Chad Carwein: Guiding UNC Charlotte’s next chapter of sustainability

Chad Carwein joined UNC Charlotte as university sustainability officer in March, stepping into the role days before Earth Month. The timing, he said, was both exhausting and energizing, offering an immediate look at the campus community’s commitment to sustainability. What stood out most in his first six months was the strong collaboration among Facilities Management, Dining Services, Housing and Residence Life, and Athletics.

Carwein spent his early weeks getting to know the five professional staff members who anchor the University Sustainability Office. He said the team is doing exceptional work and that supporting their efforts is essential to long-term success.

He inherited a program shaped over more than a decade by former sustainability officer Mike Lizotte. Carwein described Lizotte’s work as a model for campus sustainability and said he feels fortunate to build on that foundation.

“Sustainability is a journey, not a destination,” Carwein said. “There will always be opportunities to do more when it comes to energy and water conservation, waste reduction and diversion, campus grounds management, alternative transportation, sustainable dining, infusing sustainability into academics and research, and fostering a culture of sustainability on campus.”

Two initiatives will drive the office’s work this year: expanding zero-waste operations and strengthening transportation demand management strategies. Plans include launching a self-hauling pilot program for waste management on West Campus and opening a bicycle repair shop on campus.

Carwein’s approach is shaped by earlier roles at UNC Greensboro and ECU. He learned early that running a campus sustainability program depends more on relationships than expertise in any single area.

Knowing “a little about a lot” and helping campus partners meet their goals more efficiently, he said, is central to the work. He also credited a longtime UNC Charlotte staff member on his team with helping him quickly connect with key stakeholders.

Carwein defines a culture of sustainability as one in which students, faculty, staff and administrators share a baseline understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions—and actively work to reduce their environmental impact.

“While there is an ‘i’ in ‘sustainability,’ it’s very much a team sport,” he said.

Students play a key role in shaping that culture. Carwein encourages them to use the campus as a living, learning laboratory by identifying sustainability challenges, researching solutions, proposing projects and seeking funding through the Charlotte Green Initiative.

During Campus Sustainability Month, Carwein hopes every Niner will commit to using alternative transportation at least one day per week. Options include walking, biking, riding the bus or light rail, carpooling or approved teleworking.

The University Sustainability Office and PaTS will host the annual Transportation Fair to help the campus explore those choices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Cauble Quad.