App State U Students Pass Water Conservation Legislation
Appalachian State University’s (NC) Student Government Association has passed legislation recommending that all urinals in new campus buildings or renovated structures conform to low-flow standards. The legislation asks that the urinals use only one-eighth of a gallon of water per flush.
Arbor Day Foundation Announced 'Tree Campus USA' Program
The Arbor Day Foundation has announced the creation of the Tree Campus USA program, which will recognize college campuses that are committed to planting, maintaining, and celebrating trees. As part of the kick off, the Foundation will hold kick off tree-planting events at 9 campuses this fall. The aim of the program is to honor college campuses for promoting healthy urban forest management and engaging the campus community in environmental stewardship. Colleges and universities will be required to meet five core standards of tree care and community engagement in order to receive Tree Campus USA Status. Those standards are establishing a campus tree advisory committee; evidence of a campus tree-care plan; verification of dedicated annual expenditures on the campus tree plan; involvement in an Arbor Day observance; and the institution of a service-learning project aimed at engaging the student body. The tree planting events will be held at: Northern Kentucky University, University of Michigan, University of Texas, Arizona State University, Oregon State University, University of Nebraska, Virginia Tech, University of California, San Diego, and Jackson State University (MS).
Auburn U Reduces Water Usage by Up to 80%
Auburn University (AL) has announced that it has reduced its water usage in landscaping by up to 80 percent in 2008. The University did so by planting drought resistant species, installing drip-tape instead of sprinklers, and using frequency and duration timers.
Canadian Report Features Student Activism in Campus Sustainability
GlobeCampus, The Globe and Mail 's site dedicated to undergraduate education in Canada, has published is Canadian University Report 2009. The publication features an article entitled "Lean green campus machines" that discusses the catalytic role students have played in an effort to make colleges and universities more sustainable. The article mentions students' presence on sustainability committees, student approved green fees, and grassroots efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Oth
Coastal Carolina U Receives Grant to Study Wind Power
Coastal Carolina University has received a $200,000 grant from the Budget and Control Board’s South Carolina Energy Office to study offshore wind power potential in South Carolina. Coastal Carolina University and North Carolina State University partners will collect data using an observation network along the South Carolina coast that measures wind, wave, and tide resources. The data will be acquired using several ocean/atmospheric monitoring stations off the coast to identify optimal sites for wind energy structures based on overall energy potential and projected grid connection and foundation costs, as well as environmental and aesthetic impacts. Coastal Carolina University plans to investigate areas along the South Carolina coast, stretching from the North Carolina border to the Winyah Bay area in Georgetown County.
College of William & Mary to Expand Outdoor Recycling
The College of William and Mary (VA) Student Senate has passed the Outdoor Recycling Containers Act which will place 13 new recycling receptacles on campus. The student environmental group SEAC and the service fraternity APO will empty the receptacles, just as they currently empty the ones located in academic buildings. The new receptacles would be placed around the Sunken Gardens, the UC terrace, the Campus Center, and the Undergraduate Admissions office.
Columbia College Receives Recycling Grant
Columbia College has received $35,000 from the California Department of Conservation's 2008-09 Beverage Container Recycling Grant. Columbia College's grant will be used for purchasing campus recycling stations, consumer education, and funding of a part-time student worker to assist in coordination.
Cornell to Eliminate Tuition for Families with Incomes Below $60K
Cornell University (NY) has announced plans to further reduce student loans for its neediest students. The new financial aid initiative will eliminate the parental contribution for undergraduate students from families with incomes below $60,000 and assets below $100,000; cap need-based student loans at $7,500 annually for students who have financial need and whose families have annual incomes above $120,000; and reduce the parental contribution for selected students who have financial need and whose families have annual incomes above $60,000. Cornell already eliminates need-based student loans for family incomes below $60,000 (the income level will rise to $75,000 in fall 2009), and annually caps need-based student loans at $3,000 for family incomes between $60,000 and $120,000.
Eastern Michigan U Breaks Ground for Green Science Building
Eastern Michigan University has broken ground for the 72,000 square foot addition to the Mark Jefferson Building, which will be undergoing a renovation as well. Green features to the new science addition will include a mechanical system that will reduce energy consumption, a green roof, and a rain garden.
George Washington U Opens Office of Sustainability
George Washington University (DC) has established an Office of Sustainability. The new Office will coordinate GW's sustainability initiatives, move the University toward carbon neutrality, and implement the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. The Office is currently searching for a director.
Goucher College, U Phoenix Purchase RECs
Goucher College (MD) has announced that it will purchase renewable energy to offset a portion of its electricity usage. Constellation NewEnergy will supply Goucher with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to match 25 percent of the college's projected electricity consumption for the next three years. Goucher's RECs will come from wind energy sources certified by Green-e Energy, an independent verification program for renewable energy. Similarly, the University of Phoenix (AZ) has announced plans to purchase 46.5 million kWh of RECs, an amount equal to the electricity used by its 26 buildings in the Phoenix area annually. The University is purchasing the RECs from a wind farm in Washington through Salt River Project's EarthWise program, which will also be certified by Green-e Energy.
GWU Business School Launches 'Green Sports Score Card'
The George Washington University (DC) School of Business' Institute for Corporate Responsibility and Sport Management program has launched a "Green Sports Score Card" research initiative that will help sports organizations globally assess their environmental friendliness. The Green Sports Score Card is an assessment tool that sports teams and other organizations, from youth to professional levels, may use to determine their "green score" and compare how they rank among peers. The GW Institute for Corporate
Harvey Mudd College Holds Energy Conservation Competition
Harvey Mudd College (CA) has completed its October Energy Conservation Competition. The contest challenged the residents of HMC’s eight dorms to conserve as much energy as possible through a variety of methods including setting computers to sleep mode, turning off lights whenever possible, washing clothes in cold water, opening blinds during the day for natural lighting, and unplugging cell phone and camera chargers from the wall when not in use. The first, second, and third place dorms reduced their energy consumption by 33, 22, and 20 percent respectively.
Kalamazoo Valley CC to Install Wind Turbine
Kalamazoo Valley Community College (MI) has announced plans to install a 50 kW wind turbine on its campus. Installation is set to begin December 1, 2008. Officials expect the turbine to generate 15 percent of the electricity needed to power the technical wing at KVCC.
Kwantlen Polytechnic U Building Receives LEED Gold
Kwantlen Polytechnic University's (BC) Cloverdale Campus has received LEED Gold certification. The $42.3-million, 17,203-sq. meter building accommodates up to 900 full-time students and contains 21 shops, 27 classrooms/labs, and additional space dedicated to computer labs, student services, a bookstore, a cafeteria, study lounges, and a library. The trades and technology training facility features low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, and sensor-controlled faucets, and 87 percent of the waste generated during construction was recycled. In addition, the placement and positioning of the building optimizes the energy performance of the campus by allowing more natural light.
Los Angeles Southwest College to Install 4 MW Solar Array
Los Angeles Southwest College (CA) has announced plans to install 4 MW of solar panels on campus. The installation will consist of 2 MW arrays mounted atop five carport structures, 1 MW integrated onto building rooftops and 1 MW installed on ground-mounted arrays with tracking systems. The system is expected meet the College's electricity consumption, and will provide educational opportunities for students. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.
Madison Area TC, U Notre Dame Join LED University Program
Madison Area Technical College (WI) and the University of Notre Dame (IN) have joined the LED University program, an international community of universities working to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient LEDs across their campuses. LED University member institutions seek to promote and deploy LED lighting as they work toward increasing energy savings, protecting the environment, reducing maintenance costs, and providing better light quality for improved visibility and safety. Since 2007, MATC has installed approximately 400 LED fixtures on its campus. Notre Dame has implemented four pilot installations to evaluate the feasibility of LED lighting on its campus, and has experienced energy savings of 50 to 80 percent on each project thus far.
Marshalltown CC Starts Organic Garden
Marshalltown Community College (IA) has started an organic garden on campus. The two-acre garden will be tended by six students in the Entrepreneurial and Diversified Agriculture Program. The students plan to start a Community Supported Agriculture Program with the organic fruits and vegetables that will be grown in the garden starting next spring.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Res Hall Earns LEED Gold
A cadet residence hall at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy has been awarded LEED Gold certification. Sustainable design elements include on-site energy production, operable occupancy sensors, energy-efficient lighting, abundant daylighting, a high percentage of recycled content materials, and plumbing fixtures that have reduced domestic water use by 48%. Energy for the building comes from an on-site wind turbine, a rooftop photovoltaic array, and natural gas-powered cogeneration turbines.
Mass Maritime Academy Installs Solar Outdoor Lighting
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy has installed solar-powered LED outdoor lighting on campus. MMA believes the installation to be the largest in New England. The lights are powered by photovoltaic panels, making them completely independent of the electric grid. The lighting project was largely funded by a $325,000 state renewable energy grant to Mass Maritime, supplemented by a $34,000 rebate from the Commonwealth Solar program managed by the Mass Technology Collaborative. The balance of the funding was provided by the Massachusetts State College Building Authority and other Mass Maritime funds.
Michigan State U Department of Theatre Goes Green
The Michigan State University Department of Theatre has announced plans to produce its first "green" play. The set for Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” features natural fabrics, eco-friendly lighting, and recycled materials. The student set crew made portions of the set from papier-mâché constructed from issues of the State News and used low-VOC paint. In addition, the actors didn't use paper copies of scripts and materials were not shipped in for the production. MSU plans to host at least one “gree
Middlebury College Student Newspaper Publishes Green Issue
Middlebury College's student newspaper, The Middlebury Campus , has released a special "green" issue to report on green issues affecting the campus and engage the community in environmental dialogue. Special features of the green issue included all content on environmental topics, including green submissions from regular columnists and articles on topics like organic food, environmental art, and local trends in eco design; Op-Eds solicited from environmental thinkers; and environmentally friendly pro
Montana State U Signs Contract to Save Energy
Montana State University has signed a contract with Integrated Energy Solutions to reduce its overall energy consumption on campus. The agreement will be paid for with a percentage of the savings the campus realizes from conservation opportunities identified by the firm. The focus of the program is on behavioral and low-cost, practical ways to reduce energy use and instilling a culture of energy conservation among the campus community.
NWTC, LTC Receive $987K to Train Energy Technicians
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Lakeshore Technical College have partnered with the Wisconsin Public Service Corp., Dominion Energy, and the Bay Area Workforce Development Board to form the NEW Energy Project. The project has received $987,000 to fund a Utility Engineering Technician Associate of Applied Science Program at NWTC beginning in August of 2009 and a Nuclear Technology of Applied Sciences Program at both LTC and NWTC. The funding will also be used to develop appropriate advanced technical certificates to upgrade existing workers in energy generation.
Ohio State U 4-H Center Receives LEED Certification
The Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on Ohio State University's campus has received LEED certification. The building, which received 30 points under the LEED system, features dual-flush toilets; recycled materials in carpeting, wall panels, and structural steel and concrete; and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Oklahoma State U Receives $20M for Biofuels Research
Oklahoma State University Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) has received $20 million from the National Science Foundation and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The combined $4 million in annual support is renewable for the next five years and enables Oklahoma EPSCoR to support research under its new theme area, “Building Oklahoma’s Leadership Role in Cellulosic Bioenergy.” During the five-year project, the researchers will explore: molecular mechanisms and tools for biomass development, the molecular basis and mechanisms underlying efficient microbial conversion of biomass to liquid fuels, and new catalytic/thermochemical conversion processes of cellulosic biomass.
PLNU Installs 310KW Array, Receives Award for Sustainable Design
Point Loma Nazarene University (CA) has received an Orchid Award for Sustainable Design. Each year, the San Diego Architectural Foundation hands out Orchids and Onions for the best and worst designs respectively. PLNU’s 310 KW solar panel system from SPG Solar earned the award. The system provides approximately 80 percent of peak energy for four major buildings, including a residence hall and the gymnasium, and reduces CO2 emissions significantly. In total, more than 50 percent of the buildings’ annual electricity costs will be offset by clean, solar power.
Presidents Climate Commitment Passes 600 Signatories
16 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Gary Forsee of the University of Missouri, Roger G. Brown of the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, Rebecca Chopp of Colgate University (NY), Kevin Wildes of Loyola University , New Orleans (LA), Danielle N. Ripich of the University of New England (ME), John P. Minahan of Western Oregon University, Lisa Marsh Ryerson of Wells College (NY), Roy C. Hudson of Mississippi Valley State University, Jesse W. Rogers of Midwestern State University (TX), Leonard Schlesinger of Babson College (MA), Marcia Pfeiffer if St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley (MO), Jeanne Swarthout of Northland Pioneer College (AZ), Thomas Chema of Hiram College (OH), Andrea Lee of College of St. Catherine (MN), Thomas Keegan of Peninsula College (WA), and Kenneth A. Boham of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (NC). 602 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
Queen's U Establishes Statement of Responsible Investing
Queen's University (ON) has established a Statement of Responsible Investing. The purpose of the Statement is to set down the principles which govern investments at Queen’s and to provide details on the process under which non-financial factors will be considered in investment decisions. The Statement allows the University to take Special Action on investments which contain "social injury" and explains the steps by which faculty, administrative and support staff, students, retirees, and alumni can submit
Rensselaer Launches Center for Architecture Science & Ecology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY) and architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) have officially launched the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE). Headquartered at SOM’s offices on Wall Street in lower Manhattan, CASE is a collaboration that engages scientists, engineers, and architects from the professional and academic worlds toward a common goal of redefining how we build sustainable cities and environments. The idea is to tap and cultivate the talents of a new generation of architects, thinkers, and planners and to turn out sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to environmental challenges in the global building sector.
Saginaw Valley State U Building Receives LEED Silver
Saginaw Valley State University's (MI) Pioneer Hall has received LEED Silver certification. Green features include on-site water retention, high performance glass, a 30 percent reduction in water use, and an energy recovery system. In addition, half of all construction waste was diverted from the landfill, a minimum of 20 percent of the building materials contain recycled content, and part of the structure's wood materials come from sustainably-managed forests. Pioneer Hall, which underwent a $16 million expansion and renovation, opened in September 2008.
Southern Utah U Installs 6 KW Solar Array
Southern Utah University has installed a 6 kW photovoltaic system on the roof of the facilities building. The installation was funded by a Blue Sky grant from Rocky Mountain Power.
Stanford U Holds Bike Safety Contest
Stanford University (CA) has announced the 2008 Invention Challenge, which challenges students in teams of up to four to think of new ways to prevent or mitigate bicycle-related injury. The hope is that the competition will result in new products, methods, or solutions to existing safety problems on campus and elsewhere. Cash prizes of $1,000 to $5,000 will be awarded to the top ideas.
SUNY-ESF Launches Car Sharing Program
The State University of New York School of Environmental Science and Forestry has launched CuseCar, a not-for-profit community car sharing organization. CuseCar's mission is to provide a sustainable transportation program in Onondaga County that will reduce vehicle miles traveled, lower the carbon footprint, improve air quality, and assist in developing a new green energy fuel distribution system for the community. CuseCar is offered to drivers 18 and up and who are SUNY-ESF students, faculty, and staff. Those who are eligible for the program may participate by paying an annual membership fee of $100 and an hourly and mileage rate for usage. CuseCar’s fleet consists of alternatively fueled vehicles. As part of the program, CuseCar will have a designated parking space on the SUNY-ESF campus and convenient designated parking throughout the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County.
Trinity College Signs Contract for Climate Plan Development
Under a new partnership between Trinity College (CT), Groom Energy Solutions, and Nexus Environmental Partners, Groom and Nexus will provide Trinity with a multi-year climate commitment plan and will implement facilities upgrades to help the College meet the requirements of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. The two companies will provide detailed campus and building energy assessments, energy efficiency facility upgrades, on-site renewable energy installations, and water conservation measures. Nexus and Groom will also work closely with administration, faculty, and student organizations to implement campus wide messaging, training and process change. The companies will also deliver and manage the measurement tools for tracking performance over time.
U Arkansas to Complete Energy Upgrades, Signs Energy Contract
The University of Arkansas has announced plans to begin a campus-wide energy conservation program. The University will begin installing energy-saving projects in 57 campus buildings in December or January. The measures will include installing sensors that regulate lighting and temperature when rooms are not occupied; low-flow bathroom fixtures; more efficient lighting; and more efficient heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. The upgrades are expected to cost $32.8 million over 13 years, but the University expects the improvements to pay for themselves in energy savings. In related news, UA has signed a $22.9 million energy performance contract with Energy Systems Group to make the energy conservation improvements.
UCLA Hires Sustainability Coordinator
The University of California, Los Angeles has hired Nurit Katz as its first Sustainability Coordinator. Katz has an MBA and a Master's of Public Policy, both from UCLA, and a certificate for completing the four course "Leaders in Sustainability" program – a program that she helped develop. Her first task will be to finalize the campus' first climate action plan.
UI Chicago Establishes Community Garden, Replaces Light Bulbs
The University of Illinois, Chicago has established a new community garden on campus. The 40 foot by 30 foot plot is currently managed by one farmer, but the University hopes to open it up to more community helpers in the spring. In addition, the University's Office of Sustainability recently started an initiative to replace all incandescent light bulbs on campus with more efficient compact florescent bulbs. The Office estimates that by changing all of the bulbs in the main administrative building on campus, the University will save $170,000 annually.
U Lethbridge Opens Water & Env'l Science Research Facility
The University of Lethbridge (AB) has opened its new Water and Environmental Science Building. The 60,000 square foot facility will house an Aquatic Research Facility, offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, wet labs, dry labs, and an Analytical Lab. Environmentally friendly features of the $27 million structure include a rainwater collection system, natural airflow, efficient air-conditioning and heating systems, and a three-story vertical greenhouse. The rainwater collected in the cistern will be used in building toilets and for irrigation.
U Louisville to Help Kentucky Schools Reduce Energy Use
The Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center, located in the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville (KY), has announced plans to work with all of the state’s school districts to help them reduce energy costs through the Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools (KEEPS). In a two-year pilot, KEEPS helped five school districts and three colleges and universities save more than $1 million, close to a 10 percent reduction, in energy costs during fiscal years 2006-07 and 2007-08.
UNC Wilmington Opens Student-Run Green Products Store
The University of North Carolina, Wilmington has opened ECOteal, a new student store devoted to environmentally friendly products and practices. The store offers transportation-related items, green products, and repair services; all merchandise is recyclable, biodegradable, or otherwise environmentally preferable; clothing is made from organic cotton or bamboo; and a local bike mechanic is available at the store by appointment every week.
U Wyoming Partners with GE for Cleaner Coal
The University of Wyoming and GE Energy have reached an agreement on a proposed development plan for the High Plains Gasification Advanced Technology Center. The Center is intended to enable researchers from both GE and UW to develop gasification and cleaner coal technologies for Powder River Basin and other coals. The center will include a small-scale gasification system.
Virginia Commonwealth U Purchases 2 Electric Trucks
Virginia Commonwealth University has purchased two small electric trucks. Facilities Management uses the electric trucks for collecting trash and recycling and maintaining the grounds on both of VCU’s campuses.
WKU Extends Breaks to Reduce Energy, Signs Energy Contract
Western Kentucky University has added a week to its winter break and has cancelled classes for one week in July in an effort to reduce energy consumption costs and to offset the shortfall in the utility budget. The December and July breaks are expected to save the University $80,000 and $60,000 respectively. In addition, WKU has signed an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Johnson Controls.
WVU Announces the Sustainable & Renewable Energy Grants Prgm
West Virginia University has announced the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Grants Program. The Program will offer $500 to $1,000 grants to teams of WVU students to further their energy research projects. WVU will announce the grant winners in December. Funding will be available January 7th, 2009.
AASHE Holds Largest Campus Sustainability Gathering
AASHE recently held its second biannual conference, "Working Together for Sustainability – On Campus and Beyond." With over 1,700 registrants from over 400 colleges and universities in 48 states and 15 countries, the conference was the largest gathering focused on campus sustainability to date in North America. The conference featured over 300 presentations, more than 100 posters, and over 120 exhibitors. Blog posts, photos, and podcasts from the event can be found on the Live at AASHE 2008 webpage. The
Auburn U Begins Converting Vegetable Oil into Biodiesel
Auburn University (AL) has begun a program to convert used vegetable oil from campus fryers into biodiesel fuel. The AU Biosystems Engineering Department collects the oil from the new Student Center and converts it into fuel. The biodiesel is then used in trucks that transport materials to and from one of the college's rural studios.
Bucknell U Launches Bike Share Program
Bucknell University (PA) has launched Bison Bikes, a community-bike share program. The goal of the pilot program is to promote the use of bicycles as a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound campus transportation option. The program provides bikes to undergraduate students for a one-time non-refundable fee of $10 and attendance at a bicycle safety seminar. The student can then check out a bike for the remainder of the academic year. Bison Bikes has begun with a fleet of 30 bicycles.
College of William & Mary Funds Projects with Green Fee
The Committee on Sustainability at the College of William and Mary (VA) has awarded the first round of green fee funding to campus projects. Initial projects include additional funding for the campus recycling program, seed money for student and faculty research on solar cell development and storm water runoff, and facility improvements such as the installation of occupancy sensors and electric metering.
Dalhousie U Receives Green Purchasing Award
Dalhousie University (NS) has received the EcoLogo Environmental Stewardship Award, an award that recognizes organizations for their commitment to environmental protection through green purchasing. Dalhousie is the first university in North America to receive this award from the EcoLogo program.
