Appalachian State U Opens New Office of Sustainability
Appalachian State University (NC) has formed an Office of Sustainability. The Office hopes to engage and educate the community, increase efficiency and effectiveness of resource use, and promote a healthy, balanced community. Other plans include developing an annual sustainability report for the University, updating the campus greenhouse gas inventory, and making sustainable transportation a top priority.
Memorial U Signs Sustainability Declaration
Memorial University (NL) has committed the institution to a greener climate on campus. The Sustainability Declaration, an overarching statement intended to define Memorial’s commitment to sustainable principles, was signed by President Dr. Christopher Loomis and other senior officials. The Declaration commits MU to promote a community committed to sustainability within and beyond the University and to develop a comprehensive and collaborative action plan with measurable outcomes. The document was also signed by several students.
ACUPCC Signatories Submit Public Climate Action Plans
Several U.S. campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAP) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. 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. September 15, 2009 was the first deadline for the Commitment's original members. The submitted plans can be viewed through the ACUPCC Reporting System.
The King's U College Launches Sustainability Committee
The King's University College (AB) has launched a new sustainability committee. The Campus Sustainability Coalition, which seeks to advance sustainability throughout the campus, is made up of twelve members that include students, staff, faculty, and the president. Coalition members have divided into three task forces that focus on researching the most effective methods to conduct annual environmental audits, integrating campus sustainability into all aspects of the University’s strategic plan, and seeking out external funding opportunities.
Marshall U Creates Sustainability Department, Appoints Director
Marshall University (WV) has created a new Sustainability Department and has appointed Margie J. Phillips as its new director. The new Sustainability Department will seek to help the University look for ways to conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and incorporate green technologies and materials into its planning and operations. Phillips has served as Marshall's energy analyst for more than 12 years.
Stony Brook U Hospital Pledges to Reduce Env'l Impact
Stony Brook University (NY) Hospital has become the first hospital in the U.S. to pledge to reduce its environmental impact through an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agreement signed by the two entities outlines goals and strategies for energy and water conservation, solid waste management, green design, and the use of environmentally-friendly products. Stony Brook University Hospital will track the results of these efforts and submit reports to EPA every six months.
U Illinois Chicago Releases Sustainability Report
The University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Sustainability has published its first annual report on the sustainability of the campus as a whole. The report utilizes indicators from AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) and is intended as a frank assessment of UIC's strengths in the area of sustainability, to provide some metrics to track the progress towards is sustainability goals, and to identify areas that need more attention and action. UIC collected data as one of nearly 70 pilot institutions for the AASHE STARS program.
Oklahoma City CC Establishes Green Task Force
Oklahoma City Community College has established a Green Task Force that aims to reduce waste, conserve water, and start a recycling program on campus. The group will also encourage students, faculty, and staff to be more involved with environment protection initiatives. Funding for Task Force projects will come from outside grants and campus funds.
Raritan Valley CC Sings Env'l Stewardship Agreement with EPA
Raritan Valley Community College (NJ) has signed an environmental stewardship agreement with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agreement, which was signed June 16, pledges the College’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and to continuous improvement using EPA programs to develop policies, practices, and specifications for environmental efficiency standards. It also commits RVCC to increasing stewardship awareness; remaining current with EPA regulations and guidelines; increasing involvement and recognition of its stakeholders in environmental sustainability programs; partnering with local government on environmental initiatives; and addressing environmental concerns swiftly.
Wilfrid Laurier U to Open Office of Sustainability
Wilfrid Laurier University (ON) has announced plans to open an Office of Sustainability on campus. After increasing the student green fee from $0.50 to $5.00 a semester, WLU is now able to fund a sustainability office, as well as hire a sustainability officer. The office will provide resources for students working to improve the University's sustainability performance.
Meredith College Approves Sustainability Plan
Meredith College (NC) has approved a plan for integrating sustainability into the College's practices in education and daily operations. Known as the College's "Greenprint," the new plan includes three main goals: to educate the campus community about sustainability; to model environmental responsibility in daily operations; and to integrate sustainability into campus administrative structure. Each of the goals include several desired outcomes, including weaving sustainability into the curriculum where applicable; minimizing the amount of waste generated by the campus; and using sustainability to inform financial decisions on campus. Students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumnae participated in the development of the plan, led by Meredith Sustainability Coordinator Laura Fieselman.
Pomona College Updates Env'l Policy, Establishes Sustainability Office
The Pomona College (CA) Board of Trustees has approved an update to the College's Statement of Environmental Policy. The new policy explicitly states the College's commitment to sustainability and sets new standards and requirements for decision-making in four key areas: capital projects, budgetary and financial planning, education and research, and assessment and review. It also formally creates the Sustainability Integration Office, headed by Pomona's Director of Sustainability, Bowen Patterson.
Virginia Tech Adopts Climate Action and Sustainability Plan
Virginia Tech has adopted a 14 point Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan which calls for the pursuit of LEED Silver certification or better for all new buildings and renovations, a 35 percent recycling rate by 2012, a target for reduction of campus greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 emission level by 2050, reductions in electric usage, the creation of an office of sustainability, and improvements in transportation efficiency. To ensure progress towards goals are met, the university will conduct annual assessments to measure actual progress each year and release these reports publicly.
U Richmond Becomes 100th Signatory of Talloires Decl on Civic Roles
The University of Richmond (VA) has signed the Talloires Declaration on the Civic Roles and Social Responsibilities of Higher Education (which is separate from the Talloires Declaration on Sustainability), making it the 100th worldwide institution to do so. The Talloires Network began in 2005 when the Declaration was drafted by 29 university presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors from 23 countries. By signing this international declaration, the University of Richmond has committed to educating for social responsibility and civic engagement, and to strengthening the application of university resources to the needs of local and global communities.
Manchester College Launches Sustainability Website
The Manchester College (IN) Green Campus Initiative has launched a new website. The site provides green tips, lists current campus sustainability projects, and posts the College's sustainability policy. The site also has an on-line meter of electric and gas usage on the campus and links for activism opportunities and green jobs.
Benedictine U Joins Illinois Sustainability University Compact
Benedictine University has joined the Illinois Sustainable University Compact, an organization of universities and community colleges across Illinois which, in conjunction with the Illinois Green Government Coordination Council, is committed to creating a greener, healthier environment. In joining the Compact, BU has agreed to such objectives as purchasing renewable energy, implementing green building practices, developing sustainable transportation options, improving water conservation efforts, and incorporating sustainable dining practices.
Pepperdine U Launches Center for Sustainability
Pepperdine University (CA) has announced the creation of the Center for Sustainability. The new Center, which has also launched a new website, seeks to advance sustainability at Pepperdine through the implementation of sustainable measures, the communication of successes and challenges, and the education of the university community. The Center for Sustainability has already implemented several new initiatives including switching to all recycled paper towels, biodegradable to-go ecotainers in cafeterias, and composting of food waste. Other new efforts include the availability of rental cars through Hertz Car Sharing and expanded e-waste recycling and battery collection.
U Illinois Chicago Signs Talloires Declaration
The University of Illinois at Chicago has signed the Talloires Declaration. By signing this international declaration, UIC commits to implement a 10-point action plan to incorporate sustainability and environmental literacy into its teaching, research, operations, and outreach.
U Kansas Students Complete Campus Climate Action Plan
A class of 12 University of Kansas graduate students has completed a Climate Action Plan for the campus. The students spent one semester collecting data on the University's carbon footprint and researched ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report suggests that the University monitor buildings’ temperatures when they are not in use, place solar panels on suitable surfaces, replace light fixtures with more efficient ones, and upgrade storm windows and awnings. The plan also recommends that students conduct energy audits of campus facilities as part of their course work and that the University should better educate incoming freshmen on alternative transportation options and offer more public transportation to commuters.
Bucknell U Releases Environmental Assessment
Bucknell University (PA) has released "A Comprehensive Environmental Assessment of Bucknell University." The goal of the document is to establish a baseline of existing conditions, provide a basis for improved sustainability, promote environmental awareness through the assessment process, and create an educational resource. The 226-page document covers administration and policy, education, energy, water, waste, purchasing, dining, built environment, and landscape.
U Delaware Releases Climate Action Plan
The University of Delaware has released a climate action plan that includes a commitment to reducing its carbon emissions 20 percent by 2020. UD has already completed an initial greenhouse gas inventory and has announced that its first step will be to make its 350 campus buildings more energy efficient. In addition, the University has set interim goals to reach a 5 percent reduction by 2012 and a 10 percent reduction by 2015. UD officials estimate that while the plan will cost $20 million over 10 years to implement, the energy savings will exceed $50 million.
Vanderbilt U Completes Env'l Commitment Statement, GHG Inventory
Vanderbilt University (TN) has adopted an Environmental Commitment Statement. The Statement affirms Vanderbilt's commitment to promoting lifelong learning about sustainability best practices for the benefit of the Vanderbilt community. The Statement includes Vanderbilt’s assurance that it will consistently implement, monitor, evaluate, and improve processes. The University has also completed and released its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
Dalhousie U Announces Sustainability Statement and Policy
Dalhousie University (NS) has adopted a Sustainability Statement and a Sustainability Policy that are meant to provide directional guidance to the university community. The Sustainability Statement and Policy provide context for specific operational policies, plans, and programs to be supported or developed. The Policy specifically outlines goals that address areas such as enhancing values and knowledge; decreasing natural resource use (energy, water, products) and associated waste and emissions; increasing use of renewable energy; enhancing the campus ecosystem; and increasing sustainable transportation.
Molloy College Launches Sustainability Institute
Molloy College (NY) has launched the Sustainability Institute which will provide community education on issues related to sustainability and “green” living, as well as policy analysis and recommendations. There will also be a student education component that will begin in the fall of 2009 with the incoming first-year students at Molloy.
Warren Wilson College Launches Sustainability Website
Warren Wilson College (NC) has launched a new sustainability website. The website contains information on campus initiatives and a list of sustainability-related awards and recognitions, sustainability-related committees, and upcoming events.
Central College Announces Ctr for Global Sustainability Education
Central College (IA) has announced the creation of a Center for Global Sustainability Education to be housed in the College’s new green education/psychology building scheduled to open in the fall. The center will house SUSTAIN, the Central College campus sustainability working group that provides resources and support for students and volunteers working on sustainability projects and community-based service-learning. The Prairie Project, the main ongoing initiative of the new center, will provide professional training and sustainability curriculum development support for area teachers and community partners.
U Victoria Adopts Sustainability Policy
The University of Victoria (BC) Board of Governors has approved a campus sustainability policy. The policy is an overarching framework that provides a common understanding of UVic’s commitment to sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community partnerships. A comprehensive five-year sustainability action plan for campus operations has also been developed as a first step in implementing the policy. It provides goals and direction for a wide range of actions within eight inter-related topic areas: energy and climate; transportation; purchasing; governance, decision-making, and sustainability resources; buildings and renovations; grounds, food and urban agriculture; waste management; and water management.
U California Berkeley Releases 2009 Climate Action Plan
The University of California, Berkeley has released its 2009 Climate Action Plan (CAP), which documents how the campus plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by one-third and eventually achieve climate neutrality. The Plan, which will be updated annually by the Office of Sustainability, examines how far the campus has come in the last two years to meet it emissions reduction goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2014.
Brock U Completes Sustainability Assessment
Brock University (ON) has completed a 25-page Sustainability Audit. The document includes assessments in the areas of water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, land use, governance, health, and ethical purchasing. The University used the Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework, a Canadian-based assessment tool.
Northern Kentucky U Releases Master Plan
Northern Kentucky University has released its "Master Plan 2009." One of the goals of the Master Plan is to "create a sustainable campus which reflects the highest standards of excellence." Specific initiatives include protecting sensitive habitat and environmental areas; installing rain gardens and green roofs; and mandating that all future buildings pursue LEED certification. The plan also envisions adding 2.1 million square feet of green space.
Texas A&M Opens Office of Sustainability
Texas A&M University has opened an Office of Sustainability. The Office hopes to work with university stakeholders to develop, coordinate, and enhance current sustainability initiatives. The Office has specific plans to work to integrate sustainability into the campus' curriculum, expand current recycling initiatives, and improve alternative transportation options on campus.
Luther College Strategic Plan Features Sustainability
The Luther College (IA) Board of Regents has approved the College's Sesquicentennial Strategic Plan for 2008-2012. One of the three strategic imperatives of the plan is to connect sustainability, stewardship, and global citizenship. One of the goals in the five-year plan is to cut the college's carbon footprint in half. Already, the college has reduced its campus carbon footprint by 15 percent and plans to make further investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy systems to reach the 50 percent goal. The plan also focuses on ways to reach the goals of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. In addition, $5 million (10 percent) of the Sesquicentennial Fund seeks endowment support for a new Center for Sustainable Communities. The goal of the center is to catalyze change and be an educational resource for businesses, churches, governments and communities in the region. Luther College has already created a new Campus Sustainability Council as a result of the plan.
Illinois State U Releases Sustainability Report
Illinois State University has released its first ever Sustainability Progress Report. The report covers fiscal year 2008 and highlights various campus efforts in the areas of energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and grounds and facilities operations. Academic initiatives are also covered, including sustainability-themed courses in various academic departments, faculty research, and campus-wide efforts to promote civic engagement by students.
Montana State U Long Range Plan Features Sustainability
Montana State University has released its Long Range Campus Development Plan, and sustainable practices, principles, and strategies are woven throughout the document. Specifically, sustainability is included as a Guiding Principle and is also incorporated into architecture, open space, land use, landscape, and signage principles. The Plan also describes MSU’s current sustainability initiatives, activities, and memberships, and includes a section on how sustainable practices will be included with implementation of the Plan.
McGill U Opens Office of Sustainability
McGill University (QC) has opened a new Office of Sustainability. The mission of the Office of Sustainability is to develop sustainability as a cultural norm at the University. The Office will encourage the efforts of students, faculty, staff, and administrators to incorporate principles of sustainability in the University’s operations, campus living and learning, and in its relations with the broader community. The Office will explore ways in which McGill can integrate social, environmental, and economic considerations in University decisions and develop partnerships that encourage and facilitate the cooperation of all members of the McGill University community to become more sustainable.
Boston College Master Plan Features Sustainability
Boston College (MA) has dedicated a chapter of its Institutional Master Plan (IMP) to sustainability issues. The IMP lists several campus sustainability goals, including seeking LEED certification for all new buildings and developing and adopting a Sustainability Policy and Plan within one year. The IMP has not yet been approved, but the University is already moving forward with its goals. Retrofits have begun in several campus buildings.
St. Petersburg College Opens Office for Sustainability
St. Petersburg College (FL) has opened an Office for Sustainability. The new Office aims to provide assistance and direction as SPC implements environmental education programs, student activities, and corporate training. The Office will also work on projects related to energy and natural resource conservation, green buildings, carbon emissions, and recycling. SPC has also begun offering several new sustainability-focused courses and has integrated sustainability-focused tracks in its Parks and Leisure Services program, Management Technology A.S. degree, Architectural Design and Construction Technology Associates A.S. degree, and Environmental Science Technology A.S. degree. In 2009, the College of Technology and Management plans to offer a Bachelors of Science degree in Sustainability Management, which will focus on sustainable business strategies, legal aspects of sustainability, and sustainability in built and natural environments.
U Kentucky Approves Sustainability Policy
The University of Kentucky has approved a University Sustainability Policy, committing the institution to take steps towards reducing its carbon emissions and corresponding socio-economic problems. The policy calls upon all levels and constituencies of the University to participate in a continuous and on-going effort to institute the teaching, research, and practice of sustainability and to establish an institutional culture of sustainability. The document discusses sustainability in the areas of leadership, research, education, community engagement, administration, operations, unit planning, funding, accountability, and reporting.
North Carolina State U Annual Sustainability Report
North Carolina State University has released its 2007-2008 Sustainability Report. The Report lists initiatives NCSU completed throughout the year in the areas of academics and research, buildings, energy, land use, materials management, transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and water.
UC Berkeley Green Fund Annual Report
The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF), the University of California, Berkeley's sustainability grant funded through a $5 per semester student fee, has released its 2007-2008 Annual Report. The document details TGIF’s first year of administration and all of the projects that received funding.
St. John's U Partners with EPA to Reduce its Env'l Impact
St. John's University (NY) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US Environmental Protection Agency to reduce its environmental impacts by adopting sustainable practices and joining EPA partnership programs. The agreement includes goals to reduce the energy consumed by the school's buildings and plants by at least 10 percent, adopting water conservation and material re-use strategies guided by the EPA's GreenScapes landscaping program, and conducting an energy audit of the St. Albert Hall laboratory and reducing its energy needs through EPA’s Labs 21 program. St. John’s will report the progress on its goals to EPA every six months.
Saint Xavier U Opens Office of Sustainability
Saint Xavier University (IL) has opened an Office of Sustainability to coordinate environmentally friendly initiatives on campus. Student employees and interns have begun working on green projects ranging from searching for grants, collecting data for a green house gas audit, and maintaining SXU’s new GreenBike program, which allows students to borrow bikes from computerized kiosks around the campus.
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.
SFSU, UCSB Establish Sustainability Committees
San Francisco State University (CA) has formed a committee to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and work towards environmental sustainability. The 14-member committee is made up of students, faculty, and staff. Similarly, the University of California, Santa Barbara has formed a new Sustainability Committee. The group, which will meet for the first time later this month, will work to enable the campus to reduce its environmental impact. The Committee's goals include uniting existing sustainability efforts on campus, finding new ways to promote energy conservation, and transitioning the campus to employ alternative energy sources.
Pomona Completes Sustainability Audit
Pomona College (CA) has completed its first Sustainability Audit, a 750 page report that will serve to guide the College's future sustainability efforts. The study, which was created by a team of six students aided by a consulting firm, summarizes, organizes, and analyzes data about the College's environmental impacts in the areas of climate change, energy, purchasing, transportation, waste and recycling, and water.
U Maryland Campus Sustainability Report 2008
The University of Maryland, College Park Office of Sustainability has released its Campus Sustainability Report 2008. The Report relates some of the progress the University has made over the past 18 months and includes a Campus Sustainability Metrics section, which chronicles the campus's progress in sustainability.
Lewis & Clark CC Opens Institute for Environmental Sustainability
Lewis and Clark Community College has opened a new Institute for Environmental Sustainability. LCCC created the IES in conjunction with the statewide efforts of other colleges involved in a pilot program to establish the Illinois Community College Sustainability Network. These colleges include Kankakee, Wilbur Wright, and Heartland community colleges.
Northwestern U Launches Sustainability Initiative
Northwestern University (IL) has launched the Initiative for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN), an organization that will support research, teaching, and outreach in the areas of sustainability and energy. ISEN will also provide startup funds for pilot or seed research projects, matching funds for post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate fellowships, and for major equipment purchases and maintenance. Additionally, four new undergraduate- and graduate-level courses on global issues related to energy and sustainability will be offered starting in the spring quarter. In the longer term, ISEN plans to establish an energy and sustainability minor at the undergraduate level across several schools and to create a master’s degree program in energy and sustainability studies.
UT Arlington Completes Sustainability Curriculum White Paper
The University of Texas at Arlington President's Sustainability Committee's has issued a white paper providing an analysis of sustainability as a focal point in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum, university research, and the University’s academic engagement in the North Texas community. The paper includes several recommendations including establishing a center devoted to urban environmental studies; developing an undergraduate degree program in environmental studies and following up on an existing proposal for an undergraduate degree program in environmental science; creating an “environmental literacy” requirement for all undergraduates; and establishing a colloquium series on sustainability.
