West Virginia U Institute of Tech Students Study 'Micro-Grid'
West Virginia University Institute of Technology students are using a miniature power grid to study sustainable and renewable energy. The grid is located on the roof of the engineering building, alongside a small wind turbine and two solar panels. Generators pump power through extension cords into the renewable energy lab. Students are working to design controllers to manage power from those energy sources. Once the technology is perfected, the university believes schools, hospitals and businesses could install “micro-grids” to generate their own power through wind, solar or fuel cell technology.
Central Carolina CC Launches Sustainability Technologies Degree
Central Carolina Community College (NC) is preparing students for positions like sustainability consultant, green building supervisor and renewable energy technician with the launch of its applied science associate degree in sustainability technologies. The college will offer two areas of study: energy and green building. The alternative energy track emphasizes education in energy analysis, renewable energy modeling and system design. The green building track will train students in sustainable design materials, methods for constructing energy-efficient homes, weatherization and water management.
State U of New York Canton Students Install Solar Heat Collectors
Alternative and renewable energy systems students at the State University of New York at Canton have installed two rooftop heat collectors at a college alumni house as part the university's solar thermal systems curriculum. The roof-mounted collectors utilize solar energy to warm antifreeze, which in turn warms water for showers, cooking and laundry. Students will continue to maintain the system and use it as a learning tool.
U Massachusetts Dartmouth Offers Sustainability Studies
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has launched a sustainability studies program that features a sustainability minor and a sustainability studies certificate. The interdisciplinary program focuses on the impact of humanity on environmental, economic and social systems, and how best to recognize the current state of the world for a more sustainable future. The university is also planning to develop an undergraduate sustainability degree, a master's in sustainable development and a graduate-level sustainable development certificate.
Virginia Tech Offers Executive Natural Resources Graduate Program
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has launched an executive natural resources graduate program to help develop sustainability leaders. The accelerated, non-residential program is geared toward working professionals with at least five years of management experience. Students will gain an understanding of the opportunities to address a broad range of sustainability challenges in local communities and throughout global society.
Arizona State U Launches New Sustainability Minor
Arizona State University has launched a new minor in sustainability. The 18-credit program enables undergraduate students to explore the challenges of sustainability and learn what determines the sustainability of human institutions, organizations, cultures and technologies in different environments at the local, national and international levels. The series of courses will introduce sustainability principles and explain how sustainability relates to various academic disciplines and professional fields.
Portland State U Receives Grant for Sustainability Studies
Portland State University (OR) has received a $3 million grant for sustainability studies. The grant will be used for as many as 30 fellowships over the next five years for doctoral students to research urban studies. Students will work out of the university’s Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices, now known as the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, and examine issues such as the long-term effects of urban growth on the environment, ecosystem management, greenhouse gases, population density and the quality of city life.
Santa Clara U Launches Clean Energy Certificate
Santa Clara University (CA) has launched a new Renewable Energy Certificate. The one-year program will help refresh the skill sets of engineers in the semiconductor field to prepare for the expanding wind, solar and geothermal sectors. The certificate program includes courses in alternative energy, power systems, biofuels engineering and an introduction to smart grids and energy management. The university also plans to debut a sustainable energy master's degree in the 2011-2012 academic year within its School of Engineering.
Central Carolina CC Offers Green Building Courses
Central Carolina Community College (NC) has begun offering green building and renewable energy classes. The courses will focus on the LEED rating system and building environmentally friendly structures. An introduction to photovoltaic system design, sustainable design and communities, building analyst training, solar water heating principles and water management courses will also be offered.
Grand Rapids CC Launches Green Job Training
Grand Rapids Community College (MI) is set to launch its green technician training course. The 80-hour, four-week class will prepare students for entry-level sustainable manufacturing jobs. Three area manufacturers will draw on graduates from the program.
Lincoln Land CC Set to Expand Renewable Energy Program
Lincoln Land Community College (IL) has received a $2 million grant to expand opportunities for students in alternative energy and green construction trades. The college will offer wind, solar and geothermal energy training with new equipment and teaching spaces.
Mineral Area College Launches Renewable Energy Technology Degree
Mineral Area College (MO) has developed an associate degree in renewable energy technology with agriculture, manufacturing, solar and wind concentrations. The coursework can be articulated to a bachelor's degree at Southeast Missouri University. The college is also offering a 15-hour Renewable Energy Technician Certificate.
NY Times Features Rise of Community College Green Job Training
Highlighting the growing need for a new generation of environmentally smart managers, The New York Times recently featured the rise of green job training opportunities at community colleges. The federal government is contributing $500 million toward green job training, says the article, and the energy efficiency sector is estimated to grow as much as four times in the next decade to an estimated 1.3 million people. Educational institutions are offering courses and degree programs to ready managers who will oversee the technologies, manufacturing processes and materials that will be used to conserve energy and help safeguard natural resources.
Redstone College Creates Wind Energy Curriculum
Redstone College (CO) has created a new wind energy technology program. The 15-month curriculum includes hands-on learning with test equipment and troubleshooting for wind turbine installation, testing and repair. The college will use a wind turbine that has been converted to a ground-floor wind lab.
Haywood CC to Offer Green Building Curriculum
Offered through the JobsNOW program and a grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, Haywood Community College (NC) will offer an eight-week course on the Fundamentals of Green Building this fall. The course is designed to help construction workers and contractors land work in the emerging green construction industry. The course will cover theories, practices and materials used in green building. Students will work on a model green home being built on the campus.
Meredith College Debuts Environmental Sustainability Major
Meredith College (NC) will offer an interdisciplinary major focused on environmental sustainability this fall. The undergraduate program will focus on three foundations: natural and mathematical sciences, social sciences, and economics and communication. Students will have the opportunity to tailor a program that fits their professional interests. A wide variety of liberal art courses will be offered including environmental ethics, economics and politics, along with research or internship experience.
U Washington Offers New Online Sustainability Certificate
The University of Washington will offer certificates in Organizational Strategies for Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment this fall. The first program will assist in the development of sustainability goals in an organization by designing and implementing strategies, policies, plans and processes. The Life Cycle program will teach students how to track a product, service or policy throughout its life cycle, and measure its impact on environmental and economic structures. Both certificate programs will be offered online.
Antioch U New England Offers Social Justice Concentration
Antioch U New England’s (NH) environmental studies graduate program has announced a new concentration in advocacy for social justice and sustainability. The program is tailored to recent graduates and professionals who have a strong interest in working as public interest advocates and grassroots organizers. Students are immersed in an interactive, collaborative learning environment that centers on political analysis and strategy, nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship.
UMass Dartmouth Launches Online Sustainable Development Program
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has launched an online graduate program in sustainable development. The program received funding through a U.S. Department of Labor workforce training program grant. The graduate level certificate program will provide students with the knowledge and skills to enact sustainability in both personal and professional applications. Students will take a core course in Principles of Sustainability, two electives and a capstone course in Strategic Sustainability.
U New Haven Offers Sustainable Studies Degree
The Tagliatela College of Engineering at the University of New Haven (CT) has created a new Bachelor of Science degree in sustainability studies. The program was designed for students interested in applying sustainable principles and practices through a career in the industrial, government or academic sectors. Required classes include Global Solutions to Sustainability, Project Management and Engineering Economics, Environmental Law, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics and Introduction to Traditional and Alternative Energy Systems.
U New Mexico Debuts Sustainable Living & Learning Community
This fall, the University of New Mexico will debut its Sustainability Studies Living & Learning Community (LLC). The program introduces first-year students to various aspects of sustainability, and connects them with opportunities to participate in local outreach opportunities and green internships. LLC students will share an apartment-style dorm, learning to apply the principles of sustainability to their everyday lives.
Appalachian State U to Begin Sustainable Initiative with Brazil
Appalachian State University (NC) has received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s U.S.-Brazil High Education Consortia Program. The funding will go toward the implementation of a four-year U.S.-Brazil Sustainability and Sustainable Development Education Initiative. In collaboration with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, University of Fortaleza and State University of Amazonas in Brazil, the project will work to improve the quality of undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on sustainability and sustainable development through the exchange of faculty, staff, students, coursework and cultural experiences.
U Nevada Reno Creates Energy Management Certificate
The University of Nevada, Reno will offer a new Energy Management Certificate program in the fall. The 10-session certificate offered by the university's Extended Studies will examine the essentials of building-energy management technologies, regulatory compliance issues and increasing efficiency and return on investment. The courses are designed for building and facility/plant managers, construction planners, engineers, maintenance personnel and others interested in energy resources.
U New Haven Announces Undergraduate Sustainability Program
The University of New Haven (CT) has developed a Bachelor of Science sustainability studies program to debut this fall. The interdisciplinary program is designed to help prepare students for careers in the green job market with the application of sustainability principles and practices in a variety of professional positions in industry, government and academia.
SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School Starts Green Education Program
SKH Li Fook Hing Secondary School (Hong Kong) has launched the Green Program to provide students with hands-on sustainable initiatives experience. Students in the program have created a demonstration mobile solar power station to educate countryside villagers about solar power. Also initiated by the program was the installation of a campus green roof and a rainwater harvesting system.
Brookdale CC Offers New Solar Energy Course
Brookdale Community College (NJ) has announced a new solar energy system course to be offered in the fall. Students will have the opportunity to design and install solar photovoltaic systems. The course will cover the basic technology and skills required for the design and installation of a solar energy system. After successfully completing the instructional program, students will be eligible to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Providers exam.
Clinton CC Creates Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program
Clinton Community College (NY) has created a new wind turbine service technician certificate program. The certificate is designed to prepare students for careers in wind energy or enhance current employment in the renewable energy industry. The 31-credit program will provide students with a background in industrial electricity and mechanical systems. All credit hours are transferable to the wind energy and turbine technology associate's degree program.
Missouri State U to Offer Geotourism Degree
Missouri State University has announced that it will offer an undergraduate geotourism degree in the fall. The degree combines cultural and environmental geography with community planning, development and tourism. The program will include courses that present a holistic approach to the study of local and global tourism impacts, with the primary focus on enhancing the quality of life of all affected by tourism development. The program was developed in consultation with National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations.
Southern Methodist U Uses Solar Array for Online Teaching Tool
Southern Methodist University (TX) has installed a 68-panel solar array for demonstration purposes. The university plans to share information learned from the online monitoring system with K-12 students. The online feature allows anyone to monitor the energy produced by the system in real time. Time lapse animation is used to demonstrate how the solar panels absorb the sun and transform it to energy. Graphics on the site allow the user to compare highs and lows in energy production across the days and months since the array was installed. The solar array has generated enough electricity to offset the university’s footprint by 10.7 metric tons.
U Rochester Offers Solar Energy Doctoral Program
The University of Rochester (NY) has created a solar energy doctoral program that will start in the fall. With a $3.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the university aims to turn out students with advanced degrees in various disciplines but with similar groundings in science, business and solar energy public policy. The program will enroll six students a year.
Eastern New Mexico U Roswell Begins Renewable Tech Program
Eastern New Mexico University, Roswell will debut a new associate of applied science degree program in renewable energy technology this fall. The curriculum will educate entry-level technicians in clean energy systems including solar, wind, water and geothermal. Students will be introduced to industry energy concepts and trends, and learn the fundamentals of energy systems.
Pennsylvania State U Debuts Energy and Sustainable Policy Degree
Pennsylvania State University has launched an online undergraduate degree in energy and sustainable policy that will start this fall. This program is designed to prepare students for policy making and communications in the renewable energy field. Curriculum will focus on client-stakeholder relations, integrative design and decision making for energy solutions, and business strategies in the energy field.
Portland CC to Offer Green Technology Degree
Portland Community College’s (OR) Civil and Mechanical Engineering Technology program has announced a green technology and sustainability option. Starting this fall, the associate's degree program will provide students with the skills to practice sustainable engineering. Courses will include renewable energy, environmental sociology, environmental quality and an introduction to geographic information systems.
U Rochester Announces Renewable Energy Program
The University of Rochester (NY) is looking to train the next generation of renewable energy experts and entrepreneurs with a new renewable energy program. Funded by a $3.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, students will receive training in economics, public policy, communications and psychology. The program integrates multidisciplinary research involving several academic departments and students will be exposed to the multicultural and global aspects of renewable energy.
Century College Develops Introductory Solar Energy Design Classes
Century College (MN) and the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society have developed one-day introduction courses for students interested in learning the basics of designing solar photovoltaic and solar hot water heating systems. The college will also offer a half-day course for students interested in exploring renewable energy careers.
Lakeshore Tech College Installs Wind Turbine for Training Opps
Lakeshore Technical College (WI) has installed the campus' second wind turbine. At 120 feet, the 50-kilowatt turbine will provide opportunities for student training and field testing. Regular maintenance of the turbine will be performed by second-year students in the wind energy technology associate's degree program. A third wind turbine is scheduled for installation later this summer.
Mountain State U Introduces Environmental Sustainability Degree
Mountain State University (WV) is offering a new Bachelor of Science in environmental sustainability. The biology-based program integrates a traditional science curriculum with environmental awareness. The program will prepare students for job opportunities in the fields of academics, research, development and implementation of sustainable and green technologies.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical U Creates Clean Energy Systems Degree
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) has announced the addition of a clean energy systems degree to its engineering department. The curriculum will cover turbines, systems that make energy from the heat of the sun, earth and ocean, and systems for storing energy. Students will have the opportunity to take courses and complete projects related to hybrid vehicles, solar lighting, green engineering and eco-friendly aviation. The program is slated for a fall 2010 start.
Owens CC Installs Solar Panels with Students
Students at Owens Community College (OH) received hands-on training with the installation of the college's new solar array. The 1.7-kilowatt array features eight panels and will be used to convert sunlight into electricity for regular operational purposes within the Community Education and Wellness Center. The college's photovoltaic installation program will teach students about photovoltaic systems and theory. Course content includes system sizing and construction, codes and standards, interconnection safety, troubleshooting and maintenance.
Students at U Hawaii-Maui CC Install Solar Panel Grid
University of Hawaii-Maui Community College has debuted a new solar panel grid that was installed by students. The panels were installed over the course of the spring semester by a team of 20 students as part of the college's solar energy technology training program. Another team of electronics and computer engineering students spent two semesters designing the grid. The solar energy system is made up of 84 photovoltaic panels that feed the campus grid. The college estimates electric bill savings of up to $10,000 per year.
Tennessee Technology Center Opens Green Sustainable Energy Campus
Tennessee Technology Center has opened a Green Sustainable Energy Campus that will serve as a training facility for students. The building is powered by solar energy and harvested from an array of solar panels around the building. Students will learn how to install solar panels and how the solar equipment works. After completion of the program, students will have entry-level knowledge of photovoltaic installation.
Messiah College Approves Sustainability Studies Program
Messiah College (PA) has approved an undergraduate sustainability studies program. Students can select from three areas of focus: community and urban development, public policy and sustainable agriculture. Messiah has also partnered with Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, a fieldwork program, to provide students with opportunities to travel with Messiah faculty for fieldwork.
Temple U Launches Corporate Social Responsibility Minor
Temple University's (PA) Fox School of Business has announced a new minor in corporate social responsibility beginning in fall 2010. The six-course undergraduate program will integrate sustainability into the business curriculum and expand research and community engagement. The minor will require students to complete 120 hours with partners within the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.
U Texas Arlington Debuts Sustainable Graduate Program
The University of Texas at Arlington has announced a new sustainable studies graduate program. The yearlong curriculum addresses sustainability across a variety of academic and professional disciplines. Some courses will focus on sustainability concepts like the LEED and Energy Star programs. Other courses will look at cost and regulatory issues within green practices, and the psychological and socio-economic dynamics of the cultural paradigm shift to a more conscientious consumption. The program will start in fall 2010.
Marylhurst U Expands Graduate Sustainable Business Program
Marylhurst University (OR) has launched a campus-based version of its online MBA in sustainable business. The graduate business administration program will begin accepting students this fall. Students will take one course at a time during the 18-month program. Students can choose from concentrations in renewable energy and green development.
Oklahoma State U Creates Renewable Energy Program
Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City has announced plans to offer a renewable/sustainable energy associate in applied science degree. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work in a number of different related fields including solar and wind energy systems, geothermal heating and cooling systems, residential energy auditing, and advanced green building systems. The new program will be offered in fall 2010.
South Dakota State U Receives Grants for Green Education
South Dakota State University has received two grants totaling $150,000 from the South Dakota Department of Labor to promote green jobs training in the state. The first grant will fund two courses and a workshop for people starting or advancing their careers in the ethanol and bio-energy industries. The project will also result in LEED certifications. The mechanical engineering department will use the other grant to develop a minor in sustainable energy systems. Both two-year grants will begin on July 1, 2010.
U Texas Arlington Offers Sustainability Minor
The University of Texas at Arlington will offer a minor in sustainability through its School of Urban and Public Affairs beginning fall 2010. The 18-credit interdisciplinary undergraduate program will aid science majors who want to work in environmental science or liberal arts majors who want to explore public policy. A new three-hour core sustainability course will be offered in spring 2011.
Antioch U New England Debuts Resource Mgmt Graduate Degree
Antioch University New England (NH) has begun accepting applications for a new master's degree in resource management and conservation. The four-semester program, which will begin this fall, is tailored to working professionals in the natural and environmental sciences who want to broaden their leadership expertise and expand their career options. Courses take place on Fridays and weekends in a collaborative learning environment focused on socio-economic sustainability.
Antioch U New England Offers Sustainable Dev't Concentration
Antioch University New England (NH) has added a new concentration in sustainable development and climate change to its environmental studies graduate program. Studies include ecological and climate sciences, policy formulation and implementation, resource management, stakeholder participation, and organizational decision making. Applications to the 20-month program are now being accepted for the fall.
