New Sustainability Manager Named

From having Pennsylvania’s first certified zero energy building to hosting awards and events such as the Positive Energy Fund, Millersville University is committed to sustainability. To help guide the University’s efforts, Kaitlynn Hamaty was recently hired as the new sustainability manager.

Hamaty has many years of experience in the sustainability field from studying it in college to her previous work experience. Hamaty studied psychology with minors in sustainability leadership and statistics at Penn State University. She then earned her master’s degree in environmental psychology from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Previously, Hamaty worked as a Research and Information Specialist and as an Industrial Support Specialist at the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, a non-profit with connections to Penn State Harrisburg. She also worked as a Residence Life Coordinator at Penn State University Park where she was able to incorporate a Waste and Recycling Analyst internship with Penn State’s Office of Physical Plant.

As the sustainability manager, Hamaty ensures the various sustainable operations around campus run smoothly. “My role is to focus on all aspects of sustainability in and around Millersville University. This includes helping with the daily operations of Millersville’s Zero Energy building, the Lombardo Welcome Center, implementing Millersville’s Climate Action Plan, and working with students, faculty and staff as well as other key stakeholders around the community. It also includes preparing yearly data reporting and recommendations,” Hamaty explains.

“I’m very excited to be named the sustainability manager here at Millersville University,” says Hamaty of her new role. “I have always had a passion for sustainability and environmentalism, often without realizing it. In my first month here, I have been able to engage with students, faculty and staff across campus and am excited for what we can accomplish together.”

One of Hamaty’s main tasks includes working towards the goals of MU’s Climate Action Plan. The main goal of this plan is for MU to be carbon neutral by 2040 and to assist the City of Lancaster with climate change planning. Hamaty explains what she and the University are doing to ensure it meets its goals.

“To achieve this goal, we need to focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon offsets and waste diversion and recycling on campus. This is a big task and goal that involves multiple stakeholders and everyone across campus.”

Hamaty believes the role of a sustainability manager is important not only for MU, but for all of higher education. “Universities hold a powerful role in society, as institutions of higher education foremost, but also as institutions for discovery, ingenuity and creativity. All these aspects are critical when tackling climate change and being a sustainable institution.”

After completing her first month on the job, Hamaty notes she is happy to be part of the University’s plan to be better. “I am thrilled to be working for an institution that is actively making strides to implement changes that positively impact and benefit the MU community and the greater community.”