Wayne State U Installs Wind Turbine
Wayne State University (MI) has installed a Franklin Vertical Axis Wind Turbine atop its Engineering Technology Building in Midtown Detroit. The University believes that it is the first small wind energy turbine of its kind in North America. The new 30 feet tall turbine will produce 5 kW of electrical energy and will initially power the computer lab of the building.
Anaheim U Announces Plans to Go Paperless
Anaheim University (CA) has committed to being paperless by 2010. As part of its goal, the University has begun asking publishers to produce e-books, has switched to e-catalogs, and has begun converting all administrative procedures into digital format. Students have been submitting assignments electronically and have had access to online library resources since 1998.
Brown U Ends Observance of Columbus Day
The faculty at Brown University (RI) has voted to eliminate observance of the Columbus Day holiday from the University's academic calendar and to designate the second Monday of October as Fall Weekend holiday. The decision was made due to concerns about Christopher Columbus' treatment of Native Americans.
Chico State U Launch Computer Sustainability Plan
Chico State University (CA) User Services and Green Campus has launched the Desktop Sustainability Plan, an initiative to install Power Save, a computer program that puts computers into a low energy consuming stand-by mode and measures how much energy is being saved. The program has the potential to save the University $100,000 annually.
Christian Science Monitor Covers CCs Offering Discounts to Laid-off
The Christian Science Monitor has published an article on the increasing number of community colleges that are offering free or reduced tuition rates to locals who have lost their jobs, and the financial difficulties some colleges are facing as a result of the program. The article mentions Oakton Community College (IL), Foothill De-Anza Community College District (CA), Bellevue Community College (WA), and Bucks County Community College (PA).
College of William & Mary Awards Student Sustainability Grants
The College of William & Mary's (VA) Committee on Sustainability has awarded four Student Summer Research Grants for projects that will focus on areas such as campus recycling, GIS mapping of campus habitat and ecosystems, and a new program to increase the College's use of locally grown and sustainable food. Each grant provides a $3,500 summer stipend, up to $1,500 for research expenses and housing if required. The grants are funded through the College's student green fee.
Colorado State U Begins Single-Stream Recycling
Colorado State University has introduced a single-stream recycling system on campus. The new system accepts aluminum cans, glass, plastic, cardboard, and paper in one bin so that members of the campus community do not have to sort recycling themselves.
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.
Dalhousie U Students Report Campus Travel Trends
Four Dalhousie University (NS) graduate students, in conjunction with the DU Director of the Office of Sustainability, have completed a project to identify travel trends of faculty, staff, and students and developed recommendations regarding how Dalhousie can move forward with alternative transportation programs. The group recommends education and awareness, the development of an employee bus pass, tele-working and compressed work week programs, hybrid vehicles in university fleets, the creation and promotion of safe cycling storage and changing facilities, and enhanced promotion related to formal carpooling and car-sharing programs. Currently, nearly 60 percent of faculty and staff and nearly 44 percent of students drive to campus.
Depauw U Building Certified LEED Gold
The Depauw University (IN) Bartlett Reflection Center has received LEED Gold certification. The building, which is located within the DePauw University Nature Park, is the second building to receive LEED Gold certification on the Depauw campus.
Doane College Crete Campus Certified as Wildlife Habitat
Doane College's (NE) Crete campus has been certified as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. The designation recognizes the 300-acre campus for creating wildlife havens. Doane's student Wildlife and Conservation Organization chapter completed the application for the program, demonstrating the campus' food sources for wildlife, such as native plants, seeds, fruits, nuts, berries and nectar; water sources like ponds and streams; wildlife cover, including thickets and birdhouses; places for wildlife to raise young, such as dense shrubs and vegetation; and sustainable gardening, including the use of mulch and compost. The certification program recognizes individuals and groups for creating landscapes that restore ecological balance and invite wild plants and animals to share the space.
EPA Recognizes Colleges in Green Power Challenge
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the winners of its College and University Green Power Challenge, which ranks collegiate athletic conferences by the total amount of green power bought by their member schools. To be eligible, each conference has to collectively purchase at least 10 million kWh of green power. The Ivy League won the top prize for the third year in a row, lead by the University of Pennsylvania. The Ivy League's cumulative annual purchase totaled more than 225 million kWh. This year’s challenge included 44 competing institutions representing 22 different conferences nationwide. The challenge’s cumulative annual purchase totaled more than 1 billion kWh of green power. One winning school was announced from each conference.
Maine CC System to Offer Free Tuition to Some Students
The Maine Community College System has announced that it will offer free tuition to some current community college students of parents who have lost their jobs. Any dependent student enrolled in the Maine Community College System for the upcoming fall semester will be eligible.
Mat-Su College to Offer Renewable Energy Program
Mat-Su College at the University of Alaska, Anchorage has announced plans to offer a renewable energy program. The new seven-course program will include and introductory course on different ways to produce energy and other courses on applied physics and electrical and mechanical safety. A certificate will be awarded to students who complete the program.
Mesa College Completes Parking Structure with Green Features
Mesa College (CA) has completed a five-level parking structure that accommodates 1,100 cars and includes spaces for alternative-fuel vehicles. The structure also includes green design strategies, materials, products, and construction practices designed to conserve water and energy, reduce waste, and preserve natural resources. In addition, solar panels will be installed on the top level.
Mills College Opens Reused Items Store
Mills College (CA) has opened the Sustainability and Reuse Depot. The Depot allows students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community to donate unwanted items and/or take used items for free. The space is run by Earth CORPS, the student organization that founded the store. At the end of the year, donated items will be given to local charities.
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.
Naropa U Open Eco-Friendly Greenhouse
Naropa University (CO) has opened the William D. Jones Community Greenhouse. The new structure is meant to provide students with hands-on experience growing their own food. Local businesses and foundations made gifts to support the Greenhouse Project, which features a subterranean heating system and solar panels. The structure is 100 percent self-sustaining.
Ohio State U Distributes Recycling Bins to Greek Houses
The Ohio State University Student Government has distributed 150 recycling bins to more than 30 fraternity and sorority houses as part of the Green Recycling Program. The new initiative is funded by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council, both of which agreed to pay for weekly recycling pick-ups at 24 locations near campus.
R&D Magazine Names Columbia U Lab as 'Lab of the Year'
R&D Magazine has given its Lab of the Year award to the Gary C. Comer Geochemistry Building on the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Campus of Columbia University (NY). Officially completed in late 2007, the building houses extensive lab space focused on advancing our understanding of climate change. High Honors were awarded to the Northwest Science Building at Harvard University (MA), and Special Mention awards were given to the Steacie SuperLab Laboratory Building at Carleton University (ON) and the Catalyst and Material Reliance Technology Center in the City of Surat, Gujarat, India.
Sustainable Industries Publishes Interviews on Campus Sustainability
Sustainable Industries has published interviews with Wim Wiewel, President of Portland State University (OR); Dan Poston, Assistant Dean for the Masters Program at the University of Washington's Michael G. Foster School of Business; and Nancy Hayes, Dean of the College of Business at San Francisco State University (CA). President Wiewel discusses PSU's sustainability plans and current projects, what PSU is looking for in a Director of the Sustainability Institute position, and the challenges and opportunities PSU is facing the current economic times. Poston speaks about why UW offers an Environmental Management Certificate instead of a Sustainability MBA and the opportunities an urban environment can offer MBA students with an interest in sustainability. Hayes discusses the University's decision to launch an MBA in Sustainable Business and her prediction for the future of business education as it relates to sustainability.
Tufts U Pilots Composting Program
Tufts University (MA) has begun a month-long program aimed at educating students on composting. The program provides a volunteer at the campus' composting bin over lunch-time hours to educate customers about what can and cannot be composted. Approximately one half ton of food has been composted each day as part of the program. The decision on whether to continue to program will be based on the level of student interest observed throughout the program.
U California Davis, San Diego to Expand California Solar Energy
The University of California, Davis has received $3 million from the California Energy Commission to coordinate efforts of four statewide programs. The new California Renewable Energy Collaborative will become the administrative center for three existing programs focused on biomass, geothermal, and wind energy, as well as a new fourth program that will focus on solar energy. In related news, the University of California, San Diego, in collaboration with the UC, Davis, will use a two-year, $700,000 grant from the California Energy Commission to expand the development and use of solar energy in the state. The new California Solar Energy Collaborative will collect and critically analyze existing solar research; facilitate research in gap areas where existing data are insufficient; and develop consensus among key solar stakeholders based on this research by tracking the evolving landscape of solar technology development and use in California. This new collaborative is also intended to help California achieve an ambitious target of installing 3,000 megawatts of solar in California by 2017.
U California Irvine Transportation Prgm Recognized by EPA
The University of California, Irvine's Sustainable Transportation Program has been honored by the Pacific Southwest division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through its Awards program that acknowledges commitment and significant contribution to the environment in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands, and tribal lands. UC Irvine's Sustainable Transportation Program eliminates more than 19,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and saves the university community more than $21 million annually. The program includes one-on-one commuter counseling, construction of an extensive network of bike/pedestrian paths, retrofitting the entire campus shuttle fleet to operate on biodiesel, and specialized nitrogen oxides traps to further reduce shuttle emissions. Other actions include replacing traffic lights with LEDs, timing traffic lights to reduce fuel-burning waits, improving shuttle service, and restricting car parking by students.
U Florida Foundation Eliminates Disposable Coffee Cups
The University of Florida Foundation has eliminated the use of disposable coffee cups and plastic coffee stirrers. The Foundation informed its staff that disposable cups would not be replaced once current inventory was depleted and invited coffee and tea drinkers to bring their own mugs.
U Guelph Cuts Organic Ag, Women's Studies Programs
The University of Guelph (ON) has cut its Organic Agriculture and Women's Studies programs. The final decision was made by the deans and program committees in an effort to make up for a portion of the University's $16 million deficit. NOTE: After the publication of this news story, the University of Guelph decided to give the Organic Agriculture Program a one year reprieve. See UG's new press release for more information.
U Kentucky, U Louisville Partner for Battery R&D
The University of Kentucky (UK), the University of Louisville, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory to establish a national Battery Manufacturing R&D Center to help develop and deploy a domestic supply of advanced battery technologies for vehicle applications that will aid in securing U.S. energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help in strengthening the economy. The Center's major goals will be to support the development of a viable U.S. battery manufacturing industry; make it easier for federal labs, universities, manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users to collaborate; develop advanced manufacturing technology to reduce advanced battery production costs; and accelerate the commercialization of technologies developed at national laboratories and universities.
U Maryland to Install Efficiency Upgrades at Horn Point Lab
The University of Maryland has selected Constellation Energy to implement energy and cost saving projects at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Horn Point Laboratory. The initiative is expected to reduce energy usage by 15 percent and result in nearly $5 million in energy cost savings over 20 years through upgrades to water and energy infrastructure systems, energy efficient lighting, and insulation improvements in multiple buildings on the Horn Point Laboratory campus. The initiative will be financed through an energy performance contract which funds infrastructure upgrades through the guaranteed cost savings created by the improvements themselves.
U Nevada Reno Athletic Academic Center Awarded LEED Silver
The University of Nevada, Reno has received LEED Silver certification for its Marguerite Wattis Petersen Athletic Academic Center. The 8,300-square-foot, $6.6 million center features natural daylighting, low VOC and recycled content containing materials, bike racks, and an energy management system.
U Tennessee Knoxville Reduces Annual Energy Use by 5%
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has reduced is annual energy use by 5 percent through its Switch Your Thinking energy-saving campaign and a new campus energy conservation policy. Across campus, students, faculty, and staff have been encouraged to turn off unneeded lights and unused computers, and be more conscientious about the use of natural light and energy-efficient appliance purchases. The reduction resulted in a savings of $559,000.
U Utah Opens LEED Certified Geology Building
The University of Utah has opened its new LEED certified geology facility, the $25 million Frederick Albert Sutton Building. The four-level, 91,000-square-foot building features a roof-top garden, on-site storm water capture, xeriscaping, skylights, and a system to display energy and water use.
U Wisconsin, Eau Claire Expands Trayless Program
The University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire has announced plans to expand its current Trayless Tuesdays program to every day of the week starting in the fall of 2009. The University made the decision after seeing how well students adapted to the pilot.
Virginia Commonwealth U Building Receives LEED Platinum
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Walter L. Rice Education Building is the first building in Virginia to be awarded LEED Platinum certification. The $2.6 million, 4,900-square-foot structure opened last October and features rain gardens, geothermal heating and cooling, high efficiency lighting, high insulation levels, dual flush and power assist toilets, and renewable construction materials.
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.
Waubonsee CC Earns Environmental Award
Waubonsee Community College (IL) has received an Outstanding Project Award from Trees Forever, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tree planting, prairie restoration, and watershed management. As part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Trees Forever, the organization chose 20 outstanding environmental projects to honor. Waubonsee was honored for the wetland restoration efforts it has undertaken at its Sugar Grove Campus.
Western Kentucky U Announces Sustainability Grants
Western Kentucky University has announced the winners of its student contest for the best ideas for greening WKU. Winning proposals include a project to replace diesel shuttle buses with electric buses and to recharge them at solar power stations; to create a 5-acre algae farm for biodiesel production; to install a dormitory electricity usage monitoring system; and to save energy through temperature settings in dormitory water heaters. The Innovation in Sustainability fund, which sponsored the contest, is an endowment designed to fund WKU student projects that improve sustainability, reduce energy consumption, create renewable sources of energy, foster environmental stewardship, increase recycling, or further the education of students in one of these areas.
Western Kentucky U Approves Sustainability Minor
The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents has approved a new minor in sustainability studies. Offered through the Department of Geography and Geology, the new minor will be available to students starting in the fall of 2009 and will require 21 semester hours with at least 12 semester hours at the 300 and 400 level. Students in the program will study how both individual and society decision making impacts the environment and how to mitigate the negative ramifications.
British Columbia Campuses Receive Funding for Green Infrastructure
Several campuses in British Columbia have received funding from the federal and provincial governments for green building upgrades. University of Northern British Columbia will receive a $21.7 million investment to build a plant that will use waste wood as biofuel and upgrade the campus's heating and cooling equipment and machinery. College of New Caledonia's Prince George campus will receive $19.75 million to renovate some spaces within the John A Brink Centre, and to replace an existing 48-year-old trades training building with a new technical education centre building with sustainable systems that lowers energy consumption and creates more room for trades trainees. Another $9.9 million will build Phase 2 of CNC's North Cariboo Community Campus in Quesnel, which opened in 2006. The University of British Columbia will receive $65 million to renovate research facilities and classrooms originally built more than 50 years ago with sustainable features. The Geoexchange System at UBC Okanagan, which uses groundwater from under the campus to heat and cool buildings, will receive an additional $2.9 million to make the campus emissions-free by 2010. Additionally, the British Columbia Institute of Technology has received $39.1 million to renovate a building on its Burnaby campus. The Campus Gateway Building project will include energy efficiency upgrades such as a micro-electricity grid that harnesses alternative energy sources.
British Columbia Gov't Passes GHG Reduction Targets Act
British Columbia's provincial government has passed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets Act, Bill 44, establishing a target for all public-sector organizations, including public colleges and universities, to be net carbon-neutral by 2010. Campuses and others must also achieve specific emission-reduction targets, including reducing total emissions by 33 percent from 2007 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. To meet this goal, Simon Frasier University plans to reduce its emissions as much as possible and then purchase carbon offsets for all remaining emissions.
Bronx CC Plants 94 Trees
Bronx Community College (NY) has planted 94 trees on its campus as part of a larger New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) program known as Greening the Bronx. NYSERDA, on behalf of New York City, is administering the $10 million Urban Reforestation project over ten years as part of a large-scale tree planting program and evaluation.
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.
Centre College Dorm Receives LEED Gold
Centre College's (KY) Pearl Hall has received LEED Gold certification. The residence hall features a variable irrigation system, which eliminates the need for permanent and constant use of water for irrigation; low-flow shower heads, lavatories, and sinks and dual-flush toilets; controllability of lighting, heating and cooling; recycling containers throughout the building; front-loading washing machines; high recycled content and regional materials within the structure of the building; and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The building opened in August 2008 and is the first building in Kentucky to receive Gold certification.
Chill Out Winners Announced
The National Wildlife Federation has announced the eight winners of its annual competition, Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming . The Chill Out competition seeks to honor and promote U.S campuses that are advancing creative solutions to global warming. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy was the Grand Prize Winner. Other winners include the Chancellor's Office of the California State University system, California State University, Northridge, Humboldt State University (CA), Middlebury College (VT), Oberlin College (OH), Longwood University (VA), and the University of California, San Diego. The winners were announced during a live webcast
Davidson College Begins Large-Scale Composting
Davidson College (NC) has begun composting campus dining hall food and yard wastes. Batches of the accumulated waste will be composted in approximately 6 days using a newly purchased commercial-grade rotating drum built specifically for composting. The compost produced by the drum will then be added to campus gardens and flowerbeds after it matures for three to six months. The College hopes to reduce food waste by up to 50 percent once the project is fully operational.
Medical U of South Carolina Switches to E-Faxes
The Medical University of South Carolina has switched from paper to electronic faxes in an effort to conserve energy and paper consumption. The new effort has reduced the University's monthly paper usage by 60,000 sheets.
Portland State U Receives $200 K for Bike Cooperative
Portland State University (OR) has received donations of $150,000 and $50,000 toward its bicycle cooperative. The $150,000 donation is intended to help fund the construction of bicycle parking facilities on campus, and the $50,000 donation will be used to upgrade the program's current facilities. The new space will create between 1,500 and 2,000 square feet of indoor bicycle parking.
