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.
U Delaware Signs Agreement for Wind Power
The University of Delaware and Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica—a Spanish wind company—have signed a two part agreement. The first is to install a 2 MW wind turbine to power the ED Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes next year. The second is to increase the University’s research in wind energy. The partnership will focus on off-shore potential, turbine corrosion, avian impacts, and policy in renewable energy.
U Kentucky Receives $7 M for Green Wildcat Coal Lodge
The University of Kentucky has received a $7 million donation to construct a new residence hall on campus that will seek LEED certification. The University expects the structure, which will be named 'Wildcat Coal Lodge,' to feature natural daylighting and use recycled materials.
U Miami Facility Awarded LEED Gold Certification
The University of Miami (FL) Fieldhouse has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The UM Fieldhouse features high reflectance roofing materials and pavers; high efficiency plumbing fixtures with hand sensors to reduce water use; moisture sensors to reduce potable water use for irrigation; the use of recycled, refurbished, salvaged, and reused materials; and lighting systems that are occupancy motion controlled.
U New Hampshire, Caltech Offer Car-Share Programs
The University of New Hampshire and the California Institute of Technology have begun offering a car-share program to students, faculty, and staff. Zipcar will offer both hybrid and other fuel efficient vehicles to each institution for use on campus 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The schools are using Zipcar as a way to reduce traffic congestion, reduce their carbon footprint, and offer mobility to those who do not have a vehicle.
U New Mexico Launches Eco-Reps Program
The University of New Mexico has launched an Eco-Reps program on campus. Participants in the peer-to-peer sustainability outreach program will be elected student leaders who encourage sustainable living and recycling in the dormitories on campus. The program is a collaborative effort between UNM Recycling, Residence Life and Student Housing, and a service learning class.
U New Mexico Student Stand Sells Local, Organic Fruit
Students at the University of New Mexico have set up a stand on campus to offer students an alternative snack to junk food. The stand sells local, organic fruit and hands out information on the benefits of eating local and organic. The stand is run by the UNM chapter of New Mexico Youth Organized.
U South Carolina Receives Grant to Research Carbon Storage
The University of South Carolina has received a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct research on the feasibility of storing carbon dioxide underground. The Earth Sciences and Resources Institute at the University will be conducting the research and will focus on the South Georgia Rift as a possible site to store carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers.
U Toronto Health Sciences Centre Installs Solar Panels
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, affiliated with the University of Toronto (ON), has installed 140 solar panels that span two stories of a parking garage. The University also plans to mount a display at the entrance to the parking garage to educate people about the solar panels. The installation is part of an overall initiative to make the hospital more efficient that includes upgrading lighting, optimizing HVAC equipment, improving energy management, and replacing chillers and cooling towers. Honeywell, the company that installed the array, has announced plans to install a second one in the near future. The estimated total savings from the energy efficiency projects is $2.7 million over the next 15 years.
U Wisconsin La Crosse Implements Pay-to-Print Policy
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse has implemented a new pay-to-print policy to help reduce paper use and to cut rising printer-maintenance costs which usually reach $75,000 annually. Printing will cost students $0.06 per black and white page and $0.90 per color page. Printing charges will be tracked in a student account that can be managed online.
U Wyoming Receives Grant for Carbon Center
The University of Wyoming has received a $1 million federal grant to build a regional carbon sequestration technology training center in Laramie. The University has conducted significant research on carbon sequestration and the center is intended to develop a workforce to carry out industry level sequestration. The grant is part of $8.4 million in funding distributed by the U.S Department of Energy for similar projects across the country.
Western Kentucky U Expands Biofuel Research
Western Kentucky University has announced plans to use a $500,000 federal budget line item to establish research that uses chemical reactions to create biofuels. The goal of the research is to find cheaper methods of converting agricultural products into biofuel. The research is being conducted in WKU’s Institute for Combustion Science and Environmental Technology.
Yale U Powers MP3s, Phones with Elliptical Machines
Yale University (CT) has installed mp3 player and phone chargers into elliptical machines on campus. The power expended on the elliptical machines is transformed into electricity by an alternator housed in the machine. The idea was developed by a Yale undergrad with guidance from an associate professor of electrical engineering. The new initiative also aims to create awareness about renewable energies.
Alfred U Joins LED University Program, Installs LEDs
Alfred University (NY) has joined Cree, Inc.’s University program, an international community of universities working to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting across their campuses, and has installed LED lighting throughout its newest dorm on campus. The new dorm has 175 LED lights and 18 LED fluorescent tubes.
Antioch New England Reduces Energy by 19% Since 2007
Antioch University New England (NH) has announced that, since setting its 2020 carbon neutrality target in 2007, the University has reduced campus electricity use by a cumulative 19 percent. ANE estimates it has saved $19,995 on its electricity bills during this period. Some of the measures that ANE employed included a turn-off-the-light campaign, energy-saving e-alerts to all campus community members, and a program of transitioning out CRT computers to energy-efficient LCDs. Other energy conservation measures implemented at ANE in the past several years include installing restroom light occupancy sensors; removing unnecessary, high-energy consumption machinery from the campus; and establishing the Green Guru Office Energy-Efficiency Audit program in which a work-study student, based with ANE's Sustainability and Social Justice Committee, helps ANE employees reduce emissions through computer-setting adjustments, installation and use of power strips, and other low-tech solutions.
Appalachian State U to Implement Energy Conservation Measures
Appalachian State University’s (NC) Board of Trustees has approved a plan to borrow $5.34 million to implement a variety of energy-saving measures across campus. The measures are expected to save at least $600,000 a year in energy costs. Projects will include installing new LED lighting in both parking decks on campus, putting in a 2,000-square-foot green roof, replacing or improving some heating and air conditioning units on campus, installing efficient lighting in various campus buildings, and installing a solar thermal water heating system for Varsity Gym. Lighting occupancy sensors and water conservation measures such as low flow aerators and low flow toilets will be installed in some buildings, and an automated system will be installed in eight office and academic buildings on campus to adjust heat or air conditioning when they are unoccupied at night. ASU expects to repay the loan within 12 years from the energy and water savings.
Arizona State U Football Goes Green
Arizona State University has announced plans to partner with Arizona Public Services Company to make the rest of its football season green. ASU will purchase enough renewable energy to power the rest of the season’s games and will also work with APS to promote sustainability at its home games by showing the fans the importance of sustainability and sharing tips to go green.
Aspen Institute Releases Beyond Grey Pinstripes Green MBA Ranking
The Aspen Institute Center for Business Education has released the 2009-2010 edition of Beyond Grey Pinstripes, a biennial survey and alternative ranking of how well full-time MBA programs are preparing students for the environmental, social, and ethical complexities of modern-day business. This year, 149 business schools from 24 countries participated in the effort to map the landscape of teaching and research on issues pertaining to business and society. The Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto, Canada, ranked first in the survey, getting high marks for the extraordinary number of courses available to students that contain environmental, social, and ethical content as well as for the number of relevant scholarly articles being published by the School’s faculty members. The University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, the Yale University (CT) School of Management, the Stanford University (CA) Graduate School of Business, and the University of Notre Dame (IN) Mendoza School of Business received second, third, fourth, and fifth in the ranking respectively.
Austin Peay State U Installs Solar Panels
Austin Peay State University (TN) has used $25,445 generated from its Student Sustainability Fee to install a solar array on the Environmental Education Center. Excess energy generated by the two-kilowatt array, which powers a nearby classroom, will be purchased by the local utility company.
Calvin College Reduces Light Pollution and Saves Energy
Calvin College (MI) has replaced several path lights with more efficient lamps that emit less light pollution. The student-initiated effort, which was originally part of a class project, aims to reduce light pollution around the campus observatory.
College of the Desert to Train Students for Solar Farms
The College of the Desert (CA) has received an $815,843 California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program grant. The money will be used to train students to work in large-scale, commercial solar farms. The grant will help cover materials, curriculum development, employee placement programs, and instructors.
Drake U Switches to Single-Stream Recycling
Collaboration at Drake University (IA) between Drake Environmental Action League (DEAL), the Drake administration, and facilities management has developed a new method of recycling. With the help of a grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and matching funds from the University, a single stream recycling system is now in place. The new system allows students to recycle a wider variety of items, which are then picked up by a private company and sorted and sold to be reprocessed into new materials.
George Washington U to Convert Waste to Electricity
George Washington University (DC) has announced plans to begin sending its 3,500 tons of annual waste to the Covanta Waste-to-Energy facility in Alexandria, Virginia, instead of sending its garbage to the landfill. The waste will be burned at high temperatures to generate steam to power turbines that create electricity. As a result of the new initiative, the University will be sending 90 percent less material to landfills.
Georgia State U Launches Bicycling Campaign
Georgia State University has begun a new project called GSU Bikes to encourage bike use, alleviate congestion, and reduce air pollution. The program will survey bicyclists to determine patterns of use and where more bike racks should be placed. The program was launched with a contest to design a secure and aesthetically pleasing bike rack. The program is funded by an EPA grant.
Humber College Embraces LED Lighting to Reduce Energy Use
Humber College (ON) has replaced 1,050 of its halogen light bulbs with new LED lights. The switch will reduce Humber’s electrical demand and electrical consumption for lighting by 88 percent, from 2,625,000 kWh to 315,000 kWh, over the life of the bulbs. Over the 9 year lifespan of the lights, the College expects to save $525,000.
Indiana U Office of Sustainability Recruits 18 Interns
Indiana University’s Office of Sustainability has hired 18 student interns. The graduate and undergraduate students work together to lay the groundwork for new sustainability initiatives on campus. Interns conduct research in areas ranging from energy and water conservation to making the athletic department more sustainable. This is the second year for the Office to offer academic-year internships.
Murray State U Releases Racer Bike Share
Murray State University (KY) has started Racer Bike Share. The program has put 10 bikes in special racks around campus to be used by anyone to travel to another building. Users are then asked to leave the bike at that building for another user. This trade-off system is design to promote sustainability and help with campus transportation.
Pennsylvania State U Receives $5.5 M for Clean Energy Centers
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has given Pennsylvania State University two grants, one for $2 million to create the Mid-Atlantic Clean Energy Applications Center and one for $3.5 million to create the Mid-Atlantic Solar Resource and Training Center. The Mid-Atlantic Clean Energy Applications Center will promote the adoption of clean energy technology through education and technical assistance, with an emphasis on net zero energy building technologies, combined heat and power, district energy management, and smart grid technology. The Mid-Atlantic Solar Resource and Training Center will increase the capacity of community colleges, universities, and training centers to prepare new and returning students for jobs in the solar industry.
Pomona College Receives $7.5 M for Green Residence Hall
Pomona College (CA) has received an individual gift of $7.5 million to help construct a new green residence hall. Sontag Hall, which will be registered for LEED Gold certification, will use solar power to heat water and to produce some of the energy needed to provide heat in winter. Sustainable aspects of the construction will include using more than 20 percent recycled content, more than 30 percent regionally produced materials and low-emitting materials, and a diversion rate of 75 percent of construction waste. Sustainable features of the completed building will include occupancy sensors, efficient heating and air conditioning systems, operable windows and ceiling fans, use of non-HFC-refrigerants, efficient plumbing fixtures, “cool roof” and paving surfaces to reduce heat island effects, efficient irrigation technology, drought-resistant landscaping, storm water collection, and real-time monitoring of energy and water use and renewables generation.
