Rochester Inst of Tech Inn Receives Green Leaf Certification
The Rochester Institute of Technology Inn and Conference Center has received Green Leaf certification from Audubon International’s eco rating program. The inn received a three out of a possible five Green Leaf rating, which signifies that the organization has: undertaken a comprehensive eco-purchasing program, established policies for and use of eco-certified products, established policies for communicating environmental practices to employees, and provided baseline data to the New York State Energy and Research Development Agency for energy benchmarking.
Stanford U Wins MIT Clean Energy Prize
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has announced that a team from Stanford University (CA) has been named the top winner of the MIT Clean Energy Prize for their design that will increase the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels. The team of PhD chemical engineering students developed a carbon nano-based transparent electrode that will increase the efficiency of thin film photovoltaic solar panels by allowing up to 12 percent more sunlight to penetrate the panels. The other four finalists in the competition included a team from MIT which won the Energy Efficiency & Infrastructure Category, the University of Maryland which took first place in the Deployment Category, Georgia Institute of Technology which was the overall winner in the Transportation Category, and a combined MIT/Harvard University (MA) team that won the Clean Non-Renewables category. The competition is free and open to all US graduate and undergraduate students, with the condition that prize funds be used exclusively towards the launch of a new business established in the United States. Each of the finalists was rewarded $15,000, and the winning Stanford team received the $200,000 Grand Prize.
U Arizona Approves Green Fee
University of Arizona Board of Regents has allotted $24 of each student’s annual tuition for campus sustainability efforts. The additional funds will allow the University to implement changes to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. Support from the student fee could allow for the creation of a formalized campus office of sustainability and a full-time sustainability coordinator. Other ideas include investing in environmental research and projects related to energy and water conservation.
U Cincinnati Starts New Bike Share Program
University of Cincinnati (OH) has unveiled the Bearcat Bike Share program. The new pilot program includes 30 bicycles that students, staff, and faculty are allowed to check out for use on or off campus. Upkeep and repair of the loaner bikes will be conducted by university engineering students. The University will also hold bicycle repair and safety workshops to encourage students to take advantage of the new program. The pilot program will initially last for six months.
U Idaho Expands Sustainable Distance Education
Five faculty members from University of Idaho will receive grants totaling $20,000 from the Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative to assist in the development of new online courses related to sustainability. The Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative is an interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and students whose goal is to infuse sustainability into academic and operational activities at the University of Idaho. Courses will include: The History of Energy, Water-Energy Connections, Principles of Sustainability, and Case Studies in International Environmental Justice. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
U New Hampshire Unveils First Building to Seek LEED Certification
The University of New Hampshire has unveiled its first campus building to seek LEED certification. The newly renovated James Hall is expected to obtain LEED Silver designation for its environmentally responsible use of materials and its efficient energy and water system. Renovations include a gray water system that captures rainwater for use in toilets and urinals; sensors to turn off electrical fixtures when natural light is adequate; a heat wheel recovery system; and a green roof to clean and conserve water. In addition, 20 percent of materials used in the renovation were recycled, and 30 percent of the materials were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of the institution. In addition, visitors to James Hall can monitor energy use live via an energy kiosk in the building.
U New Mexico Building Seeks Platinum Status
University of Mexico has debuted its new College of Education building. The structure, which is registered for LEED Platinum status, is the second building on campus to adhere to the Governor of New Mexico’s Executive Order requiring new buildings to acquire a minimum of Silver certification under the LEED rating system.
U of Oklahoma Introduces Green Roof
University of Oklahoma has debuted a green roof on top of one of its research buildings. The new installation has 160 trays measuring a combined 1,280 square-feet that will hold plants, grasses, sand, and organic material. The green roof is designed to reduce both storm water runoff and energy use and cost. Depending on the conditions, the University could save 25 to 75 percent of its annual air conditioning costs.
USA Today Writes About Green Graduation Gowns
USA Today has published an article on the recent increase in the number of colleges and universities that have switched to graduation gowns that are either made from plastic bottles or made to be biodegradable, replacing petroleum-based polyester gowns used in the past. Institutions mentioned included University of New Hampshire, Colby College (ME), and University of Vermont. Other institutions wearing "green" gowns at graduation ceremonies this year include Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University (CT), and Wake Forest University (NC).
U Southern Maine Installs Green Roof
University of Southern Maine has installed an 880-square-foot green roof on the Wishcamper Center, an academic building that houses the School of Public Service and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Eight different varieties of plants now grow in 110 trays on the structure's roof in a mixture of sand, gravel, and mineral. The green roof is designed to reduce water runoff, extend roof lifespan, and reduce heating and cooling needs.
U Utah Install Rain Garden
University of Utah students install a rain garden. The rain garden will utilize a special blend of soil that stores the rain and slowly releases it to the plants over time. The rain garden is among the first projects to be funded by the Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund. Last year, students voted to assess the fee of $2.50 per semester to fund campus sustainability initiatives.
U Washington Students & Faculty Construct Rooftop Garden
University of Washington students and faculty have constructed a rooftop garden on an existing greenhouse to demonstrate the various uses of a green roof. Three trays with different planting areas will be used to explore different ways to grow food in an urban environment. Students are interested in demonstrating that green roofs not only provide a habitat for plants and animals, but also help to alleviate potential water-flow issues. The roofs help reduce the rate at which water enters the storm system and also reduce the storm-water runoff overall.
Wake Forest U Announces iPhone App for Campus Shuttle
Three Wake Forest University (NC) students have teamed up with their computer science professor to create an iPhone application that tracks the campus shuttle location. The shuttle location is updated every five seconds so students, faculty and staff know when the bus is approaching the stop.
Wayne State U Approves Electric Car Engineering Programs
Wayne State University (MI) has approved three academic programs to train electric car engineers. The new programs, scheduled to launch in fall 2010, include a bachelor of science in Electric Transportation Technology, a master of science in Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering, and a graduate certificate program in Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering, a subset of the master's degree. Students in the programs will learn how to power, put together, design, develop, and promote electric hybrid engines. The new curriculum additions were funded by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Western Washington U Students Vote to Expand Green Energy Fee
Western Washington University students have voted to approve an expanded green fee which will continue to finance the University’s renewable energy certificates. More than 80 percent of the student body was in favor of increasing the fee from $4 to $9 per academic quarter. The green fee was first approved in 2005 and has been used to purchase renewable energy credits and finance student projects devoted to increasing energy efficiency, decreasing consumption, and generating renewable energy. The fee will need to be approved by the Associated Students Board of Directors and the WWU Board of Trustees before it can go into effect.
Wilmington U Starts Composting Program
Wilmington University (DE) has begun a new composting program in its Cafe. Containers for compostable waste will be provided in the kitchen and lobby. The waste collected will be taken to the Wilmington Organic Recycling Center for compost.
2 US, 2 Canadian Institutions Announce Masters in Sustainability
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today announced grants totaling $5.6 million to 10 universities in eight countries to establish new Master’s in Development Practice programs. The University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Davis; the University of Waterloo (ON); and the University of Winnipeg (MB) were the only North American institutions selected. The programs combine training in the natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences, and management to help practitioners address global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, and extreme poverty. The universities were selected through a competitive process that included reviews by experts outside the Foundation.
5 Texas Universities Pass Green Fund
Student bodies at five Texas institutions voted on and approved green funds during Earth Week: University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas, San Antonio; University of Texas, El Paso; Texas A&M University, and University of North Texas. At UT Austin, 71% of voters favored the new fee. At Texas A&M, where a more heated debate took place, 57% voted in favor. The new fees would range from $3 – $5 per semester. If each of the funds is approved by its respective board of regents, the funds would generate a combined $8 million for sustainability projects over their five year lifespan.
Antioch U New England Student Selected as Congressional Fellow
Antioch University, New England's (NH) Wendy Scott, a master's candidate in environmental studies who has chosen a concentration in advocacy for social justice and sustainability, has been selected as the 2010 Congressional Progressive Caucus fellow. Scott will spend the summer in Washington working with Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat-Arizona), who chairs the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
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Posted May 10, 2010
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Other News
Associated Press Covers Green College Graduation Caps and Gowns
The Associated Press has published an article on the growing number of colleges and universities that are holding environmentally-friendly commencement ceremonies this year. The article mentions the recent introduction of eco-conscious graduation gown by academic apparel manufacturers. Caps and gowns can be made from recycled plastic bottles or be biodegradable. Higher education institutions noted in the article include the University of New Hampshire, Colby College (ME), and the University of Vermont.
Assumption College, Lewis & Clark College Adopt Car-Share Prgms
Assumption College (MA) and Lewis and Clark College (OR) have each partnered with U Car Share to offer an alternative to car-ownership on campus. Anyone 18 years or older with at least two years of driving experience may qualify to become a member and can then access any car in the country on the U Car Share network. At both campuses, for a limited time, membership is free for all students, faculty, and staff.
Columbia Theological Seminary Res Hall Earns LEED Gold
Opened last summer, the new green residence hall for Columbia Theological Seminary (GA) students has earned LEED Gold. The structure is expected to use approximately 50 percent less energy than a conventionally constructed facility. An energy-monitoring system in the entry lobby allows students and visitors to see real-time energy consumption as compared with an average building performance. Design strategies include an exterior building envelope with above-average insulation values, energy efficient windows, and a geothermal mechanical system which will provide low operating costs and a long lifecycle. Water efficiencies include rainwater collection for landscape irrigation, and water saving plumbing fixtures.
Delta College Announces Global Peace Studies Degree Program
Delta College (MI) has announced a new associate's degree and certificate of achievement in global peace studies. The program will cover some of the complex causes of our world’s major issues, such as war, domestic violence, crime, environmental decline, and poverty. Incorporated into the program are internships, service learning, and national/international travel opportunities.
Duke U Launches Offsets Program for Study Abroad Students
Duke University (NC) has launched DukeEngage, a program that allows students to purchase carbon emission credits before participating in a study abroad programs or traveling for school. The offsets are being created by a Duke partnership with North Carolina hog farmers to capture methane gas. To participate in the offsets program, DukeEngage students log into a website, use a calculator to determine the carbon emissions of an upcoming trip, and then pay for offsets with a FLEX account or a check.
Emory U to Hold Zero-Waste Commencement
Emory University (GA) has announced plans to hold zero-waste commencement events. The composting of food and biodegradable service ware and recycling of plastic water bottles will occur at multiple Commencement events this month. A total of 15 events during Emory’s Commencement celebrations are expected to be zero-waste, all of which support Emory’s sustainability initiative to achieve 65 percent waste reduction on campus by 2015 from 2005 levels.
Emory U Unveils Forest Management Plan
Emory University (GA) has unveiled a Forest Management Plan to guide the preservation and regeneration of its forested areas, with an emphasis on ecological connectivity, a healthy forest ecosystem, and native biodiversity. Endorsed by the administration, the plan outlines a clear distinction between forest lands used for human activity and those to be left undisturbed. Among the plan’s goals are restoring the connectivity of Emory’s forests; developing a reforestation plan on campus; restoring and stabilizing stream banks; engaging in community outreach on the importance of forest ecosystems; and designating individual forest management plans for the University’s forest ecosystems, along with central campus areas..
Florida Universities Assist Gov't Agencies in BP Oil Spill
Florida State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of Miami, Florida A&M University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Central Florida, University of North Florida, and University of West Florida have joined the Oil Spill Academic Task Force created by FSU Chancellor Frank Brogan to assist local, state, and federal agencies in dealing with the oil spill that took place in the Gulf of Mexico. The Task Force will coordinate academic resources of all Florida universities to measure and model the magnitude and trajectory of the spill, provide information on potential and actual ecological impacts of the oil, plan logistics, and evaluate risks and assist in citizen-response efforts.
Illinois State U Makes Biodiesel to Fuel Campus Vehicles
Illinois State University has begun a program to convert waste fryer oil from Campus Dining Services’ residential dining centers into fuel for use in campus fleet vehicles. A 50-gallon batch of biodiesel, produced by a team of Illinois State University undergraduate students, is currently being tested in the University’s “Big Blue” recycling truck. Fleet Operations personnel will soon begin using the fuel in other diesel powered vehicles.
Ithaca College Unveils Publications Sustainability Rating System
Ithaca College (NY) has unveiled a sustainability index system to rate the College's publications. Among the publication sustainability considerations are: the percentage of post-consumer recycled content of the paper; if the piece is printed without metallic inks or foil; how the finished publication is bound; whether there is an environmental statement printed onto the piece itself; and the packaging of the final product and preparation for mailing.
Lawrence U Installs Solar Panels
Lawrence University (WI) has installed the campus' first solar panel on the roof of Youngchild Hall. The 2.92 kilowatt unit, composed of 14 panels, will help reduce the College's monthly electric bill and will serve a curricular purpose as well. Data from the solar collector will be streamed live over the internet and be used in as many as three courses, including an introductory environmental science course, the physics course “Energy Society and Environment” and the chemistry course “The Energy Conundrum.”
Maharishi U Management Holds Controlled Burn on Campus
Maharishi University of Management (IA) recently held a number of controlled prairie burns to maintain the rare remnants of native prairie on campus and the areas where prairies are being reconstructed. According to the University, annual controlled burning mimics the natural prairie fires that once swept across the plains, warming the soil and encouraging a new round of plant growth from the roots up. It also keeps trees from taking over, and helps control nonnative invasive species.
Meredith College Opens Trade ReUse Store
Meredith College (NC) has opened Daisy Trade, a campus store that allows students to take and/or donate items such as clothing, books, shoes, and room accessories. The store is open primarily to students, but special events for faculty and staff will be scheduled throughout the year. Donation drives are also planned. The Daisy Trade is a project of Meredith’s Office of Residence Life, the Office of the Sustainability Coordinator, and the Interior Design Program.
Mountain State U Initiates Campus-Wide Recycling
Mountain State University (WV) has initiated a campus-wide recycling program. As part of the initiative, 210 recycling stations have been placed throughout campus, enabling MSU faculty, staff, students, and visitors an opportunity to place unwanted paper, plastic, and aluminum in a recycling bin rather than a trash can.
Queen's U to Ban Sale of Bottled Water on Campus by 2015
Queen's University (ON) Principal Daniel Woolf has committed to reducing and eventually ending the sale of bottled water on the Queen’s campus. A plan will be established in early fall 2010 for limiting and eventually ending the sale of bottled water within five years, subject to contractual obligations with the University’s beverage providers. As the University’s contracts with concession holders, food service providers and soft drink companies come up for renewal over the next few years, re-negotiations will include removing bottled water as an option for sale. Enhancements to existing access to municipal drinking water on campus are being considered as part of the plan.
Saint Michael's College Approves Major, Minor in Env'l Studies
The Saint Michael's College (VT) Board of Trustees has approved a new major and minor in environmental studies. The program will focus on the environment from the perspective of the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. Students choosing environmental studies as a major will select one of these areas to fulfill specific requirements including a self-designed concentration carried out through a research project.
St. Charles CC Announces Several Green Campus Projects
St. Charles Community College (MO) has announced several new green projects on campus. SCCC has received a Public Buildings and Energy Efficiency Retrofit grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $187,718, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which will be used to purchase a high efficiency hot water boiler, advanced control valves to improve the efficiency of the chilled water cooling system, and sensors to control the lighting, heating, and cooling systems for classrooms. In addition, SCCC new brown rubber mulch made from recycled tires is being used in some college parking lot islands, a new "Team Green" committee has been formed, and $50,000 has been earmarked for the development of an outdoor classroom to be used by the College and local schools and community groups.
Student Leaders Submit Letter to Congress for Green Jobs Training
A group of more than 100 university and college student government presidents submitted a letter today urging Congress to launch a national program for clean energy science and engineering education. The presidents – representing more than one million American students –warned Congress that advanced energy education is critical for U.S. leadership in the global clean energy industry. The letter, organized by Americans for Energy Leadership and the Associated Students of Stanford University (CA), calls on Congress to support the RE-ENERGYSE (“Regaining our Energy Science & Engineering Edge”) proposal, which would invest tens of millions of dollars annually in energy science and engineering education programs at universities, technical and community colleges, and K-12 schools. It was originally proposed by President Obama in April 2009 and is currently under consideration in Congress as part of the Department of Energy’s 2011 budget request.
Texas State U Collects 20K Lbs During E-Waste Event
Texas State University, San Marcos has announced that a recent event helped to collect more than 20,000 pounds of electronic waste from the campus and the community. Approximately 170 participants brought in an average of 120 pounds of electronic waste each. Most of the collected items will be recycled at facilities located within the United States by reselling working items and “demanufacturing” the old, non-working equipment to component level, processing the components back into raw materials for use in new products. Additionally, about 30 computers needing rehab were donated to the Computers for Learning Program.
Thomas College Installs Solar Panels
Thomas College (ME) has installed a solar panel system on the roof of its main administration and classroom building. The panels are expected to produce 8.28 kW. The College also installed a grid-tied inverter, which changes the DC power made by the photovoltaic panels into usable AC energy, which is used to run lights and radios, for example. The panels are estimated to reduce the cost of electricity in the building by approximately $1,600 annually. The project was made possible by a $50,000 grant from Efficiency Maine.
U California Los Angeles Launches Single-Stream Recycling
The University of Southern California, Los Angeles Campus Recycling Action Research Team has debuted single-stream recycling on the UCLA campus and has expanded the number of recycling bins on campus. All trash bins are now paired with recycling receptacles.
U California Santa Barbara Allots Funding for Green Projects
The University of California, Santa Barbara's The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) Grant Making Committee has announced its grant recipients for the 2009-10 funding cycle. The 13 projects selected to receive funding include plastic bottle reduction, LED stage lights, building waste audits, a wind turbine installation, a utility conservation incentive program, a water conservation initiative, and other eco-friendly projects.
U California Santa Barbara Students Approve Renewable Energy Fee
Students at the University of California, Santa Barbara have approved a mandatory student renewable energy fee with the highest voter turnout ever recorded. The Student Services Renewable Energy Initiative will generate revenue to be used to fund large-scale renewable energy projects at the seaside campus. This fee increase of $6 per quarter will generate upwards of $3.4 million dollars by the time it expires in 2020.
Udall Scholars Are Announced
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation is pleased to announce 80 students from 63 colleges and universities have been selected as 2010 Udall Scholars. A 14-member independent review committee selected this year's group of Scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy; leadership potential; and academic achievement. The review committee also awarded 50 Honorable Mentions. Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for the Scholar’s junior or senior year. The 2010 Udall Scholars will assemble August 4-8, 2010, in Tucson, Arizona, to receive their awards and meet policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care, and governance.
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Posted May 10, 2010
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Other News
U Kentucky, U Louisville Receive $2M for Energy Research
The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville (KY) have each received $2 million for energy research from E.ON, a German power company. UK's donation will support clean coal research, and U of L's funding will go towards engineering and energy-efficiency programs.
U Nebraska Omaha Switches to Compostable Diningware
The University of Nebraska, Omaha Food Services staff has announced "Go Green - Fall 2010," an initiative to switch containers and serving receptacles (including all flatware and paper goods) the department uses to compostable and bio-degradable PLA (polylactic acid), cornstarch-based, and recycled paper materials starting in August. The change will take place in the campus food court and in all other campus Food Service operations.
U New Hampshire Completes Eco-Friendly James Hall
The University of New Hampshire has completed its renovation of James Hall, home of the departments of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources and the Environment. The $33.9 million renovation will seek LEED Silver certification for its use of environmentally-responsible materials and its efficient energy and water systems. Energy-saving innovations in James Hall include a gray water system that captures rainwater from the building’s roof and gutters for use in toilets and urinals; daylight harvesting, which utilizes sensors to turn off electrical fixtures when natural daylight provides adequate light; and a heat wheel recovery system, which makes the air handling unit extremely efficient. In addition, 20 percent of the materials used in the renovation consist of recycled content, and 30 percent of the materials were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of Durham. Visitors to James Hall can monitor energy use live via an energy kiosk in the building.
U North Carolina Chapel Hill to Be Coal-Free by 2020
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has announced plans to end its use of coal by 2020. As a step toward ending coal use, the campus' cogeneration facility will test co-firing coal with biomass in the form of dried wood pellets later this spring and torrefied wood – a product similar to charcoal – this fall or winter. The University plans to replace 20 percent of its coal with biomass no later than 2015, and perhaps by 2012. Last year, the Sierra Club’s Coal-Free Campus Campaign targeted 60 U.S. campuses that are still burning coal, including UNC and its coal-burning cogeneration facility. The Sierra Club urged these campuses to lead by example, cut their pollution, and end burning coal as soon as possible. In response, Chancellor Holden Thorp appointed 10 students, faculty and community members to a task force to make recommendations before year’s end to reduce Carolina’s carbon footprint. The 2020 date for ending coal usage was one of six interim recommendations submitted to Thorp the end of April.
Washington State U Creates Biodiesel Fuel for Campus Machinery
The Washington State University Biodiesel Club has begun collecting used cooking oil each week from local restaurants and dining halls to create biodiesel. Their aim is to sell the fuel to the University’s motor pool in large enough quantities to operate WSU machinery. The group hopes to produce 300 gallons of biodiesel each week.
10 Campuses Complete Climate Action Plans
10 new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAP) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on March 22, 2010. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing. The new submission are: New York University, University of Oregon, Northern Arizona University, Northeastern University (MA), Antioch University New England (NH), Framingham State College (MA), New Mexico State University Dona Ana Branch, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Northern Essex Community College (MA), and Naropa University (CO).
7 Colleges & Universities Make Canada's Greenest Employers List
The editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers project have announced the 2010 winners of Canada's Greenest Employers competition, and among the winners are seven colleges and universities. Thie designation recognizes the employers that lead the nation in creating a culture of environmental awareness in their organizations. These employers have developed exceptional earth-friendly initiatives -- and are attracting people to their organizations because of their environmental leadership. The 2010 college and university winners are: British Columbia Institute of Technology, Georgian College (ON), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (BC), McGill University Health Center (ON), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, University of Alberta, and University of Victoria (BC).
