U Pacific Technology Center Awarded LEED Gold
The University of the Pacific’s (CA) John T. Chambers Technology Center has achieved LEED Gold certification. The 24,500-square-foot building is the first LEED certification for the university. Sustainable features include 100 percent non-potable water in surrounding irrigation, bicycle racks, low-flow water fixtures, native plants in the surrounding landscape, reflective glass to reduce the need for cooling and low-reflective materials on the roof. The building is also the university’s first structure to have solar panels.
U Utah Student Initiates Solar Ivy Installation
An environmental studies major at the University of Utah has initiated the installation of a new product called Solar Ivy, a composition of small photovoltaic panels shaped so that they can be installed in an attractive arrangement, much like ivy growing over a building’s surface. The panels generate electricity that is consumed by the building, offsetting the amount of power the building purchases from the utility company. The majority of the project’s funding was provided by the university’s student-led Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund. The Solar Ivy project was awarded a grant for approximately two-thirds of the $42,000 cost.
Wayne State U Offers Free Shuttle Service to Detroit Surroundings
Wayne State University (MI) has partnered with Henry Ford Hospital and the Detroit Medical Center to provide free shuttle transportation for workers, students and the community to help eliminate car commuting. The shuttle service will allow students to travel between the university and the Detroit institutions. The university is also striving toward obtaining a Bike-Friendly certification from the League of American Bicyclists by working to implement car and bike sharing systems for students and staff.
West Valley College to Install 1MW Solar Array System
West Valley College (CA) has started the installation of a $6.7 million solar array system. The solar panels will be installed on structures located in parking lots and will be connected to the college’s electrical system in October. The solar array system is expected to generate one-megawatt of power and cover 33 percent of the electricity needs of the campus. The project was funded through a combination of clean, renewable energy bonds and Measure H bond interest.
Yale U Launches Carbon Fund Calculator
Yale University (CT) has launched the Yale Community Carbon Fund Calculator. Developed by the Office of Sustainability and the Center for Business and Environment, the project is intended to help members of the Yale community calculate emissions associated with university related events, commuting and travel. The program allows a participant to make an online donation to the fund based on the recommended price per ton of carbon an activity produced. The donations will be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the community.
Arizona State U Engineers Work to Advance Solar Power
From predicting the performance of various kinds of photovoltaic cells to testing ideas for a solar thermal collector, engineers at Arizona State University are conducting material, electrical and mechanical engineering research to develop prototypes for the next generations of high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies. The university is also delving into the economic, regulatory, manufacturing, public policy and public utility aspects of solar power including educating students to become the future entrepreneurs, business leaders and policy experts of alternative energy systems.
Blackburn College Purchases Biodiesel Processor
Blackburn College (IL) has purchased a biodiesel processor that will convert fats and oils into biodiesel fuel. The processor will be used to introduce students to “good” chemistry and to create fuel for college vehicles and machinery. Students will also use cooking oil from the college’s cafeteria to make methyl biodiesel. The processor was purchased with money leftover from a U.S. Department of Energy grant.
Calhoun CC Renewable Energy Center to Seek LEED Gold
Calhoun Community College (AL) has opened the doors of its new Alabama Center of Excellence in Clean Energy Technology. The center will train energy conservation practitioners in energy assessment techniques and energy-efficient installation. Training will be focused toward dislocated and unemployed workers for jobs in the growing renewable energy sector. Design elements of the building include energy-efficient windows, canopies and a heat pump system designed to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent. Funding for the center was made possible by a $3.47 million grant from the Department of Labor.
Campus Sustainability Planning: A July Update
Ball State University (IN) has published its first sustainability report, which is featured on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) website. Prepared by an interdisciplinary team of six students and a faculty mentor, the report combines the frameworks of the GRI and AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) in a single report. Among the sustainability practices and achievements underway are the current installation of a geothermal based district heating and cooling system; the continuing series of biennial Greening of the Campus Conferences; many academic programs in sustainability; and the construction of LEED-certified buildings throughout campus. In related news, Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis has approved the university’s first Sustainability Plan. The plan will guide and support the university’s leadership in campus and community sustainability through a commitment to ecological citizenship, stewardship and justice. The approved Sustainability Plan includes 18 objectives, 35 benchmarks and approximately 100 strategies in the areas of transportation, procurement, energy infrastructure, building and grounds, academics and research, fundraising and endowment, dining, and low- and no-cost energy conservation. In more related news, Medical College of Wisconsin President and CEO John R. Raymond, Sr., MD has signed an Environmental Sustainability Statement of Support that highlights the specific ways in which it will support environmental sustainability. The college’s Campus Operations has also developed a report, "Environmental Sustainability @ MCW," which highlights the college’s sustainability accomplishments to date including reduced energy use per square foot by 19 percent since 2008 and 35 tons of paper recycled in 2010.
Harvard U Freshman Pilot Vermiculture Project
Harvard University (MA) freshman group Green 14' recently debuted a vermiculture project in the Thayer Hall dorm. The students placed vermiculture bins, which use the natural composting abilities of earthworms, on each floor. To raise awareness, the group brought food like strawberries, grapes, bananas, celery, peanuts in the shell, bread and peanut butter to study breaks to show which foods could be composted.
Harvard U Generates Energy with Spinning Competition
Harvard Business School (MA) hosted its first ever "Green Living Spinning Competition" recently. The event was organized by the HBS Student Association Cup, an athletics contest between the sections at HBS, with support from the Green Living Program and HBS Operations. Sixty-three competitors raced on spin bikes supplied by the Green Revolution, an organization dedicated to connecting health and fitness with the creation of clean renewable energy. An average person's workout on these machines will produce enough to power four compact fluorescent bulbs for an hour. The fastest-pedaling participant generated enough to power his laptop for almost three hours.
Iowa State U Designated EPA Green Power Partner
Iowa State University has been recognized as a Green Power Partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its "significant purchase" of wind energy and support of sustainable technologies. For an organization to qualify as a partner, it must purchase at least 3 percent of its annual electricity use through green power. Eligible resources include solar photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, eligible biomass, fuel cells, biodiesel-fueled generators and certain types of hydropower. The university is now buying enough wind power to supply more than 7 percent of its electricity needs and is striving for a goal of 10 percent.
Louisiana State U Installs Electric Vehicle Chargers
Louisiana State University has partnered with Entergy Corp. to install two new electric vehicle chargers on campus. The chargers will provide free power to students, faculty and staff who use electric vehicles. In exchange, Entergy Corp. will collect usage data for their research. The free electrical charges will be available beginning in the fall.
Macomb CC, Dept. of Energy Partner for Electric Vehicle Training
As a complement to the Obama Administration's recent launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, Macomb Community College (MI) has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a series of new manufacturing job training partnerships. The college will use the National Training and Education Resource, an open-source integration platform that brings together information technologies to support education, training and workforce development, to enhance several of its electric vehicle oriented courses.
Mercyhurst College Launches New Sustainability Programs
Mercyhurst College (PA) has announced the launch of a new Bachelor of Arts degree and post-baccalaureate certificate in sustainability studies. Since 2006, the college has offered a sustainability studies minor and a concentration in sustainability studies within the chemistry and biology departments. Interest among students prompted the college’s decision to convert it to a new major with its own requirements.
NSF Solicits CC Feedback about Grant Application Challenges
To broaden its impact among two-year colleges, the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently asked community college educators to explain the challenges they face when applying for grants and to suggest emerging issues that NSF should consider funding. NSF convened a meeting in June of about 300 community college educators in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges. Connecting community college technician education programs with university transfer programs and improving students' college readiness were among the key science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) issues that participants suggested for additional NSF support.
Raritan Valley CC Designated 'River-Friendly'
Raritan Valley Community College (NJ) has been awarded the River-Friendly certification by New Jersey Water Supply Authority for its efforts to improve local water resource quality through water quality management, water conservation, protection of wildlife habitat and outreach. The college committed to pursuing River-Friendly certification as part of its environmental stewardship agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The college has made numerous environmental improvements on campus to achieve River-Friendly certification including the installation of rain gardens, implementing an integrated pest management policy, reducing the campus’ mowed lawn area by 24 percent, training students to conduct assessments on the campus streams, and creating inventories of the campus' 289 species of flora and fauna.
Solar Decathlon Home Preserved as Affordable Housing
A solar-powered house that students are currently assembling for the 2011 Solar Decathlon on the Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ) campus will be placed permanently in northeast Washington to serve as affordable housing. The institute partnered with Parsons the New School for Design (NY); Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy at the New School (NY); and Washington's Habitat for Humanity affiliate to break ground in the middle- to low-income neighborhood of Deanwood. Traditionally, the affordable solar-powered homes designed and constructed by college teams for the competition return to their respective institutions, where many are dismantled. In addition to the house drafted and built by "Empowerhouse," Habitat for Humanity will build a second passive house at the same site. The 2011 Solar Decathlon, an international green technology contest staged every two years by the U.S. Department of Energy, will hold its opening ceremony on Sept. 22, 2011.
Southern Illinois U Carbondale Selects Green Fund Projects
Southern Illinois University Carbondale has selected 10 projects to receive a total of $59,201 from its Green Fund this summer. The fund is a student-led initiative that assesses students a $10 green fee each semester toward projects that promote energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy and campus sustainability. The projects selected include installing recycling bins and rechargeable door openers, enhancing sustainability research and outreach efforts, and encouraging the use of locally grown foods.
St. Louis CC Earns Second LEED Gold Certification
St. Louis Community College (MO) has received its first LEED Gold certification with the recent rating of its William J. Harrison Education Center. Environmentally friendly features of the 31,000 square-foot facility include lighting controllability, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, indoor chemical and pollutant source control, and the use of recycled materials in the construction.
Students Urge Senate to Pass DREAM Act
Hundreds of students came from around the country to show their support for the DREAM Act at a Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security hearing in June. The act would create a path toward citizenship for undocumented immigrants who complete an associate degree, two years toward a bachelor’s degree or two years of military service. A key provision of the bill gives states the option to make in-state tuition for higher education available to undocumented youths.
Texas A&M Signs Performance Contract to Reduce Energy Consumption
Texas A&M University has signed performance contracts with Siemens Industry, Inc. totaling $15.1 million. The agreement is designed to reduce the overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on campus, improve building occupant comfort and support campus sustainability. Performance contracting will allow a facility to complete energy-saving improvements within an existing budget by financing them through guaranteed annual energy savings.
U California Santa Barbara Hall Receives LEED Silver
The University of California, Santa Barbara’s Kohn Hall has been awarded LEED Silver certification. Sustainable features include passive solar design, natural ventilation and efficient cooling provided by the campus chilled water loop. The hall is also one of 15 university buildings to have piloted the campus’ commingled recycling program. Kohn Hall is the sixth campus building to be certified through the LEED Existing Building Portfolio Program.
U Georgia to Revive Buried Waterways
The University of Georgia has planned to revive buried waterways on campus after two centuries of construction turned the waterways into part of a 53-mile network of underground drain pipes. University planners have begun working to partially restore the creeks and improve the purity of the water in the streams. The university is also developing projects designed to reduce pollution flowing into the stream system.
U Louisville Tapped for Water-Efficient Landscaping Renovations
As part of its green infrastructure program to reduce sewage overflows from sewers, Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) has announced a $1.5 million campus landscaping renovation at the University of Louisville (KY). Renovations will include vegetated roofs, parking lots renovated to funnel water into gravel-filled pits, a rain garden and porous brick surfacing. The projects are intended to prevent millions of dollars in flood damage and serve as an example for similar projects across the city.
U Maryland College Park Program to Certify Green Communities
The University of Maryland, College Park has launched Sustainable Maryland Certified, a program developed at the university's Environmental Finance Center to help steer public and private funding to communities that win sustainable certification by adopting green policies. Funded by federal and private grants, the free program will offer sustainability certification to communities that amass a total of 150 points, earned by setting up initiatives that address global warming, energy, pollution, land use, air and water quality, health equity, support for local businesses, sustainable agriculture, green buildings and transportation.
U Mississippi Donates Computers to Tornado Ravaged School
The University of Mississippi's Technology Recycling to Enhance Education (TREE) program recently delivered 24 computers to the Monroe County School District office for the Smithville School campus. The K-12 school was heavily damaged in an April tornado and students will attend classes in 43 mobile trailers when school resumes in August. The computers were collected from across the university's campus and cleaned and refurbished for distribution to public K-12 schools. TREE is a joint effort among the university's Association for Computing Machinery chapter, computer and information science faculty, and the Office of Information Technology to reduce the waste of usable electronic equipment.
U North Texas Debuts Sustainable Tourism Graduate Program
The University of North Texas' School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management has partnered with CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) in Costa Rica for a joint master's degree program in international sustainable tourism. The degree offers students an interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability and tourism with one year of study in each country. It is designed to prepare students for management and leadership positions in ecotourism and sustainable tourism, balancing environmental, economic and socio-cultural benefits and concerns.
U South Florida Installs Water Refilling Stations
In an effort to discourage the use and disposal of plastic water bottles, the University of South Florida has installed water bottle refilling stations connected to water fountains on campus. The university has currently installed 15 stations across campus but expects to install more in the fall. A counter is keeping track of the plastic bottles saved as each re-usable container is filled.
U Texas San Antonio Installs Eco-Friendly Turf
The University of Texas San Antonio has begun installing synthetic grass turf made of recycled tires on its recreational fields to conserve water and maintenance costs. The university expects to save approximately 4.7 million gallons of water per year.
Yuba CC District Plans 2.7 MW Solar Power Project
Yuba Community College District (CA) has announced plans to construct a multi-campus solar power project. The 2.7-megawatt project is expected to generate two-thirds of the power needed for the campuses. The district sought performance-based incentives of about $3 million from the California Solar Initiative and $4.5 million in federal subsidies to help pay for the project. The district expects to save $155,000 annually during a financing term of 16 years. After the financing period, the district projects savings of $1.5 million per year.
Ball State U Adds Green Roof Atop Geothermal Station
Ball State University (IN) has installed about 7,000 square-feet of GreenGrid, a modular and maintenance-free plant system, on the roof of its North District Energy Station. The green roof features pallets that are made of 60 percent recycled plastic and filled with low-growing vegetation. The installation will help insulate the building and reduce the amount of rainwater that flows into the storm sewer system. The university hopes to incorporate green roofs into its strategic construction plan.
Central Arizona College Debuts Renewable Energy Associate Degree
With funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Community-Based Job Training Alternative Energy Grant, Central Arizona College has debuted a renewable energy program. The college offers a renewable energy technician associate degree that is transferable to all three of Arizona’s state universities. The program focuses on interdisciplinary and outreach learning approaches to train students to develop the skills required to succeed in high growth industries. The college also offers solar energy and biofuel technician certificates.
Central Carolina CC Receives Grant for Renewable Energy Programs
Central Carolina Community College (NC) has been awarded a $30,000 grant for its green building and renewable energy programs. The Progress Energy Foundation grant will be used to support the establishment of two laboratories in the college’s Sustainable Technologies Lab Building. The lab will include workstations in solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies, as well as weatherization stations and green building materials demonstrations. It is designed to feature a mock home shell to demonstrate advanced framing techniques, envelope design and required thermal and air barriers. Students will have the opportunity to work on photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, testing equipment and monitoring system efficiencies.
Central Michigan U Starts Community Organic Garden Initiative
Central Michigan University’s Campus Grow, a local food-focused student organization, hosted a planting day for children at the Child Development and Learning Lab. The initiative was created to educate children about a variety of plants and how to begin and nurture a garden. Students planted an assortment of lilac cuttings, squash and watermelon seeds. Volunteers with the project will care for the garden along with two other campus gardens. The student group was founded two years ago and utilizes and researches non-toxic and organic means of producing a variety of open-pollinated fruits and vegetables.
Clark U Recognizes Student Sustainability Leadership
Clark University (MA) recently handed out its first Leadership in Sustainability award to a student. Hannah J. Tirrell-Wysocki, who served as an Eco Reps coordinator and founder of the Clark Sustainability Collaborative, raised sustainability awareness as an orientation coordinator, peer adviser and campus tour guide.
Confederation College Announces New Biomass Research Center
Confederation College (ON) has announced plans to build a new biomass energy research center to provide students and researchers with state-of-the-art labs to gain hands-on training in renewable fuel technologies. The biomass renewable energy project will use wood waste that has no other commercial value. Ontario has invested $4.2 million in the research center as part of the government’s long-term capital plan.
Harvard U Building Achieves LEED Gold
Harvard University’s (MA) Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Study has achieved LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features of the new 42,000-square-foot building include an efficient HVAC system, low-emitting paints and materials, and passive solar design. Education about the sustainable operation of the building was also provided to staff. A utility display in the lobby allows occupants to see the building’s real-time energy use.
Harvard U Commencement Luncheon Achieves 95% Recycling Rate
With the efforts of Harvard University (MA) Green Team members, the custodial team and undergraduate Dorm Crew workers, Harvard Law School was able to compost or recycle 95 percent of the waste generated at its recent commencement luncheon. The 5,000 guests received recyclable and compostable materials in their commencement lunch boxes that they then brought to the recycling tent, where volunteers sorted the waste into trash, compost and recycling.
Indiana U Announces Sustainability Research Grant Projects
The Indiana University Office of Sustainability has announced the recipients of its Sustainability Research Development Grants for the 2011-2012 academic year. Two teams of faculty and graduate students will explore conditions for the successful implementation of low-carbon distributed energy programs in developing countries, and the use of policy tools to promote protection, conservation and development of the urban tree canopy. Each project will receive $15,000 that can be used for graduate fellowships, faculty research fund awards or summer faculty fellowships. Recipients are expected to develop new, collaborative lines of research that have the potential to grow into externally funded research projects.
Inside Higher Ed Covers Rise in Green Driving Alternatives
This recent Inside Higher Ed article looks at a new set of challenges emerging as a growing number of institutions encourage green alternatives to driving to campus. With case studies including Boston University (MA) and Ripon College (WI), the article also explores the solutions being raised.
Messiah College Hires First Sustainability Coordinator
Messiah College (PA) has appointed Craig Dalen as its first full-time sustainability coordinator. Dalen, who has held various roles at the college including Sustainability Committee leader, will direct sustainability projects on campus and think about how to leverage resources and partnerships taking into account the ecologic, economic and social impact.
NY Times: Sustainability Careers Appeal to Recent Grads
A new wave of recent college graduates are entering environmental sustainability careers, reports a recent article in The New York Times. "Suddenly, 'sustainability' seems to resonate with the sex appeal of 'dot com' or 'start-up,' appealing to droves of ambitious young innovators," says the article. Idealist.org, a website that lists paid and unpaid opportunities for nonprofit groups and social enterprise companies, reports that the number of jobs related to environmental work has roughly tripled in the last three years. Yale School of Management's (CT) director of career development notes in the article that business students are recognizing that corporations of all kinds consider environmental issues like reducing waste and carbon footprints important.
Rowan-Cabarrus CC Constructs First LEED Gold Building
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s (NC) first new building to be constructed in more than 30 years has earned the school its first LEED Gold certification. Sustainable design features include solar tubing, low-flow plumbing fixtures, carpeting made from recycled materials and the use of exterior materials that reduce light pollution. The building’s green design is expected to save the college more than $14,000 in utility costs and reduce water usage by 60,000 gallons each year.
Saint John's U Awarded First LEED Gold Certification
The McKeown Center at Saint John's University (MN) has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The first LEED-certified building on campus, the community center features natural lighting; energy-efficient lighting, heating and air conditioning systems; low-flow lavatories; monitored energy use; no-mow grass; a rain garden; and pervious sidewalk pavers. The building also provides educational value, offering environmental studies students the opportunity to visit a sustainable building on campus.
Second Nature Recognizes Climate Leadership Among Institutions
Second Nature recently honored several institutions with its 2nd Annual Climate Leadership Award. Award recipients, recognized during the 5th Annual American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Summit on June 23, include University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maine; University of California, Irvine; Frostburg State University (MD); Delaware State University; Green Mountain College (VT); Colgate University (NY); Mount Wachusett Community College (MA); Montgomery County Community College (NC); and Bunker Hill Community College (MA).
Stonehill College Starts Organic Farm for Local Food Desert Area
Stonehill College (MA) has started an organic farm to grow and distribute produce to local organizations. The farm was developed after learning that much of the surrounding community was considered a food desert. Students, faculty and staff volunteer to maintain the farm and have already delivered produce to three organizations. The farm has also inspired a new course to be taught in the fall as part of a learning community called “Food Justice,” which will focus on food access and distribution issues.
Texas State Technical College Installs Solar Electric System
Texas State Technical College has partnered with Meridian Solar to install a solar electric system that will be used as an instructional tool for students. The company will install 120 modules on campus. The project is expected to cost $200,000 and save the college $6,400 per year in energy costs. A grant from the State Energy Conservation Office will provide the majority of funding for the project. The newly installed system will also be used for consumer education for the public.
U Chicago Reduces Paper Use with 'Print Sprint Tournament'
In an effort to reduce the amount of copies and printouts, the University of Chicago (IL) recently held the inaugural Print Sprint Tournament in its Young Building. Streamlined printing processes and reduced excess printing were identified by Facilities Services' SAGE Ambassadors as priority goals for greening the building. The single-elimination style tournament lasted three days and only the winners of each day's match-up advanced to the next round. The daily winners were those who produced fewer printouts and copies than their opponent, and the overall tournament winners were treated to a catered lunch.
U Hawai'i Manoa Partners for Research Agreement to Treat Grease
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa has partnered with Pacific Biodiesel Inc. to find pathways for treatment of waste-trap grease from restaurants. The research agreement is an outgrowth of a Water, Energy and Soil Sustainability research effort at the university. Waste-trap grease is a waste stream that is heavy in fats, oils and grease that cannot be directly discharged into main sewer lines.
