U Minnesota Duluth Constructs Rooftop Garden
University of Minnesota Duluth has constructed a vegetable garden on a campus rooftop. The newly constructed straw bale gardens are part of an on-going project that focuses on campus gardens that produce edible foods as well as develop educational opportunities for food-raising at the University. The garden will also serve as a temperature control, keeping the building cooler during the summer. The total cost of the project was $5,000.
U Rochester Develops New Environmental Curriculum
University of Rochester (NY) has developed a new curriculum in environmental sustainability. The program will help two independent schools in the U.S. and Africa educate and lead communities toward a more sustainable energy future by teaching about the science, maintenance, and use of energy technologies. Research on curriculum, learning, and assessment, conducted by faculty and students from the University of Rochester, will help middle school students at both schools gain a better understanding of renewable energy and how to operate the systems installed at their schools.
U Texas San Antonio Receives Funds for Solar Panels
University of Texas, San Antonio has received $1.08 million in Department of Energy stimulus funds to install solar panels. The panels are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions up to 273,661 pounds annually and save the University $64,000 per year. Students will be given the opportunity to work on the project.
U Western Ontario Plans Wind Research Center
University of Western Ontario has announced plans to build a $25 million dollar wind turbine research center. The Wind, Engineering, Energy and Environment (WindEEE) Dome will serve as a wind tunnel, test turbine designs and parts, and study the most efficient way to capture wind energy. The facility will help improve the structural engineering of wind turbines and the design of wind farms. The WindEEE Dome is designed to be 40 meters across and will contain more than 100 fans, each about one meter in diameter. Together, they can create winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.
U Wyoming Students Complete Sustainability Projects
Students in a University of Wyoming sustainability class have completed campus sustainability projects. Projects included designing a storage shed on a student farm, creating a system to recycle furniture, installing equipment to reduce energy used by campus vending machines, and conducting research and surveys. The course included students from a wide range of departments.
Washington State U Receives Grant For Clean Energy Courses
Washington State University has received a $2.5 million grant to develop courses to train engineers in clean energy and the smart electric power grid. The University will begin offering courses related to installing a smart grid and producing solar energy, wind energy, and biofuels. The three-year project will allow for the development of an undergraduate certificate, graduate level certificates, and a professional master’s degree in the field of clean energy and smart grid engineering.
25 Institutional Fellowships Awarded for Green Building
Second Nature has presented 25 under-resourced colleges and universities with 2010 Kresge Green Building Fellowship Awards. With funding from The Kresge Foundation, Second Nature presented these fellowships as a way to provide under-resourced institutions with information and networking opportunities that will develop champions for green building on their campuses. The Kresge Fellowship Program within the Advancing Green Building in Higher Education Initiative will provide free registration, accommodations, and travel expenses for fellows to attend one national green building-related conference.
American U Switches to 100% Green Power
American University (DC) has purchased wind-generated renewable energy credits (RECs) equivalent to 100 percent of the University’s annual electricity usage.
Bunker Hill CC Dedicates Green Health & Wellness Center
Bunker Hill Community College (MA) has dedicated its new Health & Wellness Center. The two-story structure is registered for LEED Gold certification and houses classrooms, laboratories, a gymnasium, and a fitness center.
California State U Northridge Builds Safe Place for Bikes
California State University, Northridge has partnered with the local police department to unveil a bicycle complex. The new Matador Bicycle Compound located in a parking structure is secure and fully-enclosed by fences. To access the bike compound, students must pay a one-time $7 administration fee. There are 20 to 25 available spaces. By providing a safe place to park, the University hopes it will encourage students to commute by bicycle. If successful, the University will build more parking structures.
Central Michigan U Students Reduce Waste to Improve Soil
The Central Michigan University Student Environmental Alliance has begun collecting food scraps from student dining services in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. More than 1,000 pounds of waste have been collected for compost since the program began. The Student Environmental Alliance hopes to save money for the institution and create nutrient rich soil. Food produced in the gardens is donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens.
Cornell U Forms New Groups to Advance Sustainability Efforts
Cornell University (NY) has introduced two organizations to promote sustainability initiatives on campus: the President’s Sustainable Campus Committee (PSCC) and the Energy and Sustainability Department. The new 13-member PSCC, which includes representatives from operations and academic staff, students, and faculty, will oversee all aspects of sustainability in campus operations and facilities. The Energy and Sustainability Department, formed by Facilities Services, will provide energy for campus and coordinate the implementation of PSCC initiatives. Sustainability Coordinator Dan Roth will continue to oversee coordination and communication support for campus sustainability initiatives through the Sustainability Office.
Cornell U Releases Video on Composting Efforts
Cornell University (NY) has released a two-minute video illustrating how the campus has enhanced its composting operation. The new system reduces the University's total waste stream by half.
Creighton U to Create Renewable Energy Prgm, Install Solar & Wind
Creighton University (NE) has received $1.4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to begin assembling a solar array and four wind turbines across campus. The solar panel installation, which is expected to produce 110 kW, and the construction of the 30-foot wind turbines will be part of a new degree program that will allow students to study the policy, ethics, and science surrounding alternative energy. Students will have opportunities to research the solar array and assist with construction. An additional $1.2 million will fund the development of the curriculum for the degree program. The electricity generated from the solar panels and the wind turbines will be used in the institution's Lied Education Center.
Delta College Continues Green Fridays
Delta College (MI) has announced that the institution will be closed on Fridays during the summer. Green Fridays, first piloted in 2008, is a campus sustainability initiative to reduce the College’s carbon footprint. Campus operating hours will be extended Monday through Thursday.
Denison U Renovation Earns LEED Gold
Denison University (OH) has received LEED Gold certification for its Bryant Arts Center. The 105-year-old building, which was originally constructed as a gymnasium named Cleveland Hall, underwent a $14 million three-year renovation and reopened in fall 2009 as the Bryant Arts Center. The Center earned nine points for sustainability of the building site, four points for water efficiency, 12 points for energy and atmosphere considerations (including the maximum possible score for optimized energy performance), five points for the use of green materials, nine points for indoor environmental quality, and five points for innovation and design.
Duke U Converts Coal Steam Plant to Natural Gas
Duke University (NC) has completed a $25 million renovation of its East Campus Steam Plant. The University replaced the coal-fired boilers with gas-fired steam boilers, which will provide 35 percent more steam capacity to campus, while simultaneously helping to reduce the University's environmental footprint. The steam plant is part of Duke’s goal to become a climate-neutral campus.
Furman U Student Wins Fellowship for Sustainability Studies
Furman University (SC) student Cameron Tommey has received a Compton Mentor Fellowship that will allow him to pursue a yearlong project related to the environment following graduation. Tommey, who majored in Earth and Environmental Science with a concentration in Latin American Studies, will use his $35,000 fellowship to implement a one-year project entitled, “Sustainability and Reforestation in the Comotan Region of Guatemala: A Community-Based Approach.” The Compton Fellowship is a post-graduate fellowship focusing broadly on issues of sustainability.
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Posted May 17, 2010
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Other News
Green Mountain College Debuts Biomass Plant
Green Mountain College (VT) has opened a wood-chip-burning plant. The plant will supply 85 percent of the College’s heat and generate 20 percent of its electricity. By next year the College expects to cut emissions by 56 percent. Green Mountain College hopes the biomass plant will assist the college in achieving carbon neutrality.
Kansas State U Implements Energy & Water Saving Plan
Kansas State University has begun a project with Johnson Controls to reduce the University’s impact on the environment. Projects include switching to more-efficient light bulbs, which is expected to save $61,000 per year; building campus wells from which non-potable water for irrigation and the campus' steam systems will be drawn, which will reduce KSU's water bill by around $367,000 annually; turning off computers, which is expected to save $4,400 annually; and expanding recycling facilities.
Kent State U Stark Receives Funding for Energy Plan
Kent State University, Stark (OH) has received $1.3 million in financing for its Energy and Conservation Master Plan. The funding will be used for lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and the installation of solar fountains. The University expects to save at least $182,000 within ten years and to reduce energy consumption and emissions by 37 percent.
Kenyon College Announces Food Co-Op
Kenyon College (OH) has announced that, beginning next year, students will be able to participate in a Food Co-Op. The local food cooperative will serve as a sustainable living center, which has room for six student residents, and provide an alternative to the student dining hall. The Co-Op plans to provide a meal made of local ingredients once a week. There are plans to incorporate farming, composting, and hosting guest speakers at the cooperative.
Loyola U Chicago Students Travel to DC on Biodiesel
A group of Loyola University, Chicago students recently traveled to Washington D.C. in a van powered 100 percent by biodiesel, which was made by the students themselves. The students showcased their Mobile Green Energy Show (MGES), a mobile deep fryer and a generated powered through a closed-loop system, on the National Mall. The waste vegetable oil from the deep fryer is used to power the generator that provides energy for the deep fryer.
Loyola U Chicago Wins Arbor Day Video Challenge
Loyola University, Chicago (IL) has won the Arbor Day Foundation's Video Challenge to create a compelling video to convince people to plant trees. Loyola received $2,500 in free trees to plant on campus or in the local community.
Maharishi U Mgmt Course Plants Edible Forest on Campus
A Permaculture and Design course at Maharishi University of Management (IA) recently crafted and planted an edible food forest on campus. The students planted raspberries, two Asian pear trees, a hedge of service berries and hazelnuts, two paw paw trees, an elderberry tree, comfrey, Egyptian walking onion, and edible perennial flowers.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Opens Solar Research Center
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has opened a new solar research center. The Eni-MIT Solar Frontiers Center is funded by Italian energy company, Eni. The Center, which aims to transform how the world produces and consumes energy, promotes research in advanced solar technologies through projects ranging from new materials to hydrogen production from solar energy.
Mercyhurst College to Become 100% Wind-Powered, Install Composter
Mercyhurst College (PA) has announced plans to become 100 percent wind-powered by this summer. The price of wind has dropped since the College first began purchasing wind power in 2003. In 2008, the College paid $35,000 for wind power equaling 20 percent of its total power. Mercyhurst now pays $28,000 for 100 percent wind power. In addition, this summer the College will install a compost system, which is expected to take in 200 pounds of waste a day, and a green roof. The cost of converting the conventional roof to a green roof is being funded through the 2010 Senior Class Gift and the Student Green Energy Fund. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Montclair State U Launches Institute for Sustainability Studies
Montclair State University (NJ) has opened its PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies. Established by a $400,000 three-year grant from the PSEG Foundation, the Institute will conduct sustainability science research, education, public policy development, and outreach. The grant will allow the University to examine issues affecting long-term environmental practices and sustainability issues in New Jersey. The University will also research the management of urban watershed-coastal ecosystems. The program will begin with an international conference on sustainability this fall.
Mount Hood CC Opens Biodiesel Lab
Mount Hood Community College has announced plans to open a new biodiesel training lab. The lab will offer classes to students and members of the community who are interested in making biodiesel at home. The biodiesel lab is part of the College’s plans to create a green training center.
Prescott College Launches Bicycle Safety Campaign
The Prescott College (AZ) Bicycle Ambassadors have started a campaign to improve the bicycling environment around campus. The campaign, Prescott College Bicycle Solutions, is a campaign and program to transform the college campus and surrounding area into a safer environment for cyclist and pedestrians. The Bicycle Ambassadors created a list of goals in various phases starting with a comprehensive street and intersection improvement plan and improved bike parking facilities.
Rochester Inst of Tech Inn Receives Green Leaf Certification
The Rochester Institute of Technology Inn and Conference Center has received Green Leaf certification from Audubon International’s eco rating program. The inn received a three out of a possible five Green Leaf rating, which signifies that the organization has: undertaken a comprehensive eco-purchasing program, established policies for and use of eco-certified products, established policies for communicating environmental practices to employees, and provided baseline data to the New York State Energy and Research Development Agency for energy benchmarking.
Stanford U Wins MIT Clean Energy Prize
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has announced that a team from Stanford University (CA) has been named the top winner of the MIT Clean Energy Prize for their design that will increase the efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels. The team of PhD chemical engineering students developed a carbon nano-based transparent electrode that will increase the efficiency of thin film photovoltaic solar panels by allowing up to 12 percent more sunlight to penetrate the panels. The other four finalists in the competition included a team from MIT which won the Energy Efficiency & Infrastructure Category, the University of Maryland which took first place in the Deployment Category, Georgia Institute of Technology which was the overall winner in the Transportation Category, and a combined MIT/Harvard University (MA) team that won the Clean Non-Renewables category. The competition is free and open to all US graduate and undergraduate students, with the condition that prize funds be used exclusively towards the launch of a new business established in the United States. Each of the finalists was rewarded $15,000, and the winning Stanford team received the $200,000 Grand Prize.
U Arizona Approves Green Fee
University of Arizona Board of Regents has allotted $24 of each student’s annual tuition for campus sustainability efforts. The additional funds will allow the University to implement changes to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. Support from the student fee could allow for the creation of a formalized campus office of sustainability and a full-time sustainability coordinator. Other ideas include investing in environmental research and projects related to energy and water conservation.
U Cincinnati Starts New Bike Share Program
University of Cincinnati (OH) has unveiled the Bearcat Bike Share program. The new pilot program includes 30 bicycles that students, staff, and faculty are allowed to check out for use on or off campus. Upkeep and repair of the loaner bikes will be conducted by university engineering students. The University will also hold bicycle repair and safety workshops to encourage students to take advantage of the new program. The pilot program will initially last for six months.
U Idaho Expands Sustainable Distance Education
Five faculty members from University of Idaho will receive grants totaling $20,000 from the Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative to assist in the development of new online courses related to sustainability. The Sustainable Idaho Strategic Initiative is an interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and students whose goal is to infuse sustainability into academic and operational activities at the University of Idaho. Courses will include: The History of Energy, Water-Energy Connections, Principles of Sustainability, and Case Studies in International Environmental Justice. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
U New Hampshire Unveils First Building to Seek LEED Certification
The University of New Hampshire has unveiled its first campus building to seek LEED certification. The newly renovated James Hall is expected to obtain LEED Silver designation for its environmentally responsible use of materials and its efficient energy and water system. Renovations include a gray water system that captures rainwater for use in toilets and urinals; sensors to turn off electrical fixtures when natural light is adequate; a heat wheel recovery system; and a green roof to clean and conserve water. In addition, 20 percent of materials used in the renovation were recycled, and 30 percent of the materials were extracted and manufactured within 500 miles of the institution. In addition, visitors to James Hall can monitor energy use live via an energy kiosk in the building.
U New Mexico Building Seeks Platinum Status
University of Mexico has debuted its new College of Education building. The structure, which is registered for LEED Platinum status, is the second building on campus to adhere to the Governor of New Mexico’s Executive Order requiring new buildings to acquire a minimum of Silver certification under the LEED rating system.
U of Oklahoma Introduces Green Roof
University of Oklahoma has debuted a green roof on top of one of its research buildings. The new installation has 160 trays measuring a combined 1,280 square-feet that will hold plants, grasses, sand, and organic material. The green roof is designed to reduce both storm water runoff and energy use and cost. Depending on the conditions, the University could save 25 to 75 percent of its annual air conditioning costs.
USA Today Writes About Green Graduation Gowns
USA Today has published an article on the recent increase in the number of colleges and universities that have switched to graduation gowns that are either made from plastic bottles or made to be biodegradable, replacing petroleum-based polyester gowns used in the past. Institutions mentioned included University of New Hampshire, Colby College (ME), and University of Vermont. Other institutions wearing "green" gowns at graduation ceremonies this year include Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University (CT), and Wake Forest University (NC).
U Southern Maine Installs Green Roof
University of Southern Maine has installed an 880-square-foot green roof on the Wishcamper Center, an academic building that houses the School of Public Service and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Eight different varieties of plants now grow in 110 trays on the structure's roof in a mixture of sand, gravel, and mineral. The green roof is designed to reduce water runoff, extend roof lifespan, and reduce heating and cooling needs.
U Utah Install Rain Garden
University of Utah students install a rain garden. The rain garden will utilize a special blend of soil that stores the rain and slowly releases it to the plants over time. The rain garden is among the first projects to be funded by the Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund. Last year, students voted to assess the fee of $2.50 per semester to fund campus sustainability initiatives.
U Washington Students & Faculty Construct Rooftop Garden
University of Washington students and faculty have constructed a rooftop garden on an existing greenhouse to demonstrate the various uses of a green roof. Three trays with different planting areas will be used to explore different ways to grow food in an urban environment. Students are interested in demonstrating that green roofs not only provide a habitat for plants and animals, but also help to alleviate potential water-flow issues. The roofs help reduce the rate at which water enters the storm system and also reduce the storm-water runoff overall.
Wake Forest U Announces iPhone App for Campus Shuttle
Three Wake Forest University (NC) students have teamed up with their computer science professor to create an iPhone application that tracks the campus shuttle location. The shuttle location is updated every five seconds so students, faculty and staff know when the bus is approaching the stop.
Wayne State U Approves Electric Car Engineering Programs
Wayne State University (MI) has approved three academic programs to train electric car engineers. The new programs, scheduled to launch in fall 2010, include a bachelor of science in Electric Transportation Technology, a master of science in Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering, and a graduate certificate program in Electric-Drive Vehicle Engineering, a subset of the master's degree. Students in the programs will learn how to power, put together, design, develop, and promote electric hybrid engines. The new curriculum additions were funded by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Western Washington U Students Vote to Expand Green Energy Fee
Western Washington University students have voted to approve an expanded green fee which will continue to finance the University’s renewable energy certificates. More than 80 percent of the student body was in favor of increasing the fee from $4 to $9 per academic quarter. The green fee was first approved in 2005 and has been used to purchase renewable energy credits and finance student projects devoted to increasing energy efficiency, decreasing consumption, and generating renewable energy. The fee will need to be approved by the Associated Students Board of Directors and the WWU Board of Trustees before it can go into effect.
Wilmington U Starts Composting Program
Wilmington University (DE) has begun a new composting program in its Cafe. Containers for compostable waste will be provided in the kitchen and lobby. The waste collected will be taken to the Wilmington Organic Recycling Center for compost.
2 US, 2 Canadian Institutions Announce Masters in Sustainability
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today announced grants totaling $5.6 million to 10 universities in eight countries to establish new Master’s in Development Practice programs. The University of California, Berkeley; the University of California, Davis; the University of Waterloo (ON); and the University of Winnipeg (MB) were the only North American institutions selected. The programs combine training in the natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences, and management to help practitioners address global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, and extreme poverty. The universities were selected through a competitive process that included reviews by experts outside the Foundation.
5 Texas Universities Pass Green Fund
Student bodies at five Texas institutions voted on and approved green funds during Earth Week: University of Texas at Austin; University of Texas, San Antonio; University of Texas, El Paso; Texas A&M University, and University of North Texas. At UT Austin, 71% of voters favored the new fee. At Texas A&M, where a more heated debate took place, 57% voted in favor. The new fees would range from $3 – $5 per semester. If each of the funds is approved by its respective board of regents, the funds would generate a combined $8 million for sustainability projects over their five year lifespan.
Antioch U New England Student Selected as Congressional Fellow
Antioch University, New England's (NH) Wendy Scott, a master's candidate in environmental studies who has chosen a concentration in advocacy for social justice and sustainability, has been selected as the 2010 Congressional Progressive Caucus fellow. Scott will spend the summer in Washington working with Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat-Arizona), who chairs the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
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Posted May 10, 2010
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Other News
Associated Press Covers Green College Graduation Caps and Gowns
The Associated Press has published an article on the growing number of colleges and universities that are holding environmentally-friendly commencement ceremonies this year. The article mentions the recent introduction of eco-conscious graduation gown by academic apparel manufacturers. Caps and gowns can be made from recycled plastic bottles or be biodegradable. Higher education institutions noted in the article include the University of New Hampshire, Colby College (ME), and the University of Vermont.
