San Diego State U Opens Bike/Skate Lane
San Diego State University (CA) has opened a new bike and skate lane on campus. The lane is the result of a campaign by the Associated Students group, who commissioned a landscape architecture firm to study the possibility of bike lanes on campus. After the lane's one-year trial period, the university will consider a more extensive, permanent inner-campus route of several lanes in spring/summer 2011. The installation of campus-wide bike lanes will help mitigate traffic and increase accessibility to alternate transportation.
St. Joseph College Installs Solar Panels
St. Joseph College (CT) has installed solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems. The thermal panels deliver electricity through a series of pipes under the ground to help heat the college's six-lane swimming pool and to supply hot water for the showers and sinks. The college's addition of two solar electric arrays provides enough energy to offset nearly 9 percent of the electricity for the pumps needed for the thermal system. One of the 1.2-kilowatt solar arrays is fixed and the other is a tracking array that allows the college to compare the electric output from each. The solar installations will also be used for teaching purposes.
Study: Habit, Availability Spurs New York U Bottled Water Use
A study by a New York University Ph.D. student found that habit, campus availability and aesthetics (taste and clarity) motivates bottled water consumption at the university. The qualitative research study, funded by the university's Green Grant program, concluded that the university consumes the equivalent of one million bottles of water a month. The research was conducted to provide an academic foundation and basis for the culture of water consumption and quality of water on campus.
Susquehanna U Launches Bike Share Program
Susquehanna University (PA) has launched a bike share program that enables students to borrow university-owned bicycles. The university has purchased 30 bikes including vintage-inspired cruisers, multi-speeds and scooters. The fee for a year-long membership is $20 and students will receive a universal key for all the bike locks. Participants will receive $10 back when they return the bike lock key at the end of the year. The university plans to hold a contest where students will have the opportunity to name the bikes.
Syracuse U Labs Start Recycling Plastic Foam
Laboratories at Syracuse University (NY) have launched a plastic foam recycling initiative. The student-initiated program collects cold-shipping polystyrene boxes from campus labs and the university's Physical Plant department delivers them to a local company for recycling. Since the start of the initiative this year, more than 141 boxes have been recycled.
Syracuse U Receives Plug-In Hybrids for Demonstration Programs
Syracuse University (NY) has received two Toyota Prius plug-in hybrids as part of Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.'s U.S. plug-in demonstration program. As the vehicles gather miles, data such as fuel economy, miles driven and charging times will be viewable online. Demonstration partners will share data and compare usage and performance of the vehicles. The university’s participation in the program will allow students to determine the benefits of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Texas Southern U Installs Solar Demonstration Project
Texas Southern University has completed the first phase of its photovoltaic demonstration project. The university has partnered with Evolution Solar to install eight AmpleSun thin-film photovoltaic panels on the campus that are intended to serve as a cornerstone of the new Texas Southern University Green Technology Center. During the second phase, engineering students will receive course credit to assist in assembling the array’s rack-mount system.
Texas State U Students Initiate Sustainability Tour
Texas State University students organized a Sustainability Exploration event to promote environmental awareness both on and off campus. The tour highlighted sustainable projects on campus including the Bike Cave, compost bins, rainwater collection tanks and the recreation center's Calories for Kilowatts program. Participants also learned how to make a solar oven out of pizza boxes and met with community organizations like the Edible San Marcos Community Garden and the San Marcos Greenbelt Community Alliance.
Tufts U Hosts Local Farmers Market
Tufts University’s (MA) Dining Services has partnered with the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project to host an on-campus farmers market. The collaboration will help those who are economically disadvantaged to get a fresh start through commercial farming and allow students access to local food. The range of produce available includes corn, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, cherries, apples and cantaloupe. The market also sells flowers, honey, baked goods and gelato.
U Akron Offers Green Housing for Students
The University of Akron (OH) has announced the creation of a green-minded student living environment. Known as the EnVision Apartments, the development will consist of 111 two and three-bedroom units equipped with Energy Star appliances, tank-less hot water systems and secured indoor bicycle storage. The apartments will house about 300 residents within its five buildings.
U Albany Partners with Hertz for Student Car Rentals
The University at Albany (NY) has partnered with Hertz to offer students 18 years and older the use of a rental car. Four cars are available to students and faculty at an eight dollar per hour charge that includes a gas card and liability insurance. Also new this year is an extended number of buses that students are able to ride for free with a student ID, a carpooling service, a ride share program and a bike share program.
U California Los Angeles Publishes Green Guide to Campus Living
The University of California, Los Angeles has published the “Green Guide to Sustainable Living at UCLA.” The booklet contains information about the environmental impacts of food, transportation, waste, electricity use and purchasing power tailored to student life at the university. All students moving into on-campus housing will find the Green Guide in their rooms. The guide, which also tells students how to get involved with sustainability efforts, will be offered at resource fairs and other events. Education for Sustainable Living Program students collaborated with UCLA Housing and Hospitality Services and the Office of Residential Life to publish the guide.
U Colorado at Boulder Starts Car Share Program
The University of Colorado at Boulder has launched the eGo CarShare program. Sponsored by Parking and Transportation Services, the program provides a new way for students, faculty and Boulder residents to be a part of alternative transportation. The program allows a car rental for use in the Boulder-Denver area as an alternative for those who generally commute by bike or bus. Members must be at least 18 years of age to participate and a credit card is located inside the vehicle to pay for gas.
U Colorado at Colorado Springs Events Center Earns LEED Gold
The Gallogly Events Center at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs has earned LEED Gold certification. Environmentally friendly features of the building include natural light, reserved parking spaces for high-efficiency vehicles and an energy-efficient heating, air conditioning and ventilation system.
U Colorado Boulder Installs Additional Solar Panels
The University of Colorado at Boulder has installed an additional 370 solar panels to its existing array, which will generate enough energy to power 20 medium-sized houses. Located on the roof of the university's Center for Innovation and Creativity, the building now generates about 10 percent of its total electrical needs from solar resources. The university also intends to install another 100 kilowatts of solar panels on its new residence hall next year.
U Maryland Reduces Campus Stormwater Runoff Pollution
The University of Maryland has begun efforts to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff pollution on campus. The stormwater that runs through the university ultimately makes its way to a nearby river. To help the problem, the university has built a brick pad at the most-used bus stop with pavers far enough apart that water can trickle through instead of running off. Funded by Prince George’s County and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the university also plans to build three stormwater treatment facilities on campus as part of a larger project for nutrient and sediment removal from stormwater.
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.
U Massachusetts Medical School Launches Energy Saving Initiatives
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has launched two projects to make campus lighting more efficient. Part of ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption across campus, these initiatives are projected to save nearly $22,000 a year in future electricity costs. The Integrated Teaching and Learning Center has started using a combination of high efficiency indirect fluorescent lighting, LED fixtures around the room’s perimeter, occupancy sensors and a dimming system. The university's First Road parking garage has incorporated energy-efficient fluorescent fixtures with project costs reduced by $29,350 with rebates from the National Grid.
U Massachusetts Medical School Purchases Electric Bicycles
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has purchased two Pietzo electric bicycles and one 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid car as sustainable alternatives for the parking and campus police departments. Prior to the electric bikes, police officers used at least one and a half tanks of gas a week driving a pick-up truck around campus on their daily rounds. Now, driven mostly during severe weather, the truck goes nearly two and a half weeks on a tank of gas.The hybrid, which replaced one of the department’s seven gasoline-fueled vehicles, gets an average of 41 miles per gallon in city driving.
U Notre Dame to Invest $6.5 Million in Energy Conservation
The University of Notre Dame (IN) has announced plans to invest $6.5 million over the next two years in energy conservation measures across the campus, ranging from lighting and motor upgrades to improved thermostat controls and fume hood renovations. The initiative follows on the heels of a $4.1 million investment in energy conservation made in 2008. New energy-conserving upgrades will be made to 55 buildings. The university expects to save more than $1 million and reduce campus carbon dioxide emissions by 14,900 tons each year.
U Oklahoma Adds Electric Vehicles to Fleet
The University of Oklahoma has purchased electric vehicles to add to its transportation fleet in an effort to conserve fuel and lessen the amount of pollution released. The university hopes to eventually convert its entire fleet to electric vehicles.
U Pacific Converts Maintenance Carts to Solar
The University of the Pacific (CA) has converted a dozen of the carts used for grounds maintenance to solar, with plans to convert eight more by the end of November. As part of the overall plan to reduce the campus carbon footprint, the university's goal is to convert all of its 84 electric carts to solar during the next few years.
U Pennsylvania Debuts Sustainable Horticulture Center Complex
The University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum has completed its $13 million Horticulture Center Complex. The 20,840-square-foot facility was designed and built to LEED Platinum standards with photovoltaic panels, solar hot water heaters, stormwater collection cisterns, green roofs on the equipment storage garages and a ground-source heat pump that will provide heating and air conditioning for the complex using only about one-fourth of the energy of a typical boiler and air conditioning system.
U Phoenix Idaho Campus Receives LEED Gold
The University of Phoenix has earned its first LEED Gold certification for its Meridian, Idaho, campus building. Environmental features of the 40,000-square-foot facility include bicycle storage, a white roof, low-flow plumbing fixtures, an energy-efficient HVAC system and passive solar design. Ninety percent of the construction waste was recycled.
U.S. Dept of Ed Pledges Commitment to a Sustainable Green Economy
The U.S. Department of Education promised to be a committed partner in the national effort to build a more environmentally literate and responsible society during its Sustainability Education Summit on September 21, themed "Citizenship and Pathways for a Green Economy." Until now, said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the summit, "we've been mostly absent from the movement to educate our children to be stewards of our environment and prepare them to participate in a sustainable economy." He pledged that the summit represents "the first time that the Department is taking a taking a leadership role in the work of educating the next generation of green citizens and preparing them to contribute to the workforce through green jobs." Efforts include a Department Green Team that will create policies in support of state efforts to prepare students for jobs in the green economy and a proposal that environmental education be part of the Blueprint for Reform's commitment to a well-rounded education.
U South Florida Retrofits Golf Cart to Solar
The University of South Florida has retrofitted a golf cart with solar panels as a test run. As the test cart’s panels cost about $800 including installation, the university has determined that retrofitting existing campus carts will be cheaper than buying solar-powered carts brand new at $9,000 or more each. Once the first cart has used solar energy for an entire year, the Physical Plant department will decide when to convert the rest of the fleet. The university also purchased two electric trucks with solar rooftops. Staff will use one truck to deliver mail and another to deliver custodial supplies across campus.
U Texas Pan-American Installs Solar Arrays for Education
The University of Texas-Pan American has unveiled two campus solar arrays. The arrays were donated by TXU Energy, a retail energy provider, as part of a commitment to educating communities about renewable energy. Each solar array produces 5.5 kilowatts of energy, which is used to power the lighting fixtures in the university's ITT building. Electrical engineering students will incorporate the arrays into solar power research and students majoring in education - as well as math and science teachers throughout the Rio Grande Valley - will participate in TXU Energy’s Solar Academy to learn how to educate students about renewable energy.
U Utah Business Students Launch Socially Responsible Venture Fund
The University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business has announced the creation of its independent student-run venture capital fund. The University Impact Fund will focus on socially responsible investing, with a particular focus on companies solving social and environmental problems. Graduate and undergraduate students from any discipline, and from several different universities, will be able to participate in the new program.
U Washington, Oregon State U Collaborate on Wave Energy
The Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center, a Department of Energy-funded partnership between Oregon State University and the University of Washington, will begin researching the ability to harness energy from the ocean. Oregon State University will focus on wave energy research and development while the University of Washington will concentrate on tidal energy research and development.
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.
Western Kentucky U Installs Rooftop Solar Collectors
Western Kentucky University has installed a solar thermal array of 88 collectors to help heat a campus swimming pool. Each collector contains 3.7 gallons of fluid that will transfer heat from the sun to the pool water in a heat exchanger, keeping the pool a consistent 80-83 degrees. The university expects to save at least $10,963 annually by reducing the amount of natural gas required for heating. With an initial project investment of $96,410, the annual savings will pay for the project in about eight years. The project is part of an Energy Savings Performance Contract with Johnson Controls that includes $9.7 million in energy-reducing and facility improvements across the campus.
West Virginia U Retrofits Science Center for Energy Efficiency
West Virginia University has begun the third phase of retrofitting its Health Sciences Center. The university partnered with Siemens Industry, Inc. to target energy losses and correct them through building modifications such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow faucets and overhauling the heating and cooling systems. The university estimates that the work done through the performance contract will save $36 million in campus utility costs in the next 15 years.
American U Installs Green Roofs with the Help of Volunteers
American University (DC) has installed two green roofs with the help of 50 students, faculty and local neighbors. The university partnered with local nonprofit DC Greenworks to oversee the collaborative learning experience. Volunteers helped with all aspects of the installation including the removal of existing roof pavers, the spread of the green roof growing medium and planting the green roof.
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.
Ball State U Dedicates Green Residence Hall
Ball State University (IN) has dedicated its newest residence hall. Kinghorn Hall was designed and built to meet LEED certification standards with two “bioswales,” a landscape element designed to remove pollution from runoff rainwater.
Colorado Mountain College Installs Green Heating System
Colorado Mountain College has installed new geoexchange heating and cooling systems for its library and residence halls. The new systems are the first major projects on a year-long list of energy-efficiency upgrades planned across the college. In addition to introducing geoexchange to replace aging boilers, the college will add gas and electric meters, energy-efficient lighting, occupancy sensors and water conservation measures. The goal of the combined measures is to save 15 percent in annual energy bills.
Duke U Offers Winter Mobile Market
Duke University (NC) has announced a new fall/winter mobile market. University employees can choose from fruit, vegetables, locally-raised meat, local seafood or gluten-free prepared foods. Faculty and staff will pre-pay for the produce in September and pick up weekly shares of the harvest from October through March.
Georgetown U Receives Two Electric Cars for Research
Georgetown University (DC) has received two Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles as part of an international electric vehicle research initiative with the Toyota Motor Corporation. The university will install two vehicle charging stations and several university employees will have the opportunity to test drive a vehicle for three months. The new Prius can run on electricity for about 13 miles, after which it operates as a conventional Prius.
Grand Valley State U Approves Sustainability Fund
Grand Valley State University (MI) has approved a sustainability fund. The Sustainable Community Reinvestment Fund will provide grants and loans for projects that add value to the community. Grants will be available for students to assist with sustainability projects and programs. Faculty, staff and departments can apply for loans to be repaid as savings to the department accrues. Previously, university funding was provided through the Sustainable Mini-Grants program, which will be absorbed into the Sustainable Community Reinvestment Fund next month.
Kent State U Launches New Bike Share Program
Kent State University (OH) has launched a new bike sharing program. The university’s Flashfleet provides bicycles, helmets and locks daily at six locations on campus. The service is free to students, faculty and staff who use their campus ID to sign out a bike. Guests, with a valid driver’s license, can participate if a student or staff member assumes liability. The 50 bikes in the program will be maintained by the Department of Recreational Services.
Lake Superior State U Hosts Mobile Renewable Energy Classroom
Lake Superior State University (MI) was home to a mobile renewable energy classroom that demonstrates and teaches the benefits of renewable technology. Great Lakes Energy Service, Inc. developed the mobile classroom with a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The modified 44-foot traveling classroom parked on campus and showcased real working equipment. The unit had working displays including solar day lighting, attic fans, air and water heaters, solar photovoltaic panels, lighting displays with LEDs, magnetic induction lighting, fluorescent lighting, power stations and a solar-powered golf cart. Visitors found renewable energy class curriculum and information on the environmental benefits of renewable energy. Great Lakes Energy Service, Inc. issued a grant to the university to install a two-kilowatt wind turbine and solar energy bank.
Louisiana State U Partners with Alta Gracia Apparel
Louisiana State University has partnered with Alta Gracia Apparel to offer sweatshop free apparel in the college bookstore. The clothing manufacturing company implements responsible labor practices and pays its workers a living wage. The employees are part of a union. Despite paying higher wages and providing better working conditions, Alta Gracia apparel prices are comparable to premium brands.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Opens New Green Building
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has opened Building E62, the newest green building on campus. The building was designed to meet LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features include automatic window shades, recycled glass in the terrazzo flooring, a green roof, sensors for heat and cooling, and lights that turn on only when someone is using a room. Solar panels are planned for part of the roof but have not yet been installed. The building uses triple-glazed, reflective and opaque glass in different places to allow the right amount of sunlight in. Ninety-two percent of the existing building on the site previously was reused or recycled.
New York U Implements Mixed Recycling System
New York University has implemented an improved mixed recycling system in an effort to increase the amount of recycled waste. The new system will allow all recyclable items including paper, glass, aluminum and cardboard to be disposed of in one labeled bin. Goods are later sorted in a new recovery facility. The expansion of the collection program includes new bins that take ink and toner cartridges, batteries, jewel cases, video tapes, cassettes, diskettes, CDs, DVDs and all types of cables.
North Carolina State U Researchers to Study Electrical Grid
North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus has announced that research scientists, in conjunction with the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management Systems Center, will use newly installed solar panels on campus to study how to integrate alternative technologies with the electrical grid. The center, under the leadership of the university’s College of Engineering, received funding from the National Science Foundation. The goal of the center is to tackle technological challenges associated with decentralization and integration of the nation’s power grid with wind, solar and other alternative energy sources.
North Central Missouri College Receives Grant for Green Programs
North Central Missouri College has received a $470,831 Training for Tomorrow grant to expand the curriculum and facilities of its agriculture and natural resources programs. Certificate and associate degree programs in alternative agriculture and renewable energy will be available. With the additional gift of 138 acres of farmland, the college plans to create the new Barton Farm Campus to house the programs.
Pacific Lutheran U Earns First STARS Silver Rating
AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) has awarded its first STARS rating. Pacific Lutheran University (WA) is the first institution to submit for a rating, earning STARS Silver. More than 230 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada have registered for STARS, with 229 of those recognized as STARS Charter Participants (institutions that signed on prior to Aug. 20, 2010). Charter Participants, including Pacific Lutheran University, are recognized as pioneers of STARS and leaders in campus sustainability. STARS Charter Participants range from individual campuses to university districts, community colleges to research universities, tribal to parochial, and public to private institutions.
Pennsylvania State U Researchers Converts Canola Seed to Fuel
Pennsylvania State University researchers have begun conducting an experiment to see if pressing canola seed can convert it into cooking oil and biodiesel fuel. The goal of the project is to create and produce a form of canola oil that can be used in on-campus dining hall fryers and in return use for fuel. The project hopes to produce biodiesel through plant oils such as soybean, canola, rapeseed and camelina.
Portland State U Creates Institute for Sustainable Solutions
Portland State University (OR) has created the Institute for Sustainable Solutions, formerly known as the Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices. The name change reflects new leadership and an expanded role since the center was first established. The new institute will serve as a hub and catalyst for education, research, partnerships and community engagement, and will signal a more solutions-oriented focus for sustainability activities.
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.
