Florida Gulf Coast U to Create Green Research Center
Florida Gulf Coast University has partnered with the John D. Back Foundation to create the Florida Gulf Coast Innovation Hub, a 1.2 million-square-foot research and development area. FGCU plans to build a facility at the Innovation Hub to study renewable energy, solar energy, alternative energy sources, biotechnology, green technology and other programs. One of the primary goals of the initiative is to attract businesses and universities with an interest in renewable energy, and spur growth in green jobs.
Harvard U Building Services Staff Receives Green Building Mgmt Training
The Harvard University (MA) Office for Sustainability’s Green Building Services (GBS) team has completed an 8-hour Direct Digital Controls (DDC) training using a custom-made DDC simulator that is a full mock-up of all common pieces of HVAC equipment found in a building, including fans, heating and cooling coils, thermostats, and humidity sensors. The DDC training will help the GBS team ask better questions in project meetings, as well as recommend better solutions when auditing existing buildings. The training is part of an effort to keep the GBS team knowledgeable about the building systems they work with around campus, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower peak demand.
Massachusetts Students Weatherize Local Homes
A group of 140 volunteers made up of Williams College students and faculty members, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students, and local community college attendees have weatherized 35 local homes as part of the area's second annual Winter Blitz. 28 teams of four people each weatherized one or two homes and were provided with the necessary supplies and a trained student leader. As part of the project, students insulated doors, installed storm windows, and filled in cracks in the walls.
Meredith College Plants Edible Landscape
Meredith College (NC) has planted an edible landscape on its campus grounds. A group of 20 students participated in the edible landscape planting, which features apples, plums, pomegranate, blackberries, raspberries, and kiwis.
Mesa College Opens Green Police Station
San Diego Community College District's Mesa College (CA) has opened its new Police Station, a 7,000-square-foot facility that is registered for LEED Gold certification. 75 percent of construction waste was diverted, the attached parking structure features solar panels, and the facility is 12.9 percent more efficient than mandated by code.
Michigan Technological U Transitions Fleet to Hybrids
Michigan Technological University’s Fleet Services has begun to transition its fleet to hybrid vehicles. So far, MTU has replaced four SUVs with hybrid Ford Escapes—which are 50 percent more efficient than their previous vehicles—and has purchased one hybrid Ford Fusion. The current fleet consists of 70 vehicles and consumes 5,000 gallons of gasoline a year. The University plans to switch all 32 of its SUVs and sedans to hybrids within 5 years.
Montgomery County CC to Offer Sustainable Building Program
Montgomery County Community College (PA) has announced plans to launch the Sustainable Building Advisor Program in January 2010. The nine-month program was developed with help from the non-profit organization National Sustainable Building Advisor Program and will cover such sustainable building aspects as site assessment and location, land usage, green communities, renewable energy options, investment costs and savings, indoor environmental quality, and water conservation.
New York U Bans Bottled Water from Dining Halls
New York University Dining Services' Kimmel Market Place and Upstein Dining Hall have removed bottled water from their meal plan options. The two locations now provide compostable cups made from plant materials to students who wish to drink water or fountain soda.
Rose-Hulman Inst of Technology Bookstore Uses Recyclable Bags
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s (IN) bookstore has begun using recyclable shopping bags in an effort to reduce waste. Every student, faculty, and staff member received a free shopping bag in the mail the week before the new policy went into effect.
U Arizona Expands Student Recreation Center with LEED Standards
The University of Arizona has expanded its student recreation center and incorporated green attributes. The building now features passive solar design to help reduce the sun’s heat on the south side of the building. UA was also able to divert more than 75 percent of its construction waste from landfills and hopes to achieve a LEED Platinum rating.
U California San Diego Opens Sustainability Resource Center
The University of California, San Diego has opened a Sustainability Resource Center. The Center houses the campus sustainability coordinator, the student-funded Student Sustainability Collective, and other sustainability staff. Its central campus location will serve as a place for students to learn about green jobs, courses related to sustainability, and tips on living sustainably.
U Colorado Board of Regents Approves Sustainability Resolution
The University of Colorado Board of Regents has approved a campus sustainability resolution. The resolution directs the president and chancellors to incorporate LEED standards in university buildings wherever possible; to ensure that the campuses complete the development of their respective comprehensive plans to achieve climate neutrality as outlined in the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment by June 30, 2010; to incorporate into their comprehensive plans the Governor's Colorado Climate Action Plan and the Greening of the State Government Executive Orders; and to report to the Board of Regents the progress on a bi-annual basis.
UC San Diego Begins $73 M Energy Efficiency Program
The University of California, San Diego has begun a $73 million program to increase the energy efficiency of 25 of its older buildings. The project seeks to lower the buildings' combined energy consumption by at least $6 million a year. New installations will include energy-efficient lighting, air-conditioning controls, and energy-efficient computer servers. The project is part of a larger $247.4 million University of California initiative to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and cut energy costs at its 10 campuses by $36 million annually.
U Detroit Mercy Partners with Ford to Offer Engineering Classes
The University of Detroit, Mercy (MI) has partnered with Ford Motor Company to retrain around 2,000 of their engineers to work with electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. The University has worked with Ford to train its students in the field in the past, and the new project introduces a curriculum for current engineers that will help them address the problems that come with manufacturing a new product.
U Florida Performing Arts Center Makes Green Changes
The University of Florida’s Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has made several changes to reduce its carbon footprint. The Center has upgraded its performance lighting instruments, replaced dressing room and house aisles with compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmed its main auditorium lighting so that only one-quarter of the available lighting fixtures are on – at 50 percent intensity – during most work days, and placed recycling bins backstage and front-of-house. The Center also has a new program that gives priority parking spots to individuals that carpool to events.
U Kentucky Approves Energy Performance Contract
The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees has approved an energy savings performance contract with Ameresco, an energy service company (ESCO) based in Louisville. The ESCO has agreed to provide comprehensive energy and water management analysis plans as well as energy and water-related capital improvement services. The scope of the first phase of the project will be $25 million. Possible energy conservation measures that will reduce the university’s overall energy consumption include: upgrades to lighting systems to the latest electric saving technology, fume hood controls, HVAC systems, steam and chiller plant controls, and building envelopes; the installation of motor speed drives to save energy during mild weather conditions, energy management software to monitor usage in real time, and automatic utility metering devices; and replacement of old plumbing fixtures to the latest water saving technology. UK hopes to decrease overall energy demand by 10-15 percent.
U Oklahoma Set to Build 100 MW Wind Farm
The University of Oklahoma has partnered with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to power its Norman campus with wind energy. The plan brings together many groups interested in building a wind farm and will result in the construction of 44 turbines that will be in full operation by the end of January 2010. The new turbines will be capable of generating up to 101 MW of electricity, which will add to the University's current usage of 10 percent wind power. OU hopes to be completely powered by wind by 2013.
U Texas, Northwestern U Students Win 2009 Net Impact Re-Source Challenge
Undergraduate students in the University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business and graduate students in Northwestern University’s (IL) Kellogg School of Management shared first place in the 2009 Net Impact Re-Source Challenge. The Challenge asked students for innovative solutions to boost PET recycling rates on college campuses. Northwestern was also named 'Chapter of the Year' based on its accomplishments in management, activities, membership, impact, and Net Impact network.
U Washington Selected to Test Smart-Grid Technology
Seattle City Light has chosen the University of Washington’s campus to test its smart-grid technology. The project will install energy monitoring equipment and other technology in two classrooms and two residential halls. The project will cost $9.6 million and is part of a national initiative from the Department of Energy to make the national energy grid more efficient.
Villanova U Constructs Eco-Friendly Law School Building
Villanova University (PA) has opened its new 170,000-square-foot law school building, which features a 45,000-square-foot library and classrooms designed for Socratic methodology. The building hopes to achieve LEED Gold certification and features a number of green attributes including locally quarried stone and brick, storm water treatment in a manmade wetland, and maximization of natural lighting.
Wallace CC Student Government Launches Recycling Campaign
Wallace Community College’s (AL) student government association has launched a campaign to recycle paper and a program to collect old cell phones. The group has placed paper recycling bins and cell phone collection bins around campus. The phones will be repurposed for military personnel use oversees.
Acadia U Announces New Degree in Env'l & Sustainability Studies
Acadia University (NS) has announced a new program in environmental and sustainability studies beginning in the fall 2010 semester. The program will emphasize group hands-on and individual learning and will be limited to 30 students. Students can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Recreation Management
Appalachian State U Completes 100kW Wind Turbine
Appalachian State University (NC) has completed the installation of its 100 kW wind turbine. The turbine, which is 121 feet tall, was funded with the $5-per-semester student green fee and is expected to meet the energy needs of 10-15 residential homes.
Chatham U Receives Funding for Solar Installations
The Pennsylvania state government has given out more than $23 million for 36 new solar and alternative energy projects in the state. $113,037 of the funding was given to Chatham University for on campus projects. The University is using the funding to install two solar thermal systems on two different campus residence halls.
Duke U Announces Energy Conservation Policies
Duke University (NC) has adopted a new policy for building temperatures during regular and off-hours in university buildings. Where possible, temperatures in university buildings that are on the central control system will be set at approximately 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees in the summer. Those temperatures will be used during regular business hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Off-hour temperatures of 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends will be set as low as 60 degrees and up to 80 degrees. Other buildings, including libraries and research buildings, will have individual heating and cooling settings different from the rest of Duke in order to preserve materials and equipment. The new policy will also discontinue the use of portable space heaters by employees at work. In all, the plan is expected to save Duke more than $600,000 a year.
Eastern Illinois U to Replace Coal with Biomass
Eastern Illinois University has announced a partnership with Honeywell to complete a $79 million renewable energy and building retrofit program. The project, which will combine energy-efficient facility upgrades with biomass-fueled heating plants, will help EIU address deferred maintenance, improve its infrastructure, and save approximately $140 million in energy and operating costs over the next two decades. The focal point of the program is the construction of a new steam plant on the southeast corner of campus that will be driven by two large biomass gasifiers. The plant will use wood chips sourced from the local logging industry to generate steam and heat buildings on campus, and it will replace the University’s aging steam plant, which consumes more than 10,000 tons of coal per year and requires constant maintenance. EIU will finance the improvements and use the savings, guaranteed by Honeywell through a 20-year performance contract, to pay for the work.
Emory U Receives Funding to Promote Walking
Emory University’s (GA) Office of Sustainability Initiatives has received $18,000 from the Urban Land Institute to promote walking. The new project “Walk n’ Roll” encourages people to walk more by using technologies such as podcasts, videos, and online resources to show the benefits. Maps have been created to highlight walking paths that take people past LEED certified buildings and community gardens.
Grand Valley State U Names ED of Renewable Energy Center
Grand Valley State University (MI) has named T. Arnold Boezaart as the second executive director of the Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center (MAREC). Boezaart previously served as the vice president for Grant Programs for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In that role, he handled a project that put a wind energy turbine atop the Frauenthal Center in downtown Muskegon. Boezaart, who has been serving as the interim executive director of MAREC since April, hopes to focus MAREC's attention on job creation in the green economy.
Lehigh U Incorporates Biodiesel into Campus Fleet
Lehigh University (PA) has begun to use biodiesel in all of its diesel engines in its campus fleet. These include both maintenance vehicles and student buses. Currently the University uses 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year, and now two percent of that will be biodiesel.
Loyola U Chicago Students Make Biodiesel From Used Cooking Oil
Loyola University, Chicago (IL) students have begun converting used cooking oil into biodiesel to use in buses on campus. The program started in as a result of a project in the University’s “Solutions to Environmental Problems” class. The students also use the left over glycerin from the process to create “bio-soap” that is sold at the campus bookstore.
Lyndon State College Receives Federal Grant for Solar Project
Lyndon State College (VT) has received a $32,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help fund the College’s five kilowatt solar power array. The array costs about $50,000 and is a project initiated by students in the College’s Sustainability Studies Program.
Michigan State U Starts Green Certification Program
Michigan State University has launched a Green Certification Program that recognizes departments, programs, and individuals on campus for their efforts towards sustainability. In order to receive certification, an entity has to show steps they are taking to reduce MSU’s environmental impact through energy efficiency and conservation, waste reduction and recycling, water conservation, and/or purchasing.
Montana State U Ramps Up Recycling Program
Montana State University’s Environmental Awareness Club and student government have partnered to increase the number of recycling bins around campus. Coca-Cola donated a number of 55-gallon barrels and lids to be used as recycling bins and worked with students to convert the barrels to recycling bins.
Pennsylvania College of Technology Expands Weatherization Ctr
Pennsylvania College of Technology has expanded its Weatherization Training Center with the help of federal money. The Center helps to train men and women to implement programs that assist low-income households become more energy efficient. The expansion will allow the center to train up to 1,000 people a year, compared to 250-350 previously.
Pennsylvania State U Plans to Upgrade Steam Plant
Pennsylvania State University has announced plans to upgrade its west campus steam plant, which has been in operation since 1930, in 2010. The plan is part of an overarching energy master plan that requires reductions in carbon emissions and energy use. The upgrade to the steam plant will most likely result in a change of fuel source.
Rice U Engineering Facility Receives LEED Gold
Rice University (TX) has received LEED Gold certification for its newly renovated Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen. The 12,000-square-foot building, which features a vegetated roof, will use an estimated 19 percent less energy and 31 percent less water than if it had been built to typical codes and standards. In addition, almost half of the materials used in renovation were composted from recycled sources, and 66 percent of the construction and demolition waste was recycled.
Rochester Inst of Technology Announces B.S. in Env'l Sustainability
The College of Applied Science and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology has launched a Bachelor of Science degree program in environmental sustainability, health, and safety. The program, which evolved from RIT's environmental management program that launched in 1991, will include courses that focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is anticipated.
South Dakota School of Mines Installs Wind Turbines
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology’s Renewable Energy Research facility has raised two wind turbines. The turbines will mainly serve as an educational tool for engineering students. Many research projects involving the new turbines have already been designed and some are being carried out.
SUNY Canton Educates Girls Scouts On Sustainable Design
State University of New York, Canton recently hosted 50 young women from the Thousand Island Girl Scout Council to create sustainable pet shelters. The program, which was funded with a grant from the Corning Foundation, is being done to educate youth about sustainable design and help a local animal shelter rehabilitation project.
Texas State U San Marcos Announces Green Exercise Machines
Texas State University, San Marcos has retrofitted 30 elliptical machines in the Student Recreation Center, giving the equipment the capability of converting exercise into renewable energy. The machines, which will be connected to the university power grid, will convert the effort of a typical 30-minute workout into about 50-watt-hours of electricity. The goal of the project is to help promote sustainability efforts and to raise awareness among the student body.
U Arizona Starts Bike Share Program
University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services has started the Cat Wheels Bike Share Program, offering students an alternative form of transportation. The program currently has 10 bikes and two different check-out locations. Students are able to borrow bikes free of charge for up to 24 hours before they have to be returned or checked out again.
U California Merced Completes 1 Megawatt Solar Power System
The University of California, Merced has completed a one-megawatt solar power system on its campus. The system consists of 4,900 solar panels that follow the sun’s movement and sit on 8.5 acres. The University expects to obtain 20 percent of its annual energy needs from the system, as well as an expected $5 million in savings over the next 20 years.
U Colorado Boulder Renovates Dorm to LEED Gold
The University of Colorado, Boulder has received LEED Gold certification for the renovation of Arnett Hall. The residential building’s renovation was finished in May 2008 and since then has realized a 20-percent reduction in energy use and a 39-percent reduction in water use. Green features include sensors that suspend heating and cooling systems when windows are opened, aerators on faucets, and recycled materials.
U Delaware Dairy Farm Goes Solar
The University of Delaware’s dairy farm has added 44 solar panels, a total of 9.2 kW, to the roof of its manure recycling center. In addition to the renewable energy benefits of the system, the University also hopes the new installation will show the practical use of solar to local farmers.
U Kansas Approves $25.6 M for Conservation Projects
The University of Kansas's Board of Regents has approved a $25.6 million contract with Energy Solutions Professionals (ESP) to carry out conservation projects on campus. Under the contract, the University expects to attain an annual savings of $2.2 million. ESP has developed seven categories in which to address conservation: including water conservation, lighting improvements, and lab improvements.
U Maine Brings Back Bike-Share Program
The University of Maine has re-launched its campus bike-share program after making some changes to how the program is run. In previous years, the bikes were available on an honors system basis and were left unlocked. The bikes were abandoned throughout campus, leaving them vulnerable to damage that would make them unsafe to use. Students checking out Blue Bikes under the new program must sign a contract that requires that each borrower lock the bicycle to a rack to prevent theft and, after a month, return it to the GCI offices. Borrowers can renew the contract each month. By signing the contract, borrowers agree to be held responsible for any serious damages. Bikes not returned or severely damaged cost borrowers $100. There are currently 15 bikes for use and a waiting list of 50 students.
U Memphis Professor Receives Grant for Biodiesel Research
University of Memphis (TN) professor Srikant Gir has been awarded a $500,000 grant to conduct research on biodiesel research and development. Dr. Gir is focusing on creating a smaller waste-into-fuel converter so that the process can be done in a more local way. He sees small businesses using it to convert vegetable oil and fallen leaves into energy.
U Nebraska Lincoln Receives $1.5 M for Organic Agriculture
The University of Nebraska, Lincoln has received a $1.5 million grant to conduct research exploring issues around organic agriculture. The grant is part of $19 million in funding awarded to universities across the country from the USDA’s “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, which is designed to create local and regional food systems.
U New Mexico Opens Alternative Transportation Information Ctr
The University of New Mexico has opened the Transportation Information Center. The center will act as a location for students to come and learn about the alternative transportation options on campus and in the surrounding area. The University hopes it will make alternative transportation options more accessible and visible to students.
Unity College Weatherizes Local Homes
Unity College (ME) has participated in the second annual Neighbor Warming Neighbor program, which took place in November 2009. As part of the program, students and faculty from the College teamed up with members of the community to help weatherize homes in the surrounding area. The goal of the project is to help community members support themselves through the winter season, as well as to reduce the carbon footprint of the town. Teams of four or five were sent out with weatherization kits specific to the houses they would be working on based on earlier energy audits. On average, each team worked on two houses. The team left the homeowner with additional supplies if needed, suggestions on what else they could do, and a blanket. Over the two weekends that the program was held, roughly two dozen homes in the area were weatherized.
