U Massachusetts Dartmouth Offers Sustainability Studies
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has launched a sustainability studies program that features a sustainability minor and a sustainability studies certificate. The interdisciplinary program focuses on the impact of humanity on environmental, economic and social systems, and how best to recognize the current state of the world for a more sustainable future. The university is also planning to develop an undergraduate sustainability degree, a master's in sustainable development and a graduate-level sustainable development certificate.
U Massachusetts Medical School Launches Energy Saving Initiatives
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has launched two projects to make campus lighting more efficient. Part of ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption across campus, these initiatives are projected to save nearly $22,000 a year in future electricity costs. The Integrated Teaching and Learning Center has started using a combination of high efficiency indirect fluorescent lighting, LED fixtures around the room’s perimeter, occupancy sensors and a dimming system. The university's First Road parking garage has incorporated energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures with project costs reduced by $29,350 with rebates from the National Grid.
U Massachusetts Medical School Purchases Electric Bicycles
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has purchased two Pietzo electric bicycles and one 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid car as sustainable alternatives for the parking and campus police departments. Prior to the electric bikes, police officers used at least one and a half tanks of gas a week driving a pick-up truck around campus on their daily rounds. Now, driven mostly during severe weather, the truck goes nearly two and a half weeks on a tank of gas.The hybrid, which replaced one of the department’s seven gasoline-fueled vehicles, gets an average of 41 miles per gallon in city driving.
U Notre Dame to Invest $6.5 Million in Energy Conservation
The University of Notre Dame (IN) has announced plans to invest $6.5 million over the next two years in energy conservation measures across the campus, ranging from lighting and motor upgrades to improved thermostat controls and fume hood renovations. The initiative follows on the heels of a $4.1 million investment in energy conservation made in 2008. New energy-conserving upgrades will be made to 55 buildings. The university expects to save more than $1 million and reduce campus carbon dioxide emissions by 14,900 tons each year.
U Oklahoma Adds Electric Vehicles to Fleet
The University of Oklahoma has purchased electric vehicles to add to its transportation fleet in an effort to conserve fuel and lessen the amount of pollution released. The university hopes to eventually convert its entire fleet to electric vehicles.
U Pacific Converts Maintenance Carts to Solar
The University of the Pacific (CA) has converted a dozen of the carts used for grounds maintenance to solar, with plans to convert eight more by the end of November. As part of the overall plan to reduce the campus carbon footprint, the university's goal is to convert all of its 84 electric carts to solar during the next few years.
U Pennsylvania Debuts Sustainable Horticulture Center Complex
The University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum has completed its $13 million Horticulture Center Complex. The 20,840-square-foot facility was designed and built to LEED Platinum standards with photovoltaic panels, solar hot water heaters, stormwater collection cisterns, green roofs on the equipment storage garages and a ground-source heat pump that will provide heating and air conditioning for the complex using only about one-fourth of the energy of a typical boiler and air conditioning system.
U Phoenix Idaho Campus Receives LEED Gold
The University of Phoenix has earned its first LEED Gold certification for its Meridian, Idaho, campus building. Environmental features of the 40,000-square-foot facility include bicycle storage, a white roof, low-flow plumbing fixtures, an energy-efficient HVAC system and passive solar design. Ninety percent of the construction waste was recycled.
U.S. Dept of Ed Pledges Commitment to a Sustainable Green Economy
The U.S. Department of Education promised to be a committed partner in the national effort to build a more environmentally literate and responsible society during its Sustainability Education Summit on September 21, themed "Citizenship and Pathways for a Green Economy." Until now, said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the summit, "we've been mostly absent from the movement to educate our children to be stewards of our environment and prepare them to participate in a sustainable economy." He pledged that the summit represents "the first time that the Department is taking a taking a leadership role in the work of educating the next generation of green citizens and preparing them to contribute to the workforce through green jobs." Efforts include a Department Green Team that will create policies in support of state efforts to prepare students for jobs in the green economy and a proposal that environmental education be part of the Blueprint for Reform's commitment to a well-rounded education.
U South Florida Retrofits Golf Cart to Solar
The University of South Florida has retrofitted a golf cart with solar panels as a test run. As the test cart’s panels cost about $800 including installation, the university has determined that retrofitting existing campus carts will be cheaper than buying solar-powered carts brand new at $9,000 or more each. Once the first cart has used solar energy for an entire year, the Physical Plant department will decide when to convert the rest of the fleet. The university also purchased two electric trucks with solar rooftops. Staff will use one truck to deliver mail and another to deliver custodial supplies across campus.
U Texas Pan-American Installs Solar Arrays for Education
The University of Texas-Pan American has unveiled two campus solar arrays. The arrays were donated by TXU Energy, a retail energy provider, as part of a commitment to educating communities about renewable energy. Each solar array produces 5.5 kilowatts of energy, which is used to power the lighting fixtures in the university's ITT building. Electrical engineering students will incorporate the arrays into solar power research and students majoring in education - as well as math and science teachers throughout the Rio Grande Valley - will participate in TXU Energy’s Solar Academy to learn how to educate students about renewable energy.
U Utah Business Students Launch Socially Responsible Venture Fund
The University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business has announced the creation of its independent student-run venture capital fund. The University Impact Fund will focus on socially responsible investing, with a particular focus on companies solving social and environmental problems. Graduate and undergraduate students from any discipline, and from several different universities, will be able to participate in the new program.
U Washington, Oregon State U Collaborate on Wave Energy
The Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center, a Department of Energy-funded partnership between Oregon State University and the University of Washington, will begin researching the ability to harness energy from the ocean. Oregon State University will focus on wave energy research and development while the University of Washington will concentrate on tidal energy research and development.
Virginia Tech Offers Executive Natural Resources Graduate Program
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has launched an executive natural resources graduate program to help develop sustainability leaders. The accelerated, non-residential program is geared toward working professionals with at least five years of management experience. Students will gain an understanding of the opportunities to address a broad range of sustainability challenges in local communities and throughout global society.
Western Kentucky U Installs Rooftop Solar Collectors
Western Kentucky University has installed a solar thermal array of 88 collectors to help heat a campus swimming pool. Each collector contains 3.7 gallons of fluid that will transfer heat from the sun to the pool water in a heat exchanger, keeping the pool a consistent 80-83 degrees. The university expects to save at least $10,963 annually by reducing the amount of natural gas required for heating. With an initial project investment of $96,410, the annual savings will pay for the project in about eight years. The project is part of an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Johnson Controls that includes $9.7 million in energy-reducing and facility improvements across the campus.
West Virginia U Retrofits Science Center for Energy Efficiency
West Virginia University has begun the third phase of retrofitting its Health Sciences Center. The university partnered with Siemens Industry, Inc. to target energy losses and correct them through building modifications such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow faucets and overhauling the heating and cooling systems. The university estimates that the work done through the performance contract will save $36 million in campus utility costs in the next 15 years.
American U Installs Green Roofs with the Help of Volunteers
American University (DC) has installed two green roofs with the help of 50 students, faculty and local neighbors. The university partnered with local nonprofit DC Greenworks to oversee the collaborative learning experience. Volunteers helped with all aspects of the installation including the removal of existing roof pavers, the spread of the green roof growing medium and planting the green roof.
Arizona State U Launches New Sustainability Minor
Arizona State University has launched a new minor in sustainability. The 18-credit program enables undergraduate students to explore the challenges of sustainability and learn what determines the sustainability of human institutions, organizations, cultures and technologies in different environments at the local, national and international levels. The series of courses will introduce sustainability principles and explain how sustainability relates to various academic disciplines and professional fields.
Ball State U Dedicates Green Residence Hall
Ball State University (IN) has dedicated its newest residence hall. Kinghorn Hall was designed and built to meet LEED certification standards with two “bioswales,” a landscape element designed to remove pollution from runoff rainwater.
Colorado Mountain College Installs Green Heating System
Colorado Mountain College has installed new geoexchange heating and cooling systems for its library and residence halls. The new systems are the first major projects on a year-long list of energy-efficiency upgrades planned across the college. In addition to introducing geoexchange to replace aging boilers, the college will add gas and electric meters, energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors and water conservation measures. The goal of the combined measures is to save 15 percent in annual energy bills.
Duke U Offers Winter Mobile Market
Duke University (NC) has announced a new fall/winter mobile market. University employees can choose from fruit, vegetables, locally-raised meat, local seafood or gluten-free prepared foods. Faculty and staff will pre-pay for the produce in September and pick up weekly shares of the harvest from October through March.
Georgetown U Receives Two Electric Cars for Research
Georgetown University (DC) has received two Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles as part of an international electric vehicle research initiative with the Toyota Motor Corporation. The university will install two vehicle charging stations and several university employees will have the opportunity to test drive a vehicle for three months. The new Prius can run on electricity for about 13 miles, after which it operates as a conventional Prius.
Grand Valley State U Approves Sustainability Fund
Grand Valley State University (MI) has approved a sustainability fund. The Sustainable Community Reinvestment Fund will provide grants and loans for projects that add value to the community. Grants will be available for students to assist with sustainability projects and programs. Faculty, staff and departments can apply for loans to be repaid as savings to the department accrues. Previously, university funding was provided through the Sustainable Mini-Grants program, which will be absorbed into the Sustainable Community Reinvestment Fund next month.
Kent State U Launches New Bike Share Program
Kent State University (OH) has launched a new bike sharing program. The university’s Flashfleet provides bicycles, helmets and locks daily at six locations on campus. The service is free to students, faculty and staff who use their campus ID to sign out a bike. Guests, with a valid driver’s license, can participate if a student or staff member assumes liability. The 50 bikes in the program will be maintained by the Department of Recreational Services.
Lake Superior State U Hosts Mobile Renewable Energy Classroom
Lake Superior State University (MI) was home to a mobile renewable energy classroom that demonstrates and teaches the benefits of renewable technology. Great Lakes Energy Service, Inc. developed the mobile classroom with a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The modified 44-foot traveling classroom parked on campus and showcased real working equipment. The unit had working displays including solar day lighting, attic fans, air and water heaters, solar photovoltaic panels, lighting displays with LEDs, magnetic induction lighting, fluorescent lighting, power stations and a solar-powered golf cart. Visitors found renewable energy class curriculum and information on the environmental benefits of renewable energy. Great Lakes Energy Service, Inc. issued a grant to the university to install a two-kilowatt wind turbine and solar energy bank.
Louisiana State U Partners with Alta Gracia Apparel
Louisiana State University has partnered with Alta Gracia Apparel to offer sweatshop free apparel in the college bookstore. The clothing manufacturing company implements responsible labor practices and pays its workers a living wage. The employees are part of a union. Despite paying higher wages and providing better working conditions, Alta Gracia apparel prices are comparable to premium brands.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Opens New Green Building
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has opened Building E62, the newest green building on campus. The building was designed to meet LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features include automatic window shades, recycled glass in the terrazzo flooring, a green roof, sensors for heat and cooling, and lights that turn on only when someone is using a room. Solar panels are planned for part of the roof but have not yet been installed. The building uses triple-glazed, reflective and opaque glass in different places to allow the right amount of sunlight in. Ninety-two percent of the existing building on the site previously was reused or recycled.
New York U Implements Mixed Recycling System
New York University has implemented an improved mixed recycling system in an effort to increase the amount of recycled waste. The new system will allow all recyclable items including paper, glass, aluminum and cardboard to be disposed of in one labeled bin. Goods are later sorted in a new recovery facility. The expansion of the collection program includes new bins that take ink and toner cartridges, batteries, jewel cases, video tapes, cassettes, diskettes, CDs, DVDs and all types of cables.
North Carolina State U Researchers to Study Electrical Grid
North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus has announced that research scientists, in conjunction with the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management Systems Center, will use newly installed solar panels on campus to study how to integrate alternative technologies with the electrical grid. The center, under the leadership of the university’s College of Engineering, received funding from the National Science Foundation. The goal of the center is to tackle technological challenges associated with decentralization and integration of the nation’s power grid with wind, solar and other alternative energy sources.
North Central Missouri College Receives Grant for Green Programs
North Central Missouri College has received a $470,831 Training for Tomorrow grant to expand the curriculum and facilities of its agriculture and natural resources programs. Certificate and associate degree programs in alternative agriculture and renewable energy will be available. With the additional gift of 138 acres of farmland, the college plans to create the new Barton Farm Campus to house the programs.
Pacific Lutheran U Earns First STARS Silver Rating
AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) has awarded its first STARS rating. Pacific Lutheran University (WA) is the first institution to submit for a rating, earning STARS Silver. More than 230 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada have registered for STARS, with 229 of those recognized as STARS Charter Participants (institutions that signed on prior to Aug. 20, 2010). Charter Participants, including Pacific Lutheran University, are recognized as pioneers of STARS and leaders in campus sustainability. STARS Charter Participants range from individual campuses to university districts, community colleges to research universities, tribal to parochial, and public to private institutions.
Pennsylvania State U Researchers Converts Canola Seed to Fuel
Pennsylvania State University researchers have begun conducting an experiment to see if pressing canola seed can convert it into cooking oil and biodiesel fuel. The goal of the project is to create and produce a form of canola oil that can be used in on-campus dining hall fryers and in return use for fuel. The project hopes to produce biodiesel through plant oils such as soybean, canola, rapeseed and camelina.
Portland State U Creates Institute for Sustainable Solutions
Portland State University (OR) has created the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, formerly known as the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices. The name change reflects new leadership and an expanded role since the center was first established. The new institute will serve as a hub and catalyst for education, research, partnerships and community engagement, and will signal a more solutions-oriented focus for sustainability activities.
Portland State U Receives Grant for Sustainability Studies
Portland State University (OR) has received a $3 million grant for sustainability studies. The grant will be used for as many as 30 fellowships over the next five years for doctoral students to research urban studies. Students will work out of the university’s Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices, now known as the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, and examine issues such as the long-term effects of urban growth on the environment, ecosystem management, greenhouse gases, population density and the quality of city life.
Santa Clara U Launches Clean Energy Certificate
Santa Clara University (CA) has launched a new Renewable Energy Certificate. The one-year program will help refresh the skill sets of engineers in the semiconductor field to prepare for the expanding wind, solar and geothermal sectors. The certificate program includes courses in alternative energy, power systems, biofuels engineering and an introduction to smart grids and energy management. The university also plans to debut a sustainable energy master's degree in the 2011-2012 academic year within its School of Engineering.
Temple U Bike Program Offers Safety and Skills Classes
Temple University’s (PA) Bike Temple has partnered with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia to offer safety and skills classes on the campus. The 90-minute class covers riding in an urban environment, signaling, anticipating traffic movements, observing traffic rules and bike maintenance. Bike Temple was launched last year to promote a bike culture among students, faculty and staff.
Temple U Bookstore Offers Union Made Clothes
Temple University’s (PA) Barnes and Noble College Bookseller has begun selling university apparel made by labor unions. The clothing is made from Alta Gracia Apparel, a company who implements responsible labor practices. The employees are part of a union and are paid three times the minimum wage. The bookstore refuses to do business that is not a part of the Fair Labor Association and mandates companies to sign a code of conduct to prove they do not support sweatshops.
U Florida Participates in Community Agriculture Program
The University of Florida's Office of Sustainability will provide campus locations this fall for local farms to offer a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to the community. The pilot year of the program will begin in mid-October with four farms delivering member shares to campus. Through the program, local consumers become farm members by paying a set price at the beginning of the season. In return, farmers provide fresh produce and farm products directly to members each week throughout the growing season. In an effort to encourage CSA participation among its staff, faculty and students, the university is providing coordination and communication help, as well as a physical location for the CSA pickup.
U Maryland Building Earns LEED Gold
The University of Maryland has earned LEED Gold certification for its new journalism building. Sustainable features of Knight Hall include a 10,000-gallon rainwater system used to irrigate the surrounding gardens, motion sensors and passive solar design.
U Memphis Exhibits New Water Turbine
The University of Memphis (TN) has announced a new water turbine exhibit. The Greene Turbine features a sealed middle structure and concrete blade that harnesses ocean or deep river currents to turn it. The rush of water continuously spins the turbine inside, generating power that is transferred to a generator. The turbine is name after its creator, Geoff Greene, who was assisted by a university mechanical engineering professor. The exhibit, “Green Power: A New Twist on a Turbine,” runs through Sept. 24, 2010.
U Nebraska Leads Department of Energy Building America Team
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lead one of 15 teams of researchers charged by the federal government with improving the energy efficiency of millions of American homes. The team will be eligible for as much as $2.5 million a year in Department of Energy research money over the next 4.5 years. Specific studies will explore how to improve a home’s insulation, install renewable energy systems at a lower cost, and improve space heating and cooling efficiency. The Department of Energy’s goal is to retrofit about six million homes each year and achieve energy savings of 20 percent over the next five years.
U North Texas Exercise Facility Produces Clean Energy
The University of North Texas has opened a green exercise facility that captures the kinetic energy from aerobic exercise in order to produce clean, renewable energy. Florida-based company ReRev developed a device that harnesses human energy by channeling heat byproducts into a conversion unit which is then fed into the facility’s electrical system. The electricity generated offsets air conditioning and electricity costs by reducing the center’s use of electricity and the heat generated by the machines. Students and patrons can track how much clean energy they produce.
U Winnipeg Installs Hybrid Heating System
The University of Winnipeg (MB) has begun installing a hybrid heating system that includes two auxiliary electric boilers beside existing natural gas-fired boilers, along with a control system that switches between the natural gas and electricity. Electricity can be used to replace natural gas for heating purposes at strategic times throughout the day. All electricity comes from hydro-electric sources with low greenhouse gas emissions. The university expects to reduce emissions from its core buildings by as much as 35 percent.
Wake Forest U Starts New Composting Pilot Project
Wake Forest University (NC) has partnered with GaiaRecycle to launch a pilot project that will evaluate functionality, performance and operating procedures for processing and diverting on-site food scraps and other organic waste on campus. GaiaRecycle features modular systems and plant-level implementations, ranging from 220 pounds to two tons a day. The accelerated organic decomposition process is based on drying, sterilizing and grinding food scraps and organic waste while reducing waste volume and weight by up to 90 percent during its eight to 11 hour-processing cycle. The system will be used to process the waste stream from the university’s dining facility. Soil amendment and water output products will be analyzed for possible reuse in the campus composting program and for landscaping use.
Washington State U Expands Bike Program
Washington State University’s Green Bike program has expanded its fleet from 40 to 72 bikes, including the addition of 32 BIXI bicycles. BIXI is a bicycle system being used in locations worldwide and is derived from the combination of bicycle and taxi. Students, faculty and staff can check out a BIXI bike by swiping their university ID card. The bikes can be returned any time in the next 24 hours to any station. The check out stands are solar powered and use wireless communication.
Allegheny College to be Completely Powered by Wind Energy
This January, Allegheny College (PA) will switch to 100 percent wind-generated electricity, cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 52 percent. The college has been investing in Renewable Energy Credits for several years; credits that allow institutions in places where there are no renewable energy generators to invest in green electricity. The college now has enough credits to make the complete switch to wind energy.
American U Converts Waste Vegetable Oil with 'Vegawatt'
American University (DC) has implemented a Vegawatt, a machine that converts waste vegetable oil into electricity and hot water. Using 90 gallons of oil from the university's Terrace Dining Room per week, the Vegawatt will produce enough electricity to avoid 270 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent to the amount produced by 33 American homes in one year.
Appalachian State U Orders Hybrid Bus
Appalachian State University (NC) has ordered a hybrid electric/diesel bus to add to its AppalCart transportation fleet. The university is waiting on a federal grant to order a second $575,000 bus and expects both to arrive for use next year. AppalCart hopes to eventually double its 16-bus fleet, which currently includes eight buses that run on biodiesel.
Arbor Day Foundation Names Furman U Tree Campus USA
Furman University (SC) has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for its campus forestry management and environmental stewardship practices. The university has received this honor three years in a row, meeting five core standards of tree care and community engagement. Requirements include the establishment of a campus tree advisory committee; evidence of a campus tree care plan and verification of dedicated annual expenditures; campus observance of Arbor Day; and the implementation of a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body.
Carleton U Starts Composting Program
Carleton University (ON) has debuted a new composting program. All kitchens in the University Center will begin collecting organics with compost bins placed for public use around campus. The university hopes to engage students in the composting campaign.
