Queens U Opens Bike Shop
The AMS Bike Shop at Queen's University’s (Ontario), organized by its Commission of the Environment and Sustainability, will provide replacement parts and repair services for students, and sell refurbished bicycles.
San Diego State U Students Assess Clean Water Access in Honduras
Engineers Without Borders students at San Diego State University (California) recently traveled to Tejeras in Honduras to assess the town's water filtration and distribution system, which was making residents sick. The students are applying concepts from their environmental engineering classes toward a blueprint for a clean water solution. The group is planning another trip in January 2013 to implement the new filtration system.
Schools Offer Accelerated Degrees to Save Student Costs
Institutions nationwide including Grace College and Seminary (Indiana), Baldwin-Wallace College (Ohio), Lesley University (Massachusetts) and St. John's University (New York) have introduced three-year undergraduate degree options to help save students money, according to a recent article in the U.S. News & World Report. At Grace College, as an example, students can save up to 50 percent on college costs by taking more short courses during the fall and spring semesters, while any credits taken in the summer are free.
Selkirk College Plans Renewable Energy Technology Certificate
Selkirk College's (British Columbia) new six-week advanced certificate in renewable energy technology will focus on small hydro, wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, ground source energy and biomass energy technologies. Students will have the opportunity to retrofit a small-scale prefabricated building.
Stanford U Conducts Sustainability Awareness Survey
Aiming to determine baseline levels of environmental sustainability awareness and everyday practice on campus, the survey of Stanford University (California) students, faculty and staff included questions regarding habits and barriers focused on office and room lighting, computers, monitors, printer use, air conditioners and heaters, refrigerators, reusable products, water, recycling and composting, food choices, and the influence of others.
St. Cloud State U Pilots 'Re-Cycle' Program
St. Cloud State University's (Minnesota) Husky Re-Cycle pilot program is offering eight bicycles built from donated parts by volunteer mechanics for use to students living on campus.
Trinity U Uses Reclaimed Water for Plumbing
In an effort to conserve water, Trinity University (Texas) has installed new toilets that use reclaimed water. The system uses condensate captured from the air conditioning system in the university’s Center for the Sciences and Innovation and is then treated and pumped to toilets and urinals.
U Arizona Creates Sustainable Built Environment Degree
The new Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments at the University of Arizona’s College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture will focus on design, planning, open space and recreation, sustainable ecosystems, sustainable communities and housing, and heritage conservation. The program will launch in fall 2012.
U Arizona Residence Halls Earn LEED Platinum
The University of Arizona’s two newest residence halls feature rainwater harvesting, drought tolerant landscaping, low-flow plumbing and a web-based software that allows students to monitor the amount of energy the building uses.
U Calgary Adds Environmental Education Graduate Certificate
The University of Calgary's (Alberta) new four-course graduate program will tackle climate change, consumerism, ecological literacy, ethics and environmental design from a broad range of disciplines including philosophy, education, physics and architecture.
U Calgary Students Work toward a Fair Trade Campus
Engineers Without Borders students at the University of Calgary (Alberta) are working with university administrators to become a fair trade campus this year. The group's "Fair Trade Fridays" have increased campus awareness and recruited the Student Union to the cause.
U Iowa Receives Grant to Explore Biofuels for Campus Power Plant
A $25,000 grant from the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture will help the University of Iowa locate and procure sources of biomass fuel to replace coal at the main power plant. Several working groups will study different types of renewable biofuels including invasive plants, switchgrass and miscanthus grass.
U Minnesota Twin Cities Names 'Conservation Madness' Champion
Territorial Hall has been named the winner of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities' second annual residence hall sustainability competition for reducing its energy use during the month-long competition by 4.4 percent. If all residence halls conserved resources over the course of an entire year at the same rate as the top ranking residence halls during the competition, the university reports that it would save more than $120,000 annually.
U Missouri Brings 'Solar Dok' to Campus
The University of Missouri's new Solar Dok, a table equipped with solar panels for charging electronic devices, was funded by student fees. The table features a battery bank that stores energy for use when the sun’s rays are not as strong and a charge controller that displays the amount of solar energy being produced.
Unity College Eases Enrollment Process for Transfer Students
In an effort to ease the transition from community colleges and reduce admissions hurdles, environmental college Unity College (Maine) has announced that students who have earned an associate degree will automatically be accepted for enrollment. Students have to show a "C" or better in a college level math, science and composition course with an overall GPA of at least 2.5.
U Wisconsin-Platteville Launches New Renewable Energy Major
Expanding on a previously offered minor, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's new sustainable and renewable energy systems major will feature technology and project management tracks that cover sustainability, wind and solar energy, building efficiency, biomass energy and project management.
Western Michigan U Expands Electric Car Charging Offerings
A year after unveiling four electric car charging stations on its main campus, Western Michigan University has announced that 20 electric vehicle charging stations are now connected to the university’s power grid and available to the public free of charge.
Winners of UC Berkeley Student Competition Reduce Energy by 40%
Organized by student organizations Greening the Greeks and Green Campus, the Green Cup at the University of California, Berkeley challenged 18 Greek chapters to reduce their per capita electricity and natural gas consumption in October and November 2011 through educational presentations, basic retrofits, motivation from chapter leaders and a $2,000 prize incentive for the winning chapter. Phi Gamma Delta fraternity was announced the winner after reducing its per capita electricity consumption by 40 percent and natural gas consumption by 24 percent. In total, participating chapters avoided 11 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and $5,600 in utility bills.
5 Campus Projects Recognized as 'Champions of Change'
The White House has announced the five winners of its Campus Champions of Change Challenge. Selected through an online popular vote, the winners include a permaculture initiative at the University of Massachusetts Amherst; a food pantry at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; a microfinance program that combats rural poverty at Grinnell College (IA); a donation program for the homeless at the University of California, Los Angeles; and an initiative to help local urban teenagers learn better financial skills at the University of Chicago (IL).
AASHE Announces Tree Campus USA Planting Event Winners
In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, AASHE has announced the campuses chosen for Tree Campus USA planting events this spring. One hundred trees will be planted as part of a service learning project or Arbor Day celebration at Colorado State University; University of Colorado Boulder; University of Illinois, Chicago; Virginia Commonwealth University; Hobart and William Smith Colleges (NY); and Purdue University (IN). In related news, several campuses have achieved Tree Campus USA designations recently for meeting the required five core standards for sustainable campus forestry which include the creation of a tree advisory committee and dedicated annual expenditures for a campus tree program. The institutions include Indiana State University, Duke University (NC) and Colorado State University, which received the distinction along with a Tree Campus USA planting event.
Aims CC Works to Expand Recycling Program
Aims Community College (CO) has partnered with Green Girl Recycling to decrease trash removal and associated costs by making it easier for people to find recycling locations on campus. The college will install at least 100 larger recycling containers.
Auburn U Parking Deck Receives New Solar Panels
Auburn University (AL) has installed 24 solar panels on the upper level of a parking garage. The energy generated by the panels will be used to offset the electricity consumed by the 12 electric vehicle-charging stations located on the parking deck.
Austin CC Culinary Arts Works to Reduce Waste
Austin Community College's (TX) Culinary Arts Institute has adopted several sustainability initiatives including a new composting program, biodegradable food containers and recyclable cutlery. The department is currently seeking to integrate local farmers into the purchase of food for its restaurants.
Business Schools See Rise in Female Applicants
Graduate business schools are seeing a slow but steady increase in women, reports a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article. The Graduate Management Admission Council credits the rise to an interest in one-year master's degrees, which have increased in recent years.
Chippewa Valley Technical College Installs Solar Tree
Chippewa Valley Technical College (WI) has installed a metal tree composed of solar panels to provide energy for the campus greenhouse. The solar tree’s main function is to provide a learning experience for the students involved in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning program. The $10,000 cost was funded by a grant and donations.
Colorado State U Installs DIY Bike Repair Station
Colorado State University's Police Department has installed a DIY bike repair station to promote bicycling on campus. The station is equipped with an air pump, screwdrivers, various wrenches and a tire lever. Campus bike registrations and bicycle tickets funded the $1,300 project.
Harvard Lab Earns LEED Silver
Harvard University's (MA) Kramer Lab has earned LEED Silver certification. A heavy focus was placed on the reuse of existing elements, as well as the application of sustainable furniture and materials. The lab is the Faculty of Arts and Sciences' 25th LEED certification, achieving an average total 25.4 percent reduction in lighting power density.
National U Completes 2 New Solar Power Systems
National University (CA) has announced the completion of rooftop and carport solar power systems. With over 3,000 panels, the two systems are expected to produce enough energy to power 85 percent of the electricity at the Technology and Health Sciences Center and 35 percent at the Spectrum Business Park Campus. The university expects to save more than $1.6 million over the next 20 years.
New York U Law Building Achieves LEED Platinum
New York University’s WILF Hall has been awarded LEED Platinum certification. A green roof and two planted terraces help insulate the building year-round and filter pollutants out of rainwater, reducing runoff into the sewers. More than 90 percent of all construction and demolition debris was reused or recycled. Additional features include bicycle storage and showers for commuting riders.
Okanagan College to Develop Sustainable Construction Tech Program
Okanagan College (BC) has received a $100,000 gift from Great-West Life, half of which will be used to develop a three-year sustainable construction management technology program. The program has already received support from the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia and major construction firms. The other half of the donation will cover capital costs for the college's Centre for Excellence.
Rasmussen College Reduces Medical Admin Tuition by 11%
Rasmussen College (MN) has announced an 11 percent reduction in tuition for its for medical administration degree program. In effect starting in April, the tuition decrease is in response to President Obama's call to institutions to reign in college costs. In early 2011, the college also lowered the credit cost of its medical assisting associate degree program.
Rutgers U Greek Students Embark on Weatherization Initiative
Rutgers University (NJ) has partnered with the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group’s Energy Service Corps for a “Green the Greek” initiative. The program targets on-campus sorority and fraternity houses for weatherization projects, and teaches residents the basics. Once completed, sorority and fraternity members help with additional energy audits around campus.
Saint Louis U Offers Accelerated Master's in Sustainability
Saint Louis University (MO) has launched an accelerated Master of Sustainability degree program. The Center for Sustainability gives undergraduate students a head start on the program with the option to complete up to one full year of graduate coursework prior to enrollment, allowing them to complete the degree in one year.
San Jose State U Plans Regional Bike Sharing Program
San Jose State University (CA) has received a grant from the Valley Transportation Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Bay Area Quality Management District to launch a regional bike sharing program this spring. The program will include 400 bicycles and 40 bike share stations.
Stanford U Earns National 'Best Workplaces for Commuters' Honor
Stanford University (CA) has been recognized as one of the Best Workplaces for Commuters by the National Center for Transit Research for the ninth consecutive year. The university also received the "Best Of" award in the Best Workplaces for Commuters 2011 Race to Excellence.
Stanford U Saves $266K with 'Turn Off for Break' Campaign
With 168 buildings participating in the recent winter break energy curtailment effort, Stanford University (CA) has reported a savings of $266,000 in operating costs. This is a 32 percent increase from 2010. Since 2001, the winter curtailment program has saved about $2.5 million.
Texas Christian U Encourages Student Indoor Gardening
Organized by its Wesley Foundation and Community Renewal, Texas Christian University is providing students with resources to learn about indoor gardening. Students pick their own seeds and plant them in containers for their rooms as part of a "Garden in a Tight Spot" workshop.
U Albany Encourages Bus Commuting with GPS Convenience
In an effort to encourage bus ridership to campus, the University at Albany (NY) has implemented a new GPS tracking system on their bus fleet. The wireless system allows the university community to see the location of buses via smart phone or monitors placed around campus. The university received a $166,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the NYS Department of Transportation for the project.
U California Los Angeles Researchers Work to Develop Smarter Grid
Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have started projects to develop and deploy systems to modernize the nation’s electrical grid system into one that relies on renewable energy. The "smarter, greener electric grid for the future" would enable drivers to plug their cars into a grid predominately powered by solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. The research will work toward California Gov. Jerry Brown’s call to install 12,000 megawatts of renewable power generation in the state by 2020.
UC Berkeley to Develop New Sustainable Chemistry Curriculum
The University of California, Berkeley’s College of Chemistry has received a $3.5 million gift from the Dow Chemical Company Foundation to design a new curriculum based on the principles of sustainability and green chemistry. The lab curriculum will be revised to incorporate sustainability into every experiment. The funding will also be used to renovate the teaching labs to be more energy-efficient.
U Iowa Lab Awarded LEED Gold
The University of Iowa's State Hygienic Laboratory has earned LEED Gold certification. The building's grounds feature xeriscaping, which uses plants suited to the climate so that no special watering is needed. Ninety percent of the building has access to natural light and more than one-third of the building products are made from recycled content.
U Maryland College Park Announces Sustainability Fund Awards
The University of Maryland College Park has announced $130,000 in Sustainability Fund awards. Supported by a student sustainability fee, the fund will aid composting, wind, green roof, food recovery and aquaponics research this year, among other projects.
U North Carolina Charlotte Considers Community Work for Tenure
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, recognized as a Carnegie Engaged Institution for its work in the community, has announced plans to revise its tenure and promotion guidelines to include community planning research, reports Inside Higher Ed. If approved, community engagement will qualify for promotion and tenure in the research, teaching or service category.
U Oregon Launches Green Office Certification Program
The University of Oregon's Office of Sustainability is promoting sustainability awareness on campus with a new campus-wide Green Office certification program. Offices can earn points in areas including energy and water use, purchasing and managing materials, computer and electronics usage, lighting, heating and cooling, transportation and special events to become bronze-, silver-, gold- or platinum-certified. The program also features an office-level transportation survey that generates automated reports for staff and a space-heater exchange.
Wake Forest U Debuts Campus Building Dashboard
Wake Forest University (NC) has implemented a new building dashboard to monitor energy use and energy reduction efforts in 39 buildings across campus. The Lucid Design Group dashboard monitors water and kilowatt usage, carbon dioxide emissions and energy costs.
Washington U St. Louis Adopts 'Blue' Cleaning Practices
Washington University in St. Louis (MO) is profiled in a recent College Planning & Management article for its pilot "blue cleaning" program. Coined by ARAMARK, the phrase refers to the elimination of chemical cleaners in favor of electrically activated water. After a successful year, the college is in the midst of a comprehensive training program to aid its transition entirely away from chemical cleaners.
Western Washington U Students Design Green Dorm
Western Washington University students have designed and proposed a sustainable dorm pilot program. The project would work to get energy-efficient lights, low-flow faucets, power meters and new appliances installed in a test room. If approved, the room would serve as an educational space for students.
Yale U Adds Electric Van to Delivery Fleet
Over the next year, Yale University (CT) will compare a gas-powered transit van with a new all-electric van with zero emissions to determine if a permanent switch will be beneficial. A new charging station will monitor usage information including the electric van's kilowatt usage.
