Northwestern U Plants Organic Garden
Northwestern University (IL) has planted a garden on campus. Students designed the organic garden last fall and planted it the second week of May. Students hope their gardening efforts will raise awareness about sustainable gardening practices.
Rock Valley College Building Awarded LEED Gold Certification
Rock Valley College's (IL) recently renovated physical education center has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The $13 million project updated the building’s 40-year-old infrastructure. Key features include 1.6 acres of native prairie plants, low flow faucets and toilets, efficient heating and air conditioning systems, and energy efficient lights. 95 percent of the existing shell was reused in the new design and over 75 percent of construction waste was recycled.
Saint Joseph’s College Receives 7,634-Acre Farm Donation
Saint Joseph’s College (IN) has received a gift of 7,634 acres of farm real estate. The deed of transfer prohibits the sale of the farm and requires the establishment of a conservation easement to protect environmentally important areas. 19 windmills are located on the farm and 13 more are planned for construction.
Several Campuses Pilot Green Landscaping Rating System
The American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin, and the United States Botanic Garden have launched a pilot version of their new Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES), in which several colleges and universities are participating. SITES, which is intended for use on sites of all types to gauge and certify their sustainability, aims to assess and rate green landscapes and green spaces. Under the SITES system, locations are rated on a 250-point scale for possible certification at four levels. Points are awarded for elements such as site selection, water, soil, vegetation, materials, human health and well-being, construction and maintenance. SITES has a goal of releasing a final version of its rating system and reference guide in 2013.
Southern Illinois U Edwardsville Launches Bike Share Program
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville has launched a bike share program. The project aims to encourage a culture shift in students, faculty, and staff toward increased reliance on non-carbon modes of transportation. All currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff are eligible to check out a bike.
St Ambrose U Powers Equipment With Biodiesel Fuel
St. Ambrose University (IA) has launched a biodiesel initiative. The grounds crew has begun converting 1,600 gallons of used cooking oil into fuel. The homebrewed biodiesel fuel is used to power machinery that mows lawns and removes snow. The use of biodiesel fuel has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maintenance equipment by 80 percent. In addition, the University will save between $6,000 and $10,000 in annual fuel costs. A new facility that will allow the grounds crew to produce biodiesel more efficiently will be built next year.
SUNY Canton Receives Grant to Store Power
The State University of New York at Canton has received $3 million worth of batteries that will be used to store power generated by a planned wind turbine on campus. The batteries will have the ability to store 2 megawatt hours of power which will allow around-the-clock use of the power generated by the turbine. The University will save money on electric bills even during peak hours.
U California Los Angeles Students Complete Green Projects
Students at the University of California, Los Angeles have completed Action Research Projects to help make the University a more environmentally sustainable campus. Over the course of two quarters, 70 students were divided into 11 groups that each took on a different project. Topics included bicycles and their benefits, drought landscaping, sustainable food systems, water conservation, green student orientation, composting in residence halls, promoting drinking fountains over plastic water bottles, paperless course evaluations, single stream recycling, and green graduate housing.
U Connecticut Unveils Compost Facility
The University of Connecticut has unveiled a new compost facility. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources plans to start composting manure, animal bedding, and leaves. The facility is expected to compost more than 2,500 tons of agricultural waste a year. Composting will have several environmental benefits including reduction of nutrients in storm water and minimization of methane emissions.
U Maine Presque Isle Dedicates Wind Turbine
The University of Maine at Presque Isle has officially dedicated its first windmill on the one-year anniversary of its completion and commissioning. The 600-kilowatt, 90-meter-tall installation was financed by UMPI’s internal savings, together with a $50,000 grant from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
U Mass Medical School Begins Online Supply Swap
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has launched "Surplus With A Purpose" (SWAP), a new internal website that allows departments to post surplus office supplies, furniture, or laboratory equipment so others on campus can put them to good use and keep them out of the landfill. Medical School employees can search for items by category, or add information about surplus materials to the listing.
U Mass Medical School Feeds Food Scraps to Pigs
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has begun a composting program on campus. The institution now feeds 100 gallons of food scraps per week from the kitchens at its University Campus to a local farmer's pigs. The food waste involved is vegetable trimmings from the kitchen, leftovers from the salad bars, and unsold prepared foods, such as half-filled pans of entrees and pre-packaged items that remain unsold past their expiration date. The program does not include food left on people’s trays—that is still considered trash. The arrangement between the farmer and University Campus is strictly cooperative—there are no fees involved for either party.
U North Texas Creates International Sustainable Tourism Degree
The University of North Texas School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management has created a new international sustainable tourism graduate degree. The master's degree will offer students an interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability and tourism with one year of study at the University and one year of study in Costa Rica. Courses will include: environmental impact assessments, environmental ethics, sustainable tourism, natural resource management, and environmental policies. The program will begin in the fall of 2010.
West Chester U to Offer Education for Sustainability Certificates
West Chester University's (PA) Professional and Secondary Education department is now offering undergraduate and graduate level education for sustainability certificate programs. The programs develop knowledge, skills, and perspectives in a way that integrates classroom work with outdoor, experiential, and project-based learning. Teachers, community organization leaders, and those interested in sustainability may register.
Yale U Composts Food Waste
Yale University (CT) dining halls have begun composting. Instead of incinerating its food waste, the University sends 100 percent of all waste from 11 functional residential college dining halls and commons to a composting facility. The facility will use the compost to create nutrient-rich soil. Yale hopes to be able to use the soil additives on its own grounds.
Brandeis U Passes Sustainability Fund
Brandeis University (MA) students have voted in favor of creating the Brandeis Sustainability Fund. Students will pay $15 per year and the Sustainability Fund Administrative Board will decide what proposals to finance based on which projects will best improve campus sustainability.
California State U Northridge Installs Solar Panels
California State University, Northridge has initiated construction on a $1.97 million dual access tracking solar system. The installation allows the panels to rotate and follow the sun throughout the day. Energy collected will be distributed throughout the campus.
California State U Northridge Saves Water
California State University, Northridge has received incentive money for water-saving projects. One incentive of $108,000 was used to replace 265 urinals with waterless versions. An incentive of $347,000 was used to create a computer-based irrigation system. In addition, the University is considering rainwater harvesting and buying grey water.
Drew U Residence Hall Earns LEED Silver
Drew University’s (NJ) newest residence hall has received LEED Silver certification. The residence hall features geothermal heating and cooling systems, insulated windows, water efficient fixtures, and native drought resistant plants. In addition, 10 percent of the building’s materials are recycled.
Eastern U Installs 56 kW Solar System
Eastern University (PA) has installed a 56-kilowatt solar system on top of a campus building. The system is expected to reduce emissions by 839 metric tons of carbon emissions within twenty years. Community Energy, a renewable energy developer that owns and operates the system, will sell Eastern University electricity produced by the solar panels at a locked-in rate for 20 years, protecting the University from rising energy costs.
Frostburg State U Creates Sustainability Studies Minor
Frostburg State University (MD) has created a minor in sustainability studies. The minor is designed to encourage students to explore environmental, economic, and social equity issues relating to sustainability in modern societies. Students will be able to pursue the minor beginning in the fall.
Illinois State U Approves Renewable Energy Degree
Illinois State University has approved a new bachelor’s degree in renewable energy. The degree program is a multi-disciplinary undergraduate major that includes a technical, economics, and public policy sequence. The program will provide an overview of renewable energy industries.
Indiana U Announces Sustainability Grant Recipients
Indiana University has announced four recipients of its Sustainability Research Development Grants. The winning research initiatives cover topics that include agroforestry in southern Mexico, the impact on community sustainability of Home Depot's product donation program, remediation of exotic invasive species in Dunn's Woods, and food waste at Indiana University. Each project will receive $10,000 that can be used for graduate fellowships, faculty research fund awards, or summer faculty fellowships.
John Carroll U Starts Bike Share Program
John Carroll University (OH) has implemented a new bike share program. Students of the Environmental Issues Group have collected 28 bikes donated by the city. Students will be able to check out bikes free of charge. The Environmental Issues Group hopes to use the bikes for other programs including physical education courses.
Michigan State U Starts Sustainability Specialization
Michigan State University has announced plans to begin offering an undergraduate specialization in sustainability. The program, which is set to launch this fall, will require 18 credit hours of study, with a core of three required courses and a number of electives.
New Jersey Inst of Tech to Offer Grad Certif in Sustainability
The New Jersey Institute of Technology has announced plans to launch a new 12-credit graduate certificate in sustainability policy and environmental management. Beginning this fall, students will have the option to customize their study plans from a menu of courses that will include sustainability politics and policy, environmental economics and management, environmental communication, environmental law, industrial ecology, and global environmental problems.
NY State Schools Announce Winners of Green Business Competition
The University at Albany's (NY) College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering and School of Business, Rensselaer Polytechnic Insitute's Lally School of Management and Technology, and the Union Graduate College's School of Management have announced the winners of the Tech Valley Business Plan competition, the area's first business plan competition focusing on renewable energy and sustainable innovations.. Winners of the competition, all located at the three institutions, pitched next generation battery storage technology, recyclable teddy bears, and a year-round organic produce project.
Ohio Northern U Constructs 3 Wind Turbines
Ohio Northern University has constructed three wind turbines. Each turbine is 220 feet tall and generates 400 kilowatts of power. The University will distribute the collective 1.2 megawatts of power generated throughout the campus. The three turbines are expected to meet five to 10 percent of the University’s electricity needs.
Oregon State U Students Build Green Roof
Oregon State University students have begun building a green roof on top of a storage shed as part of a landscape construction course. The green roof will help regulate temperature and minimize storm water runoff. Sensors will allow students to monitor a variety of factors including rainfall patterns.
U Alabama Huntsville Receives Recycling Bin Donation
University of Alabama, Huntsville has been selected by Alcoa as the recipient of 500 recycling containers. The recycling bins will be a vehicle for bringing residence halls into the campus recycling program. The cost of collection containers has previously prevented the University from expanding the recycling program. The donation will fully meet the University’s needs and will allow the program to grow.
U Buffalo Receives Grant for Solar Array
The University at Buffalo (NY) has received a $7.5 million grant to construct a 1.1-megawatt solarenergy array. The solar array, consisting of 5,000 photovoltaic panels, will provide power to 735 student apartments. The solar array will be designed to operate in a cold-weather environment and withstand heavy snowfall, serving as a benchmark for future systems in similar climates. In addition, the facility will start training and certifying personnel in the installation of solar panels.
U Massachusetts Amherst Food Service Increases Local Purchases
University of Massachusetts Amherst Dining Services has increased the amount of local foods offered in campus dining halls. 25 percent of its food items were purchased from local farms in 2009, up from eight percent in 2002. The institution has also begun offering twice as much fruit and has cut meat portions by 3 ounces at lunch and 4 ounces at dinner. In addition, UMass has noticed a 20 percent food waste decrease. The University hopes to increase local food purchases by 27 percent in 2010.
U Nevada Reno Receives Grant for National Geothermal Institute
The University of Nevada, Reno has received a $1.2 million federal grant to develop and operate the National Geothermal Institute. The institute will provide research and augment work at the University’s Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy. The institute will serve as a consortium of geothermal schools, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University (NY), Stanford University (CA), the Oregon Institute of Technology, and the University of Utah. The geothermal program is expected to offer a series of eight one-week courses with additional field trips and a project required. Classes may begin as early as the spring semester of 2011.
U Pennsylvania Selected for Sustainable Landscape Rating Pilot
A University of Pennsylvania project has been selected as a pilot for the nation’s first rating system for green landscape design, construction, and maintenance - the Sustainable Site Initiative. The selected project is designed to turn aging paved tennis courts into an urban park. The project is expected to improve water quality, minimize runoff, restore biomass, increase local biodiversity, and reduce the urban heat island effect. The Sustainable Sites Initiative will pilot more than 150 projects in the U.S., Canada, Iceland, and Spain to evaluate its new rating system for sustainable landscapes.
U Tennessee to Host Farmers' Market
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has announced plans to host a farmers' market once a week. Proceeds from the market will be use to fund the University’s Organic and Sustainable Crop Production Program, a multi-disciplinary internship program for students to foster interest in farming and farmland preservation.
U Washington Establishes Sustainability Fund
The University of Washington's Services and Activities Fee Committee has given $339,805 to establish a Campus Sustainability Fund. The Fund will create guidelines for how to allocate the donation. Current proposals include a large campus farm, renewable-energy installations, covered bike racks, and digital textbooks.
Washington State U Installs Permeable Paving
Washington State University has installed permeable paving at its Research & Extension Center. The concrete is designed so water flows through it and into the ground beneath. The installation is part of a $1 million stormwater research effort to help revolutionize urban development.
American U Celebrates Newest Green Building
American University (DC) has opened the doors to the School of International Service. The 70,000-square-foot, eco-friendly building was designed for LEED Gold certification. The building is a reflection of the School of International Service’s commitment to advance ecological stewardship, preserve transparency and human dignity, and work for social justice. Elements of green design and construction include natural lighting, nontoxic materials, and climate controls. The roof is home to 7,000 square-feet of photovoltaic panels.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical CC Provides Water Heated By Solar
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (NC) has entered an agreement to have 39 solar panels installed on four campus buildings. The thermal collectors will be used to provide 1,885 gallons of hot water a day. The College expects to save approximately $22,000 over the next ten years.
Colgate U Senior Class Donates Gift to Env'l Sustainability
The Colgate University (NY) 2010 graduating class has donated a gift to the Environment Sustainability Fund. The gift will be used to fund future green efforts and may help fund a community garden. The garden would produce vegetables that could be used in dining halls on campus and serve as an educational tool to promote the importance of local food. The Class of 2008 donated $23,000 to launch the Environmental Sustainability Fund.
Education Corp of America Launches Renewable Energy College
Education Corporation of America has launched the Ecotech Institute, a college entirely focused on preparing graduates for careers in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable design, and energy efficiency. The first campus will be located in Aurora (CO), offering seven associate's degrees and a certificate program for people seeking careers in the emerging cleantech economy. Programs include electrical engineering, energy and environmental paralegal, energy efficiency, environmental technology, renewable energy technology, solar energy technology, sustainable interior design, and wind energy technology.
EPA Announces 2010 P3 Award Winners
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the winners of its 2010 P3 (People, Prosperity, and the Planet) Awards Competition. The national competition enables college students to research, develop, and design scientific, technical, and policy solutions to sustainability challenges. Paul Anastas, EPA's Assistant Administrator for the Office of Research & Development, increased the number of awards issued to 14 (totaling $1 million) this year because the projects were so impressive. The winners include: Appalachian State University (NC); Clarkson University (NY); Clemson University (SC); Cornell University (NY); Drexel University (PA); Harvard University (MA); Humboldt State University (CA); North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; Roger Williams University (RI); Texas A&M University; University of Illinois at Champaign; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Virginia Tech.
EPA Designates North Carolina State U as Ctr of Excellence
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated North Carolina State University (NCSU) as a Center of Excellence for Watershed Management. To become a recognized Center of Excellence, the institution must demonstrate technical expertise in identifying and addressing watershed needs; involve students, staff, and faculty in watershed research; demonstrate the capability to involve the full suite of disciplines needed for all aspects of watershed management; and have the financial ability to become self-sustaining, the willingness to partner with other institutions, and the support from the highest levels of the organization. NCSU is the managing entity of the Water Resources Research Institute for the entire University of North Carolina system.
Gateway Technical College Dedicates Training Propulsion Lab
Gateway Technical College (WI) has dedicated a new Advanced Propulsion Lab. The 12,800-square-foot addition will provide graduates with the opportunity to receive hands-on training, including instruction on green propulsion methods such as hybrid biodiesel and electricity. The lab will consist of four-bay areas. The first bay will be a “green garage” which will use sustainable chemicals and related processes. Another bay will be equipped with torque technology and offer training required for wind industry technicians. Training in other sustainable technologies include learning how to mix biodiesel fuel and learning the intricacies of charging stations for today’s vehicles powered by electricity.
Luther College Implements Energy Conservation Program
Luther College (IA) has developed an Energy Conservation Program to help the institution meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent. The two major goals of the program include reducing energy consumption by three percent per year through investments in more energy efficient equipment and to reduce energy consumption by two percent per year through implementation of an energy awareness educational program. Short term goals include installing a system that allows the college to track real time energy use and communicate that information on campus to the college community, developing a team of students to foster the implementation of energy conserving measures on campus, and completing the installation of additional meters to monitor the consumption of electricity, steam heat, and water in all major campus buildings.
Middlebury College to Purchase Bio-Methane Gas
Middlebury College (VT) has agreed to purchase bio-methane gas from a Vermont farm energy company, with the agreement contingent on the College raising money to build storage facilities for the gas on campus and retrofit its current heating plant to burn the new fuel. The project would cost approximately $9 million. Middlebury hopes that their agreement will provide a boost to the farm-based methane industry, which uses cow manure and food waste to produce methane gas.
Millikin U Receives LEED-EB Gold Rating
Millikin University (IL) has received LEED Existing Building (EB) Gold certification for the renovation of a residence hall. The renovation reduced CO2 emissions and improved energy savings, water efficiency, and indoor air quality.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Starts Solar Educational Farm
Milwaukee Area Technical College (WI), in collaboration with Johnson Controls, has begun construction for its new Photovoltaic Educational Farm. The 32-acre, 510 kW facility will provide energy to operate the Milwaukee Public Television transmitter. The facility will serve as a training center for technicians, designers, site assessors, electricians, sales personnel, and other professionals in the field of renewable energy.
MIT Hires Concrete Sustainability Hub Director
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has hired Hamlin Jennings as the inaugural director of its Concrete Sustainability Hub, a research center established in October 2009 with the goal of accelerating emerging breakthroughs in concrete science and swiftly transferring those research advances into industry. Research projects in the Concrete Sustainability Hub will fall under three areas: concrete materials science, building technology, and the econometrics of sustainable development. Hamlin will also hold the position of adjunct professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
