We talk quite a bit about sustainability and "going green."  I'm not here to say that this is a bad thing.  As far as I'm concerned, I think it's a wonderful thing.  I have one big question, though:

How do universities justify the immediate cost of going green or implementing sustainability measures in a rough economy, such as the one we are in now?

You'll notice I'm not asking how they justify the long-term, which, in theory, could save universities hundreds of thousands of dollars.  What I'm curious about is how universities, which have had to cut positions and implement hiring and wage freezes have justified new green initiatives which, admittedly, will save the university money, but at the present time will cost more than enough to keep those cut positions, or give cost of living wage increases to those who truly need it.

Perhaps I'm just going off on an unnecessary, unfounded, and uneducated rant here.  I'd really appreciate being put in my place (politely, please), or just a lively debate if you're up for it.