Update: Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee by Carrie Meek Gallagher Sustainability Committee Chair T he New York Section’s Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 during Water Event 2013. Three main topics were discussed: 1. Sustainability Case Studies from member utilities to develop a NYS sustainable water utility practices database 2. Engaging water industry consultants in sustainability in their workplaces 3. Future Sustainability Sessions at each utility so sharing of best practices and lessons learned can occur. Case studies could include energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable asset management, sustainable infrastructure, water conservation or efficiency, source water protection, greening the fleet, recycling and waste reduction, strategic sustainability planning efforts, carbon footprint analysis, sustainable purchasing, etc. We’re asking members to share any case studies by July 15th. They will be put into an ad hoc database before the meeting at Tifft in September. Sustainability Case Studies The main focus of the Sustainability Committee for the coming year will be to gather information on sustainable practices being implemented by water utilities across New York State. We will reach out to NYWEA and Rural Water as well for relevant case studies. The objective is to develop a database of practices in various areas of sustainability that could serve as models for other utilities looking for feasible projects. A key component will be contact information for the project coordinator Engaging Water Industry Consultants in Sustainability Where They Work In addition to encouraging the water utilities to embrace Sustainability.... Continued on Page 19 SPRING SUMMER 2013 AqUARIUS 9