This post was written by Lyndsey Wajert, a Hatchet columnist.

GW may not have done well on its Green report card in 2008, but the University has recently been taking action to improve upon its sustainability efforts. On January 5th, 2009, the University announced that Meghan Chapple-Brown would be the first director of the recently created Office of Sustainability.

The announcement is a welcome one, as Chapple-Brown’s experience will give GW a much-needed advantage in battling numerous obstacles, such as an urban campus, that have prevented the us from becoming a model in sustainability. In a news release, University President Dr. Steven Knapp stated Chapple-Brown “will coordinate and extend the efforts already underway across the University to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and build a commitment to environmental stewardship into the fabric of our institutional culture.”

At the suggestion of the Presidential Task Force on Sustainability initiated by Dr. Knapp, The Office of Sustainability was created in the fall of 2008. The appointment of a director is promising, as a newly appointed leader can ameliorate areas in which GW is failing, such as those concerning endowment.

The new director has advised companies such as Ford Motor Company, Nike, Wal-Mart and Eli Lilly, and has worked with other organizations across the globe such as Dow Growth Center, World Resources Institute and Public Allies.

Chapple-Brown’s commitment to the University and to the environment will hopefully bring swift changes to GW, which may in fact boost GW’s grade on the next environmental report card.