Luther College Hires Energy Conservation Consultant
Luther College (IA) has hired consultants from Sebesta Blomberg, a worldwide engineering firm, to lend direction to a new initiative on energy conservation. The consultants will hold a series of five stakeholder meetings with students, staff, faculty, and administrators to engage the community in discussion on developing the college’s energy conservation program.
Meredith College Student Wins Ntl Green Poetry Competition
Katie Holden, a student at Meredith College (NC), has earned first place with her mother and grandmother in the Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder 2009 poetry contest. Their entry, “Place of Peace,” won the intergenerational competition. Entries were required to be from a team of two or more persons, including a young person and an older person. The creative work expressed the "Sense of Wonder" that each team feels for nature. The contest is in honor of environmental activist Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring .
NC Campuses Embrace New State Ban on Plastic Bottles in Landfills
The State of North Carolina has implemented a law, which went into effect October 1, 2009, that bans plastic bottles from landfills in the state. The Appalachian State University (NC) Office of Sustainability has partnered with ASU Recycles to raise awareness of the new law through an on-campus educational recycling event. The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill has seen an increase in recycling since the new law was announced.
Northwestern Michigan College Offers New Renewable Energy Degrees
Northwestern Michigan College has announced plans to begin offering two new degrees on renewable energy this spring: Renewable Energy Technology – Electrical and Renewable Energy Technology – HVAC. The Electrical version will focus on harnessing wind and solar energy and the HVAC version will emphasize using solar and geo-thermal energy for heating and cooling. Both will look at residential and light commercial scale. The two degrees will be offered as Associates of Applied Science.
Ohio Governor Announces Nine New University Advanced Energy Ctrs
Governor Ted Strickland, together with Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut, has announced nine new Centers of Excellence in advanced energy, to be located at eight Ohio universities. The Centers will be committed to focusing their academic and research activities on advanced energy development to meet the requirements of Senate Bill 221, which mandates that 25 percent of all electricity sold in Ohio comes from advanced energy sources by 2025. The Centers will be located at Bowling Green State University, Case Western Reserve University, Central State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, The Ohio State University, Ohio University, and University of Toledo.
Rutgers U Opens Seven-Acre Solar Farm
Rutgers University (NJ) has opened a 1.4 MW solar energy facility on a 7-acre tract of land. The new facility is expected to save Rutgers $200,000 in its first year and reduce emissions by 1,300 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The project costs $10 million and $4.9 million of that was subsidized by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) through their Clean Energy Program. The University was also awarded the 2009 Energy Educator of the Year by BPU for their effort to improve the energy efficiency and use of renewable technologies in their facilities.
San Diego CCD Opens Green Skills Center
The San Diego Community College District has celebrated the grand opening of its new Skills Center, a 67,010-square-foot addition to the Education Cultural Complex, serving as the Campus of Excellence for Career and Technical Education. The new Skills Center consists of three single”story buildings and three covered repair areas which include new repair bays, drive”in spray paint booths, shops, labs, classrooms, demonstration theatres, and other learning spaces. The facility, which is registered for LEED Silver certification, features a 66.6 kW photovoltaic panel array, an orientation that was designed to maximize both daylight and views to the outside, high efficiency plumbing fixtures, and a sustainable education program that allows the building itself to be used as a teaching tool on the benefits of sustainable design.
Saviors of Our Cities Survey Announces 25 'Best Neighbor' Colleges
Westfield State University (MA) has completed "Saviors of Our Cities: A Survey of Best College and University Civic Partnerships," a report that lists the nation's 25 'best neighbor' colleges and universities. The top ten institutions are, in order: University of Pennsylvania and University of Southern California (tying for 1st), University of Dayton (OH) and University of Pittsburg (PA) (tying for second), Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Creighton University (NE), Case Western Reserve University (OH), Tulane University (LA), Portland State University (OR), and Drexel University (PA). Criteria for assessment in the 2009 survey remained consistent with the first survey that was completed in 2006, providing benchmarks for the development and growth of the original institutions and serving as comparators for new additions to the rankings. The criteria include the following: length of involvement with the community; real dollars invested; catalyst effect on others; presence felt through payroll, research, and purchasing power; faculty and student involvement in community service; continued sustainability of neighborhood initiatives; effect on local student access and affordability to attend college through K–12 partnerships; qualitative esprit of the institution in its engagement; quantifiable increase in positive recognition of the institution; increase in student applications and resources raised through renewed alumni giving; and recognition of the impact of these institutions within their community.
Stanford U Announces $250 Million Energy Use Initiative
Stanford University (CA) has unveiled an Energy and Climate Plan that includes a $250 million initiative to reduce energy consumption. The Plan is expected to reduce university carbon emissions by as much as 20 percent below 1990 levels. A majority of the goal will be attained through energy conservation measures. A two-year engineering study identified many areas where significant savings could be made by changing and modifying the way energy is currently being used. The $250 million initiative is expected to save about $639 million between 2010 and 2050.
Stony Brook U Southampton Library Receives LEED Gold
Stony Brook University Southampton’s (NY) library has been awarded LEED Gold. The 30,000-square-foot building features furniture that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and Greenguard, skylights to maximize natural lighting, and storm water collection for non-potable use. The building will also use renewable energy to meet 35 percent of its electrical needs.
Texas A&M U Opens Green Science Building
Texas A&M University has opened the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB). The $100 million, 220,000-square-foot structure contains 30 lab facilities, a 285-seat auditorium, offices, and two atriums. THE ILSB was designed and constructed to qualify for LEED Silver certification and features outside shading to aid in reducing heat transfer into the colonnades and the building itself; windows embedded with the dot pattern to help reduce the amount of heat that enters the facility, a rain garden, and 30,000-gallon cistern to collect rainwater.
U Arizona Offers New Perks to Employee Bike Commuters
University of Arizona has announced the Employee Bike Program, a new initiative that provides free locker rooms, showers, and bicycle storage to employees who ride to work. The facilities already are free to all students who take at least four credit hours in a semester.
U California Davis Launches Alternative Transportation Program
The University of California, Davis Transportation and Parking Services has launched the "goClub" (with "go" standing for Green Opportunities). The new alternative transportation program, which is an expansion and renovation of the University's TAPS' alternative transportation program, offers rewards to faculty, staff, and students who walk and bike. Rewards for green commuting include complimentary parking permits, discounted bus and train passes, discounts on bicycle storage lockers, shower and locker facilities for walkers and bicyclists, and options to get you home in an emergency. In addition, goClub members are eligible for prize drawings every other month. A sampling of the prizes includes bus and train passes, bicycles and assorted bicycle gear, a train-and-bus trip for two to Yosemite, a one-month membership to the Activities and Recreation Center, two tickets to an athletic event of the winner's choice, lunch coupons, and UC Davis apparel. The program also includes partnerships with Zipcar, a car sharing service, and Zimride, an online service that connects people for ride sharing.
U Idaho Increases Recycling, Reduces Waste
The University of Idaho has undertaken a number of initiatives this fall to reduce waste on campus. The University’s PanHelennic and Interfraternity Councils have approved collecting recycling at tailgates as philanthropy and have begun been collecting recyclables at football games. The University handed out 1,500 reusable stainless steel water bottles to new students in an effort to reduce waste and increase environmental awareness. The University has also introduced multiple locations on campus where students can recycle their old cell phones and ink cartridges.
Unity College Sustainability Office Launches Blog
The Sustainability Office at Unity College (ME) has launched the Unity College Sustainability Monitor. The new site highlights sustainability activities on campus and tracks resource consumption at the rural liberal arts college. The new blog is a chance for students, faculty, and staff members to research and report out on a variety of campus initiatives.
U North Carolina Publishes 2009 Campus Sustainability Report
The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill has published its "2009 Campus Sustainability Report." Highlights of the report include: UNC's award of federal stimulus funding to create an Energy Frontier Research Center focused on the next generation of photovoltaic cells and solar fuels; the university dedication of a new reclaimed water system, which helped it win a national award for water reuse; the new Education Center at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, which is expected to receive LEED Platinum certification; UNC's Climate Action Plan with a strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050; and UNC receiving an A- on the campus sustainability report card issued by the Sustainable Endowments Institute.
U Pennsylvania Creates Internal Grant Fund for Green Ideas
The University of Pennsylvania has established an internal grant program that will fund green projects. The Green Fund will award one-time grants up to $50,000 and is available to faculty, students, and staff who submit proposals focused on reducing the University’s carbon footprint and increasing its sustainability.
Wake Technical CC Northern Campus Cuts Ribbon on Green Building
Wake Technical Community College (NC) has opened a new green building on its Northern Campus. The building will house classrooms, labs, and a coffee shop for students, faculty, and staff. The College has registered Building D for LEED certification and hopes to obtain a Silver rating. Green features include daylight harvesting, water conservation technology, and efficient heating and cooling systems.
Western Carolina U Announces $5.25M Energy Performance Contract
Western Carolina University has signed a $5.25 million energy performance contract with ConEdison Solutions. The company has begun conducting a comprehensive campus energy audit and will begin implementing improvements in last spring or early summer. The company guarantees that WCU will save at least $5.25 million in energy expenses over the next 12 to 15 years. Improvements will enhance lighting efficiency, increase the use of solar energy, modify heating and air-conditioning systems and controls, expand water conservation, and boost shutdown technology for computers. In addition, a kiosk may be installed in the campus library with an energy dashboard that shows how much energy is being consumed on campus. The Carbon Paw Print logo will identify places on campus where an energy-saving measure was installed and share information about how it works.
Willamette U Students Build Wind Turbine on Campus
Two students at Willamette University (OR) constructed a homemade wind turbine on top of the E.S. Collins Science Center to demonstrate do-it-yourself power capability. The turbine was built in the course of one year and the students hope it will be used to power an irrigation pump at a campus garden that supplies produce to the school's dining services. The construction of the turbine was funded by the Center for Sustainable Communities.
W Michigan U Receives Funding for Green Manufacturing Project
Western Michigan University has received $1 million in federal funding to support its Green Manufacturing project, which will assist businesses throughout West Michigan in creating more energy efficient and sustainable processes and products. WMU's Green Manufacturing project draws upon existing research and development centers at the University. Faculty researchers and students will collaborate with area manufacturers, especially smaller businesses, to help them build greater energy efficiency into manufacturing processes and promote recycling of materials to further reduce costs.
Arizona State U Opens Barrett Campus Featuring a Sustainable Dorm
Arizona State University has opened The Barrett campus, a seven-building, nine-acre complex that features classrooms, faculty offices, a fitness center, a computer lounge, a dining hall, and housing, that includes the Sustainability House. The Sustainability House provides living space for 200 students that all desire to live more sustainably. The building features low-consumption plumbing features, enhanced energy monitoring, recycled gray water, a green roof, and an organic garden.
California State U San Marcos Starts Bike Registration Program
In an effort to determine the number of students, faculty, and staff that bike to and around campus at California State University, San Marcos, the institution has launched a new bike registration program. The voluntary program is free and provides sling bags and other incentives to encourage people to register. The new initiative also will place a tag on each bike to help with identification if they are stolen or lost.
Campuses Celebrate Campus Sustainability Day
Several campuses participated in the seventh annual Campus Sustainability Day, which took place October 21st. Events included week-long events, scavenger hunts, bike-powered blenders, rooftop garden parties, free bike tune-ups, mini-grants for campus sustainability projects, an Art for the Sky project of a raven embracing the earth, and the Society for College and University Planning's annual webcast.
Catholic U of America to Install 1,000 Solar Panels on Campus
The Catholic University of America (DC) has announced plans to install more than 1,000 solar panels on the roofs of four buildings across campus. The University believes the new installation will be the largest solar-energy system in the D.C. area in terms of electricity produced. CUA has signed a multi-year agreement with Washington Gas Energy Services Inc. to purchase electricity generated by the solar panels at guaranteed prices. The solar-panel system, which will be installed at no cost to CUA, will produce about 340,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year.
Congress Aids U Maine Presque Isle in Solar Project
The University of Maine at Presque Isle will receive $800,000 from Congress through the 2010 Energy and Water Senate Appropriations Conference Report for the UMPI solar energy initiative. The funding, which was secured with the help of Maine Senator Susan Collins, will allow the University to design and install photovoltaic solar panel arrays and an automated weather station to collect information on solar radiation levels.
Cornell U Recognized as Tree Campus USA
Cornell University (NY) has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus U.S.A. for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The program honors campuses that practice sound campus forestry.
Dept of Energy Announces Solar Installer Instructor Training Awardees
The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the Solar Installer Instructor Training network to address a critical need for high-quality, local, and accessible training in solar system design, installation, sales, and inspection. As part of the program, seven campuses and one community college group will receive funding for their training programs and resources. The winners are: Pennsylvania State University ($3.5 million), North Carolina State University ($3 million), Kennebec Valley Community College (ME) ($2.8 million), Hudson Valley Community College (NY) ($3.4 million), Salt Lake Community College ($3.1 million), Houston Community College (TX) ($3.5 million), University of Central Florida ($2.8 million), and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors ($3.5 million). Solar Installer Instructor Training is a 5-year effort intended to create a geographic blanket of training opportunities in solar installation across the United States.
Dept of Energy Awards Millions to Campuses for Geothermal
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $338 million in Recovery Act funding for the exploration and development of new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies. These grants will support 123 projects in 39 states, with recipients including private industry, academic institutions, tribal entities, local governments, and DOE’s National Laboratories. Higher education institution slated to receive funding include: Ball State University (IN) ($5M); University of Alaska, Fairbanks ($4.6M); University of Kansas ($2.4M); Utah State University ($4.6M); University of North Dakota ($3.4M); New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology ($2M); Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($549,148); University of Utah ($2.9M); West Virginia University ($1.3M); University of Southern California ($1.5M); University of Texas ($1.7M); the Regents of the University of California ($1.8M); Colorado School of Mines ($2.3M); Pennsylvania State University ($1.1M); the Regents of the University of Minnesota ($1.6M); California State University, Long Beach Foundation ($380,156); Boise State University (ID) ($1.5M); Florida International University Board of Trustees ($250,000); Oklahoma State University ($250,000); University of Hartford (CT) ($146,973); Wright State University (OH) ($232,596); Colorado Northwestern Community College ($430,000); Furman University (SC) ($2.5M); Indiana Institute of Technology ($1.3M); Montana Tech of the University of Montana ($1M); Oakland University (MI) ($2.8M); the Curators of the University of Missouri ($2.5M); and University at Albany (NY) ($2.8M).
Earth Island Institute Honors Top Youth Environmental Leaders
The Earth Island Institute has announced the six winners of the 2009 Brower Youth Awards. Winners include: Hai Vo, 22, of California, for helping transform University of California food purchasing; Sierra Crane-Murdoch, 21, of Vermont, for uniting the movement to battle coal; Adarsha Shivakumar, 16, of California, who implemented a biofuel solution in rural India; Alec Loorz, 15, of California, the youngest presenter of Al Gore’s “The Climate Project;" Diana Lopez, 20, of Texas, who created an organic food source for San Antonio; and Robin Bryan, 21, of Manitoba, who helped protect one million acres of forest in Canada from industrial logging. The winners were selected from more than 125 applicants and will receive a $3,000 cash prize for their achievements.
Franklin Pierce U Announces MBA in Energy and Sustainability Studies
Franklin Pierce University (NH) has announced a new MBA in Energy and Sustainability Studies. The program will have a dual focus – developing advanced leadership and business management skills along with a strong knowledge base in global sustainability challenges and practices. Students in the program will focus on energy issues and resource management. Resources such as food, water, energy and raw materials will be examined in conjunction with issues of conservation and exploitation and their effect on business enterprises and communities.
Louisiana State U Architecture Prgm Helps Coastal Communities
Louisiana State University's School of Landscape Architecture has announced two projects that are aimed at helping coastal communities of south Louisiana rebuild wetlands and develop recreational uses for waterways that have been damaged during recent hurricanes. The first project seeks to help the city of Des Allemands find an acceptable solution to repairing a damaged portion of the levee that protects it from the bayou. The second project seeks to help two cities that are trying to develop new sport and recreational fishing opportunities in waterways that were badly damaged during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike. Both projects are being funded by the Louisiana Sea Grant, a program sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Mesa College Opens Green Educational Facility
San Diego Mesa College (CA) has formally opened its newest teaching and learning facility, the Mesa College Allied Health Education and Training Facility. The $28.9 million, 50,000-square-foot structure, which is registered for LEED Gold certification, features natural lighting, high performance glass that allows sunlight to filter into the building and reduces the amount of UV light and solar heat entering building, an energy-efficient design, and renewable energy sources.
Northeastern U Installs Permeable Asphalt, Receives LEED Gold
Northeastern University (MA) has retrofitted 18 street trees on campus with permeable asphalt bases to reduce storm-water runoff. The permeable material is comprised of recycled tires and stone, which allows rain water to penetrate and sink into the ground instead of ending up in the sewer. The University has also received LEED Gold certification for its Dockser Hall renovation. The project features low-flow lavatories and a new, more efficient irrigation system. Northeastern was able to recycle 96 percent of the waste generated during the renovation.
Owens CC Installs Wind Turbine, Launches Wind Program
Owens Community College (OH) has installed a 2.4 kW wind turbine on campus to generate a portion of the College's power and to provide experiential learning for its new Wind Turbine Installation and Wind Technology Maintenance Technician certificate program. The 172-hour program will provide instruction in the installation, operation, and maintenance of wind turbines for unemployed and dislocated workers. The training will include both classroom lecture and hands-on applications with the new 33-foot wind turbine to include the actual design and installation of the renewable energy educational component
Parking Demand at U North Carolina Greensboro Declines
The University of North Carolina, Greensboro has seen a three percent decrease in demand for parking passes this year, mostly due to a new approach by business operations at the University. Instead of building more parking structures, the University has opted to create a more pedestrian friendly campus and increase the availability of alternative transportation options. The University has also created a policy to tell students that it is in their interest not to buy passes and to embrace other ways of commuting to school.
Portland State U Launches Sustainability Pledge
Portland State University (OR) has launched a Campus Sustainability Pledge. The Pledge, which may be signed by all PSU faculty, staff, and students, provides a framework for the PSU campus community to understand how their actions impact social, economic, and environmental systems. The project seeks to be an educational tool to foster sustainable behavior changes. PSU's pledge committee also chose to include a section focusing on community and social sustainability. The creators want to emphasize the interdependence and equal importance of social, economic, and environmental systems in the creation of a sustainable society.
Portland State U Offers New Light-Rail Service
Portland’s light-rail has opened a new route to go through Portland State University’s (OR) campus. The Green Line was brought to campus when the University invested $7 million in hopes that more campus members would use the alternative transportation option instead of their cars. The investment is part of a campus transportation plan that features bike lanes, buses, and another light-rail line. Currently, 39 percent of the 27,000 students at PSU use public transportation.
Ringling College Opens Two Green Buildings
Ringling College of Art and Design (FL) has opened two LEED registered buildings on campus. North Hall, a 75,000-square-foot residence hall, and the Academic Center, an 82,000-square-foot academics building, have utilized green design and technology to be more sustainable. Green features include solar panels on the roofs, white reflective roofs, zero-VOC paints, and a low-impact construction that sent less than 50 percent of debris to the landfill.
Saint Peter’s College Buys 100% Renewable Energy
St. Peter’s College (NJ) has committed to purchasing 100 percent of its energy from green sources for at least one year beginning January 1, 2010. The initiative will prevent an estimated 3,065 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. The energy will be generated by wind turbines and is being acquired through Green-e Certified Energy.
Savannah College of Art & Design Receives Sustainability Award
Savannah College of Art and Design (GA) has received the Fashion Group International’s 2009 Sustainability Award. The award recognizes SCAD for its sustainable practices, adaptive use of historic properties, integration of sustainability into their curriculum, and urban renewal.
Two Illinois Campuses Lead Smart Grid Collaboration
The Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in partnership with the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and several other entities, have announced plans to lead a statewide initiative to speed the adoption of the Smart Grid in Illinois. The $120 million Illinois Smart Grid Collaboration hopes to bring $60 million in stimulus money to Illinois to lower electricity bills, reduce blackouts, make energy cleaner, and create green jobs.
U Alaska Dining Provides Students with Fresh Produce
A greenhouse located on the University of Alaska campus that previously was used for growing cut flowers and houseplants has been converted into a garden for the campus’ dining services. The structure now grows salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and other produce that is served in campus dining halls. Currently, the produce makes up a small portion of the total food served, and UA hopes to expand it in the future.
U California Berkeley Commits to Green Chemistry
The University of California, Berkeley’s College of Chemistry has appointed Alexis T. Bell to be the Dow Chair in Sustainable Chemistry and has established the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry. Bell is known for his pioneering work on protecting the environment with green chemistry. The new Center, which is a collaboration of the Haas School of Business, School of Law, College of Natural Resources, and School of Public Health, seeks to bring a multidisciplinary approach to research, education, and engagement in sustainable chemistry practice.
U California Merced Prof Receives Grant for Solar Energy Research
Professor David Kelley at the University of California, Merced has received a $1.3 million grant for research to reduce the cost of solar energy. The National Science Foundation grant will be used to help improve a device called the luminescent solar concentrator, a device that absorbs sunlight across a wide area and then re-emits it onto a small photovoltaic cell. Kelley will work with other UC Merced faculty to conduct the research.
U California Santa Barbara Names Two Sustainability Fellows
The University of California, Santa Barbara has named David Cleveland, a professor of environmental studies, and Eric Matthys, a professor of mechanical engineering, as Sustainability Champions for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years respectively. The campus's Sustainability Champions are awarded a $25,000 grant to conduct research and to employ graduate or undergraduate assistants. In addition, champions are asked to teach a freshman seminar in their area of expertise and give a public lecture. During 2009-10, Cleveland plans to work with students in analyzing the Santa Barbara County agricultural and food system and encouraging discussion of alternative scenarios for a more sustainable future. Matthys plans to work with students to help spread the word about saving energy. The Sustainability Champion initiative was created by the UCSB Academic Senate's Work Group on Sustainability to focus the campus community on faculty leadership in sustainability-related matters.
U California System Expands Sustainability Policy
The University of California has expanded its sustainability policy, raising the bar on green building requirements and establishing a more comprehensive sustainable food service policy. The Policy on Sustainable Practices, which applies to all 10 UC campuses, the five UC medical centers, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, has been revised to require that: by 2020, at least 20 percent of all food purchased by UC be designated as "sustainable," as defined by the food service work group, based on third-party certifications for organic, locally-grown and other measures; at least one dining facility per UC location must be certified as a green business, through a city or county certification program or through the Green Seal or Green Restaurant Association program; each campus must provide students with educational materials explaining the issues related to sustainable food products and food service business practices; and campus departments, organizations, groups and individuals must engage in activities with the surrounding community in support of common sustainability goals.
U Delaware Launches Environmental Institute
The University of Delaware has launched the Delaware Environmental Institute (DENIN). The Institute's goals are to initiate interdisciplinary research projects that integrate environmental science, engineering, and policy; support interdisciplinary academic programs; forge partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, industry, policymakers, and the public to address environmental challenges; and coordinate and sponsor University-based interdisciplinary initiatives.
