Winter Shutdown at WKU Saves $128K in Energy Costs
Western Kentucky University has saved 1,112 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and $128,340 as a result of its energy savings experiment over winter break. The University decided to execute a "hard" shutdown of the campus during the holiday break, closing the campus for an additional week, to capture savings in its energy budget. During the three week break, WKU’s Department of Facilities Management Energy Management Team set back thermostats in buildings, turned off all lighting except for safety lights, unplugged vending machines and water fountains, and turned off water heaters and all other unnecessary energy draws. Faculty and staff were asked to turn off computers, unplug electronics and appliances, and turn off office lights before leaving for the break, a protocol students in university housing have been following for years. WKU had planned to initiate a similar shutdown over summer break, but has decided not to due to the number of campus activities the initiative would affect.
3 Vanderbilt U Res Halls Receive LEED Gold
Vanderbilt University's (TN) Stambaugh, Hank Ingram, and Murray Houses have received LEED Gold certification. Totaling more than 175,000 square-feet, and costing approximately $40 million, the new structures feature a green housekeeping program, a free ride to work program with Nashville's Metro Transit Authority, 26.4 percent recycled content in construction, and a diversion rate of over 74 percent of demolition and construction waste from landfills.
Baldwin Wallace College Launches Sustainability Major
Baldwin Wallace College (OH) has launched a new undergraduate major in sustainability. The new interdisciplinary major has six components: a mandatory introductory course; introductory core courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities or business administration; an upper-level track in those same areas; an experiential component such as an internship with a corporation; a capstone course; and assignment and interaction with a local professional mentor.
Ball State U Saves Energy by Turning Off Lights
Ball State University (IN) custodians have begun turning off lights after their nightly cleanings in an effort to reduce energy use and spending. The initiative began after a 4 percent budget cut by the Indiana State Government.
Boston College Master Plan Features Sustainability
Boston College (MA) has dedicated a chapter of its Institutional Master Plan (IMP) to sustainability issues. The IMP lists several campus sustainability goals, including seeking LEED certification for all new buildings and developing and adopting a Sustainability Policy and Plan within one year. The IMP has not yet been approved, but the University is already moving forward with its goals. Retrofits have begun in several campus buildings.
Campus Sustainability Leader Earns Rhodes Scholarship
Oberlin College (OH) senior and environmental activist, Lucas Brown, has received a Rhodes Scholarship. Brown, along with two other students, designed and financed the SEED (Student Experiment in Ecological Design) house at Oberlin, an Oberlin-owned duplex that a group of students renovated to be more environmentally friendly. As a result of the changes made to the house, the students cut energy costs in half. Brown will begin a Masters in Economics program at Oxford University this fall.
Case Western Reserve U Residence Hall Earns LEED Silver
Case Western Reserve University's (OH) Village at 115 residence hall complex has received LEED Silver certification. The residence hall, which opened in 2005, features efficient heating, lighting, and water systems; energy-efficient windows, walls, and roof systems; and recycled and regionally manufactured building materials. The structure uses 40 percent less energy annually than a similar conventional building.
Dalhousie U Competes with Acadia U & Trent U in Green Challenge
Acadia University (NS) and Dalhousie University (NS) issued a challenge to each other to perform the same number of acts of green as the number of students enrolled at each institution through the One Million Acts of Green program, an initiative that aims to mobilize Canadians to perform one million acts of green collectively. An "act of green" is described as an opportunity to help the environment. This include tasks such as doing laundry in cold water, using a refillable coffee mug, walking to school, recycling electronics, buying a hybrid vehicle, or installing a solar panel. The Acadia and Dalhousie challenge began in January and was supposed to last until April 15, but both Universities reached their goal on the first day of the competition. As a result, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and The Hour , the two entities that created the program, proposed a new challenge between Dalhousie and Trent University (ON), two of the most active groups on the One Million Acts of Green website. Dalhousie is aiming for 55,000 acts and Trent, at about half the size of the Dalhousie, is aiming for 30,000. The first school to reach its goal will be declared the winner.
Dickinson College Science Complex Receives LEED Gold
The Dickinson College (PA) Rector Science Complex, Stuart and James halls, have achieved LEED Gold certification. Completed last spring, Stuart and James halls feature a 30 percent reduction in water use, high-efficiency windows, exterior sun shading, interior light harvesting, occupancy sensors, and interior sunshades. The 90,000-square-foot building also contains four enthalpy heat wheel recovery mechanical systems.
Dickinson Offers Sustainability Curriculum Dev Grants & Workshop
The Center for Environmental and Sustainability Education (CESE) at Dickinson College (PA) has announced an internal sustainability curriculum development program, the Environmental Education Fund (EEF), now available to all teaching staff. Curriculum, professional, and student-faculty development grants are competitively available to assist faculty in enhancing and creating environmentally and sustainability-related course content with emphasis on transdisciplinary, co-curricular, farm/biodiesel, watershed, global education, and community service projects. Projects will be funded based on their scholarly or creative merit and potential to advance knowledge about the effects of humans' actions on the environment. In addition, Dickinson College has announced an internal faculty development workshop that will allow a select group of faculty from across the curriculum to discuss the integration of the environment into college courses. Participants will explore methodologies by which the Dickinson community can meaningfully integrate sustainability through a variety of approaches, including place-based study, experiential learning, and multi-disciplinary team teaching.
George Washington U Hires Sustainability Director
George Washington University (DC) has hired Meghan Chapple-Brown as the University's first director of the office of sustainability. Chapple-Brown will coordinate operational activities university-wide under a collaborative plan that aims to maximize GW’s environmental efficiency at its two campuses in Washington, D.C. and Ashburn, VA. The new director will also work with the GW Office of Planning and Environmental Management to help create a comprehensive climate neutrality plan, which will target the reduction of greenhouse gases, and work with an academic task force looking at innovative curriculum in sustainability.
Lee College Signs Energy Contract under Clinton Climate Initiative
Lee College (TX) has signed an Energy Performance Contract with Johnson Controls under the Clinton Climate Initiative's Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program. The program brings together many of the world's largest cities, real estate firms, financial institutions, and energy service companies in an effort to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings. Signatories of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment are eligible to participate in the program thanks to a partnership between the Commitment and Clinton Climate Initiative. Officials believe that Lee College is the first higher education institution to sign a contract in the CCI program. When complete, all 35 of Lee College's facilities will be retrofitted. Specific improvements include adding a building management system and installing energy efficient heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting products. Upon completion, the College expects to reduce its total electric consumption by approximately 35 percent and its energy and water costs by 32 percent.
Michigan State U Partners to Promote Green Efforts
Michigan State University, News/Talk 760 WJR, and MLive.com have begun a partnership to more broadly communicate sustainability efforts in the Great Lakes region. MSU and Detroit radio station WJR are currently collaborating on “Greening of the Great Lakes,” a Web site and a radio program that focus on all aspects of sustainability. The new partnership includes direct links to MLive.com’s environmental page. Topics range from the construction of green buildings to the development of energy-efficient automobiles to the creation of the biofuels.
MUM Students Build/Install Several Green Projects
A group of Maharishi University of Management (IA) Sustainable Living students have constructed and/or installed several green projects on campus. The projects include a wood-fired brick oven capable of making 20-30 loaves of bread at a time, a solar collector that is circulated into the classroom to provide warmth without the use of fossil fuels, a website the monitors the energy performance of their classrooms, a solar hot water heater, and a "living machine" that illustrates how a natural, living system can filter waste water. The system is a small-scale model of the sort of living machine that could be used to purify a home, office complex, or an entire city.
Notre Dame Helps the Poor with New Recycling Program
The University of Notre Dame (IN) has begun a new recycling program on campus that aims to help the environment and the poor. The Miraculous Metals recycling program allows ND students to collect aluminum cans and donate them to the Catholic Worker House, a shelter that takes in the homeless on freezing nights during the winter. The shelter then exchanges the scrap aluminum for funds. The new recycling program has been launched in the dorms, and the University hopes to expand it to off-campus housing and to the South Bend community in the near future.
Princeton U Installs Solar System on Library Roof
Princeton University (NJ) has installed a solar system on the roof of the building that houses the Research Collections and Preservation Consortium. Princeton, Columbia University (NY), and the New York Public Library are serving as hosts for the system, which features 5,000 photovoltaic panels that have the capacity to produce 370 kW of power.
St. Petersburg College Opens Office for Sustainability
St. Petersburg College (FL) has opened an Office for Sustainability. The new Office aims to provide assistance and direction as SPC implements environmental education programs, student activities, and corporate training. The Office will also work on projects related to energy and natural resource conservation, green buildings, carbon emissions, and recycling. SPC has also begun offering several new sustainability-focused courses and has integrated sustainability-focused tracks in its Parks and Leisure Services program, Management Technology A.S. degree, Architectural Design and Construction Technology Associates A.S. degree, and Environmental Science Technology A.S. degree. In 2009, the College of Technology and Management plans to offer a Bachelors of Science degree in Sustainability Management, which will focus on sustainable business strategies, legal aspects of sustainability, and sustainability in built and natural environments.
Sustainability Named a Top State Policy Issue for Higher Ed
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities listed sustainability as a top state policy issue for higher education in its recent publication titled, "Top 10 State Policy Issues for Higher Education in 2009." The paper discusses the impact of gas prices on commuter students and institutions, the increase in renewable energy installations, and the possibility of 2009 federal and state policy actions that could accelerate campus sustainability projects and fund campus-based research endeavors.
U Delaware Creates Sustainable Landscapes Website
The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens has launched a new website on sustainable landscapes. The new site explains why sustainable landscaping is beneficial and is divided into five categories: soils, hydrology, vegetation, human wellness, and materials. The website is based on the document, "Sustainable Landscape Practices," which was created by the UD Botanic Gardens Advisory Board's Green Initiatives subcommittee.
U Georgia Plans 'World’s Most Sustainable Teaching & Research Lab'
The University of Georgia has begun planning what it anticipates will be the "World’s most Sustainable Teaching and Research Laboratory." The building, which will house the Odum School of Ecology, is being designed with the following elements in mind: pedagogy, biodiversity, livability, energy, water, and nutrient cycling. The building will feature indoor greenhouses, terrariums, aquariums, and eco-machines for wetland ecologies; rainwater collected from the roof and purified water from the eco-machine will feed the stream and be used for on-site irrigation; and a green roof will be planted in conjunction with lab curriculum to attract desired species. In addition, the structure is designed to face solar south, 100 percent of all interior spaces will be naturally daylit, and solar panels will be the primary energy source for the school.
U Idaho Purchases 5 Electric Vehicles
The University of Idaho has purchased 5 new electric vehicles for its campus fleet. The two cars and three trucks will be used by Facilities Services, Housing, and Parking and Transportation Services staff. The fully electric-powered vehicles can drive distances of 40-50 miles on a single charge and can reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour.
U Kentucky Approves Sustainability Policy
The University of Kentucky has approved a University Sustainability Policy, committing the institution to take steps towards reducing its carbon emissions and corresponding socio-economic problems. The policy calls upon all levels and constituencies of the University to participate in a continuous and on-going effort to institute the teaching, research, and practice of sustainability and to establish an institutional culture of sustainability. The document discusses sustainability in the areas of leadership, research, education, community engagement, administration, operations, unit planning, funding, accountability, and reporting.
U Michigan Names Dir of Graham Env'l Sustainability Institute
University of Michigan aquatic ecologist Donald Scavia, an internationally recognized expert on coastal "dead zones," has been named the new director of the University's Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute. Scavia, a professor of natural resources and environment and director of the Michigan Sea Grant Program, has studied the Great Lakes and other coastal ecosystems for more than three decades. He joined the U-M faculty in 2004 after serving as chief scientist for the U.S. National Ocean Service. The Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute was launched in 2005 and supports multidisciplinary research and education related to environmental sustainability. It awards research grants, fellowships and scholarships, and it sponsors academic programs. The institute focuses on six key issues: energy; freshwater and marine resources; human health and the environment; biodiversity and global change; sustainable infrastructure, built environment and manufacturing; and environmental policymaking and human behavior.
U New Hampshire Buys Electric Vehicle
The University of New Hampshire Housing Department has purchased an electric truck. The new truck replaces a gas vehicle that was previously used by the department. The truck has a top speed of 25 miles per hour and can go from zero to 20 in five seconds. It can travel upwards of 60 miles before the battery, which is good for 25,000 miles, needs recharging. The vehicle has zero tailpipe emissions, does not require any gas, and needs 90 percent less maintenance than gas-fired cars.
UW Eau Claire Donates Unused Food, Replaces Trays with Plates
The University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire has begun a program to donate unused food to the local homeless shelters. All non-self-serve or publically accessible food is given to the Campus Kitchens Project which donates the food to local shelters. In addition, UW-Eau Claire has replaced cafeteria trays with regular-sized plates in an effort to reduce food waste.
U Wisconsin Oshkosh Names Director of Sustainability
The University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh has appointed Almut Beringer as the University's first director of sustainability. Dr. Beringer will lead the effort to carry out goals outlined in the Campus Sustainability Plan, which was unveiled in April 2008, and will also work with the provost on incorporating sustainability into the curriculum. She will report jointly to the vice chancellor for administrative services and the interim provost. Dr. Beringer previously served as a senior research fellow for the Sustainable University Project at the University of Lí¼neburg in Germany.
Western Washington U Opens Sustainable Travel Information Desk
Western Washington University has introduced a new travel desk that aims to help students find cheaper and more sustainable travel options regionally and locally. The desk, which is staffed by WWU's Sustainable Transportation program, provides information about how students can travel around the Bellingham and Puget Sound area via the bus system, biking, walking, or hiking.
Agnes Scott College Receives 2 Green Building Grants
Agnes Scott College (GA) has received an $80,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation Green Building Initiative to fund the renovation of Campbell Hall, the College's former science building, to the highest level of green building possible and to its optimal purpose. Agnes Scott also received a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s "Grants to Green" program, which will help fund the evaluation of the energy and water efficiency of the Robert W. Woodruff Physical Activities Building.
Arizona State U Composts Landscaping Waste
Arizona State University has begun composting its landscaping waste at a nearby farm. Once the waste has fully decomposed, the farm returns it to ASU to be used in the campus' landscaping and organic gardens. The new program, which began in July of 2007, has saved the University about $20,000 in dumping fees.
Cal Poly Pomona Installs Solar Powered Bus Info Signs
The California State Polytechnic University, Pomona has installed four solar-powered digital signs that inform bus riders when shuttles will arrive. Riders may also push a button and a voice will announce the same information.
Drew U Opens Green Dorm
Drew University (NJ) has opened McLendon Hall dormitory, a new green building on campus. The structure, which will house 159 students, features a geothermal heating and cooling system, drought-resistant landscaping, light sensors, water saving showers and sinks, and carpeting and floor tiles made from recycled materials. The University is seeking LEED certification for the new structure.
Furman U Receives Award for Green Showcase Home
Furman University (SC) has received the Creative Partnership Award from District III of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education in recognition of the partnership that led to the construction of the Cliffs Cottage, an on campus showcase home that features sustainable building materials and energy-saving systems. The award recognizes the partnership projects between private businesses/organizations and educational institutions that result in creative solutions to advancement issues. Only one award is given annually.
Madonna U Receives Grant for Green Science & Media Building
Madonna University (MI) has received a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation to support construction of its environmentally-friendly, $20 million Science and Media Building. To meet the challenge, Madonna will raise $3.25 million by January 2010, as part of the University’s Leading the Way Capital Campaign. The 60,000-square-foot building features recycled materials, energy efficient windows and lighting, and a green roof. The University plans to seek LEED certification for the new structure.
Montana State U Offers New Degree in Sustainable Food & Bioenergy
Montana State University has begun offering a new Bachelor of Science program in Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems. The program is designed to contribute to the development of bioenergy and a stronger, more secure food system in Montana. The new major is a partnership between the College of Agriculture and the College of Education, Health and Human Development. Three concentration options, housed within three different departments at MSU, will be available to students working toward the degree. Those options and departments are agroecology, sustainable crop production, and sustainable food systems. Together, the options will focus on ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable farming methods, food and people's health, and other issues related to food and bioenergy systems.
MSU Wins Grant to Establish Packing Innovation & Sustainability Ctr
Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has received a $400,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Company to establish the Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability. The planned Center, to be housed in the MSU School of Packaging, will serve as a think tank for packaging innovation and sustainability and a research and education hub to measure and reduce packaging’s environmental impact. The center will include state-of-the-art technology for bench research and testing of packaging materials and will offer academic, outreach and continuing education programs.
Purdue U, Vincennes U to Train Laid-off RV Workers
Purdue University and Vincennes University have begun offering technical training and advanced manufacturing instruction to the hundreds of recreational vehicle production workers in north-central Indiana who recently lost their jobs. Workers can learn new trades, such as precision metalworking, welding, and industrial maintenance. Vincennes will provide technical skills training, and Purdue will teach manufacturing techniques such as lean manufacturing tools, quality systems, sustainability, problem solving, change movement, conflict resolution, and essential communication skills in the workplace. The training is funded by $13 million in state and federal grants.
UC Davis Receives $2.5 M to Advance Energy Efficiency
The University of California, Davis has received $2.5 million from the Chevron Corporation to create a permanent leadership position for the campus's Energy Efficiency Center. The person appointed to the Chevron Chair in Energy Efficiency will direct the center, which was established in 2006. The campus plans to conduct a national search for the person to hold the Chevron Chair. S/he will be responsible for expanding the impact of the center’s research programs through interdisciplinary collaboration, education, outreach, and commercialization of technologies. He or she also will continue developing strong links with state and federal government, as well as with international programs.
UC Santa Barbara Starts CSA Program
The University of California, Santa Barbara has begun a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program on campus. Through the program, UCSB faculty, staff, and students are able to pick up a box of fresh organic produce once a week, delivered directly from a nearby organic farm to the campus that morning.
U Louisville to Operate Kentucky Renewable Energy Research Ctr
The University of Louisville has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Kentucky State Government to operate the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research and Environmental Stewardship. The Center has been funded by a $20 million donation from an alumnus. The Kentucky General Assembly created the Center in 2006 to provide leadership, research, support, and policy development in renewable energy. A governor-appointed board will set priorities for renewable energy research. The Center’s mission will include promoting partnerships among the state’s colleges and universities, private industry, and nonprofit organizations to actively pursue federal research and development resources that are dedicated to renewable energy.
U Nevada Reno Receives Grant to Help Businesses Reduce Energy Use
The Small Business Development Center at the University of Nevada, Reno has received a $125,000 federal grant for projects offering energy-efficiency help to small businesses. The UNR center will help small businesses evaluate their energy efficiency and implement energy-efficiency measures. The efforts might include support with renewable energy technology; green building and construction; and development and commercialization of clean-technology products, goods and services.
U New Hampshire Completes Methane Pipeline
The University of New Hampshire has completed the EcoLine pipeline, which will pipe methane 12.7 miles from Waste Management's Rochester landfill to UNH's cogeneration plant. Once the Rochester processing plant finishes in testing, which is expected to happen in February, landfill gas will replace commercial natural gas in the cogeneration plant and will be used to heat the buildings on campus.
U Oregon Extends Composting Program
The University of Oregon has approved an increase in the campus recycling budget that will fund the continuation of its composting program, which began in the spring of 2008 and collects up to one ton of recycling each month. When the program began, it was given funding for one year and would not have continued without additional funding.
U Tennessee Lowers Building Temperatures to Save Energy
The University of Tennessee has lowered building temperatures to 68 degrees and plans to raise building temperatures to 76 degrees in the summer. The new temperature policies do not apply to residence halls, but students are being issued coupons for coffee at Starbucks to reduce their energy use.
U Western Ontario Purchases Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
The University of Western Ontario has purchased a hybrid sedan to move employees, consultants, and clients around campus. In addition, the campus has announced plans to purchase a two-seat electric utility vehicle. The vehicle's features include six 12-volt flooded electrolyte batteries, which can be charged by plugging into a standard household electrical receptacle, a top speed of 40kmh, and an average range of about 30 miles on a single charge.
Williams College Shuts Down to Conserve Energy
Williams College (MA) decreased building temperatures and turned off equipment over its winter break in an effort reduce utility costs and greenhouse emissions. As a result of the initiative, the College saved nearly $90,000 compared to last year and reduced its annual emissions by one percent. Fifty-five percent of the energy savings came from heating. On average, building electricity use was down 40 percent, and electricity use in dorms was down 47 percent.
Wilson College Purchases 2 Electric Vehicles
Wilson College (PA) has replaced two of its gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles. One is used for campus security patrols and the other is used to collect recycling. Both vehicles can travel approximately 50 miles on one charge, and charging the vehicles takes about 4 to 6 hours.
Yale U Sets Sustainability Goals for Athletics
Yale University (CT) has announced a set of sustainability goals for its athletic program. Goals include developing a strategic sustainability plan for athletics; establishing a set of green standards for Yale athletic events; implementing collaborative efforts with student athletes, including creating sustainability partnerships with each varsity team in the coming term; using the lessons learned through the development of the strategic plan for Yale athletics to create a model that is measurable, transferable, and adaptable; and creating a database of best practices so that institutions interested in improving the sustainability of their athletic departments will have an accessible source of the best knowledge and experience.
8 New Institutions Sign Presidents' Climate Commitment
8 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: John Quistgaard of Bemidji State University (MN), Wellington Reiter of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (IL), John Erwin of Illinois Central College, Henry D. Shannon of Chaffey Community College (CA), Dr. Shirley Mullen of Houghton College (NY), Gwendolyn W. Stephenson of Hillsborough Community College (FL), Bryan D. Albrecht of Gateway Technical College (WI), and Dr. Constance Mierendorf of Sussex County Community College (NJ). 607 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
AP, Chronicle of Higher Ed Cover Prevalence Biofuels on Campus
The Associated Press and the Chronicle of Higher Education have both published articles on the increasing number of schools that are converting used vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel for use on campus. Institutions mentioned include Stetson University (FL), Keene State University (NH), Dickinson College (PA), Sinclair Community College (OH), and the University of Kansas
Business Week Article Features Green MBA Programs
Business Week has published an article on the increasing amount of sustainability-focused courses in business school curricula. The article mentions green MBA curricula at the University of California, Berkeley, Babson College (MA), the University of North Carolina, Presidio School of Management (CA), Harvard University (MA), Dartmouth College (NH), Stanford University (CA), Yale University (CT), and the University of Pennsylvania.
