

    Caylin began her career in higher education campus sustainability while serving as an undergraduate Eco-Rep and a teaching assistant at the University of Vermont. After her graduation in 2012, Caylin worked as the sustainability manager with UVM Dining for four years. Caylin joined our office in January 2017. Caylin assists with the tracking and reporting indicators of campus sustainability success and coordinates the Eco-Reps Program that started her on her own career path. She advises 20 student Eco-Reps who educate peers about changing their daily habits to support a more sustainable campus and local community.

    Affiliations

    Community Partners