NSF Awards $20 Mil to Oregon Green Chemistry Center
The Center for Sustainable Materials, a collaboration between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon, has received a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop greener chemical processes. The grant will be used largely to fund graduate student work through the center and expand the development of water-based processes that are of interest in electronics and renewable energy materials manufacturing. The center joins the National Science Foundation’s Centers of Chemical Innovation program, which aims to support a new, greener chemical industry in the U.S. through university research.
NSF Invests $18.5 toward Urban Water Engineering Research Center
With an investment of $18.5 million over five years, the National Science Foundation has selected a multi-university team from New Mexico State University, Stanford University (CA), Colorado School of Mines and the University of California, Berkeley to implement an Urban Water Engineering Research Center. With the aim of reinventing America's water infrastructure, the center's research will combine fundamental investigations and applied research in engineered systems, natural systems and urban water management.
Obama Proposes $5 Billion for Community College Renovations
Among President Barack Obama's proposals to revive a stalling economy during his speech to a joint session of Congress this month is $5 billion to bolster the infrastructure at community colleges, reports a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article. The money would go toward renovation and upgrades to make use of new technologies and to become more energy-efficient. The president's proposed American Jobs Act would cost more than $400 billion total, to be paid for through spending cuts identified by the bipartisan deficit-reduction committee.
Ohio Wesleyan U Implements Energy Saving Initiative
Ohio Wesleyan University has launched an initiative to reduce energy use on campus. The university will replace inefficient light bulbs and implement a double-sided default printing mode and sleep-mode activation for public computers. The university is also working with staff on a new building temperature setback and energy conservation plan.
Saint Mary's College Creates Center for Environmental Literacy
Saint Mary's College of California has announced the launch of its new Center for Environmental Literacy. The new center will explore and promote educational programming and professional development opportunities for educators to integrate nature and the arts into K-12 academic curricula and collaborate with faculty seeking to merge environmental issues into their research and coursework.
U California Berkeley Restoration Earns LEED Silver
The restoration of Durant Hall at the University of California, Berkeley has earned LEED Silver certification. Eighty-eight percent of waste materials leftover from construction were diverted from landfills and recycled. Twenty-two percent of the materials used came from within 500 miles of campus. Sustainable features also include low-flow plumbing and energy-efficient mechanical and electricity systems.
U Chicago Reduces Waste of Annual Picnic by Composting
The University of Chicago (IL) collected seven bags of compost during the recent Facilities Services Annual Picnic. By introducing composting bins for the first time, the event recycled or composted all waste with the exception of ice cream wrappers and potato chip bags.
U Montana Converts Concrete Space into Organic Garden
The University of Montana's Dining Services has converted a concrete space behind the cafeteria into a low-waste and local organic garden. Heirloom tomatoes and squash, native hazelnuts and serviceberries from the garden are used in the university's dining halls and catering program. Students are also using the garden to learn about sustainable food production.
U New Hampshire Launches Corporate Sustainability Certificate
In partnership with New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, the University of New Hampshire has launched a professional certificate in corporate sustainability. The program will make its debut in October and is directed toward mid-level and senior professionals seeking to increase knowledge and functional skills in the practices and principles of corporate sustainability.
U Oregon Pledges No Net Gain on Energy Consumption
The University of Oregon has pledged to hold the amount of energy used to power campus buildings and grounds at its current level, even as new buildings are added. Under the plan, called the Oregon Model for Sustainable Development, new buildings will have to be at least 35 percent more energy efficient and will have to pay 10 percent of the cost of offsetting their added energy use into a new Central Energy Fund. The fund will help pay for the retrofits of older buildings. The new policy also has a stormwater and public education component.
U Pennsylvania Unveils New 24-Acre Park
The University of Pennsylvania has opened Penn Park, 24 acres of athletic fields, open recreational space and pedestrian connections. Replacing a surface parking lot previously owned by the U.S. Postal Service, the park has increased the university's green space by 20 percent and created a new pedestrian gateway. Sustainable features of the park include the planting of more than 500 native trees, self-irrigating athletic fields, recycled and repurposed materials, and an energy-efficient lighting system.
U Tennessee Launches E-Bike Sharing System
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has launched a new automated electric bicycle (e-bike) sharing system. The pilot program features two bike sharing stations with 10 bicycles each including seven e-bikes. An electric bicycle is equipped with an attached motor that activates when pedaling gets more difficult for the rider. If successful, the program will be developed into a full-scale system. The program is funded by the Southeastern Transportation Center, Tennessee Department of Transportation and the university’s Student Sustainability Initiative.
U Washington Introduces Green IT Certificate
The University of Washington's Professional & Continuing Education program has launched a new green IT certificate. The first course covers the basics of green computing and overall sustainability, the second focuses on managing the transition to green IT and the final course requires students to develop a compelling green IT roadmap for an enterprise.
Vancouver Island U to Ban Bottled Water
Vancouver Island University's (BC) administration and student union have announced plans for a “Ban the Bottle” campaign in an effort to clear all plastic water bottles from campus by June 2012. The plan began as part of a national initiative in partnership with other student unions associated with the Canadian Federation of Students. The university is currently planning how the phase-out will look including the replacement of vending machines on campus with hydration stations.
Yale U Revitalizes Green Event Certification
Yale University's (CT) Office of Sustainability has developed a new and improved green event certification to encourage, recognize and celebrate the voluntary sustainable efforts of campus event organizers. Participants interested in certifying their event can complete a green event checklist with action items in categories including transportation, stationery and handouts, catering, energy efficiency and offsets, waste, and event communications. A total score is calculated based on applicable action items for a bronze, silver, gold or platinum award.
Algoma U Announces Solar Panel Installation
Algoma University (ON) has announced that a total of 540 solar panels will be installed on its sports facility. The new 135-kilowatt system is part of a joint $1.15 million venture between the university and the public utilities company. The university plans to sell back energy generated from the panel to the provincial grid. Annual revenue under the province’s Feed-in Tariff program is expected to be $127,356, a portion of which will go to the university.
Arizona State U Exceeds 10 MW of Solar Energy
With the installation of its latest 168-kilowatt, ground-mount photovoltaic installation, Arizona State University has exceeded 10 megawatts of solar energy capacity to become the first higher education institution in the U.S. with a solar capacity of this size. The university's solar power represents about 20 percent of its peak load and a carbon footprint reduction of up to 10 percent.
Ball State U Media Building Receives LEED Silver
Ball State University's (IN) David Letterman Communication and Media Building has earned LEED Silver certification. Environmentally friendly features of the building include low-flow bathroom fixtures and waterless urinals, occupancy sensors, individual temperature controls, native landscaping that doesn't require irrigation and bicycle parking.
Claremont McKenna College Installs Food Decomposers
Claremont McKenna College (CA) has installed two food decomposers in its cafeteria dish room. The soil amendment produced by the decomposers will reduce food waste volume and weight by 95 percent without using the space, water and energy necessary for composting. The college will use the soil in the community garden and other campus locations. The machines were also locally manufactured.
Colorado College Opens Renovated Green Student Center
Colorado College has completed a $9 million renovation of its campus student center with the goal of reducing the building’s energy use by 30 percent. A 144-panel solar array was installed on the roof, which will contribute about 4 percent of the electricity needed and save about $3,800 per year. Other sustainable features include energy-efficient lighting and low-flow plumbing.
Denison U Goes Paper-Free with Admissions Application Process
Denison University (OH) has announced that its Office of Admissions has moved to a completely electronic application process. With the new system, all aspects of the application process are controlled online, eliminating the need for paper hard copies.
Dickinson College Appoints Sustainability Ed Assistant Director
Dickinson College (PA) has named Lindsey Lyons as its new Center for Sustainability Education (CSE) assistant director. Lyons, who previously taught environmental science at Wilson College (PA), will focus on communicating the sustainability vision on campus including an upcoming organic farming conference and the redesign of the CSE website.
Humboldt State U Announces Bottled Water Phase Out
Humboldt State University (CA) has announced plans to completely phase out the sale of plastic water bottles on campus. Throughout the fall semester, the university's Dining Services will stop selling single-use plastic water bottles at all campus marketplaces and eateries, and the university will discontinue the availability of plastic water bottles in campus vending machines. Two hydration stations have been installed on campus and the university plans to retrofit more water fountains to accommodate reusable water containers.
Humboldt State U to Offer Car Sharing Service
Humboldt State University (CA) has announced a partnership with Zipcar, Inc. to offer a car sharing program on campus. The initiative joins the university’s current free student bus rides, weekend shuttles for on-campus residents, free carpool day parking and the annual “Car Free Day,” during which students are encouraged to use alternative transportation.
Iowa State U Science Facility Earns LEED Gold
Iowa State University’s Hach Hall has achieved LEED Gold certification. The $74.5 million building houses classrooms, laboratories and instrumentation. The facility makes use of large windows for natural light, automated lighting and low-flow fume hoods with energy recovery. Recycled material was a key factor in the construction of the building including the ceiling tile, carpet, copper piping and metal door hinges.
Slippery Rock U Launches Energy Conservation Campaign
Slippery Rock University's (PA) Energy Conservation Committee has instituted a campaign to encourage students and faculty to cut energy costs. The “Small Steps. Big Payoff" pledge asks participants to select three of 10 energy saving options including turning the lights off, unplugging appliances, taking shorter showers and using the stairs instead of elevators. The university is aiming for a 3 percent reduction in energy consumption throughout the next year, which will cut energy costs by about $100,000 per year.
Southern Connecticut State U Debuts Single Stream Recycling
Southern Connecticut State University has implemented a single stream recycling program and placed two solar-powered compactors on campus. Together, the initiatives are expected to reduce labor costs and the university will re-evaluate the frequency of its waste pick-up during the academic year.
Towson U Debuts 2 New Environmentally Friendly Buildings
Towson University (MD) has opened the doors of a new student housing community and academic building, both of which will seek LEED certification. The university's College of Liberal Arts Building is expected to receive Gold certification with a high-performance HVAC system with automated central controls and bike racks, showers and locker facilities to promote students and faculty to walk or bike to class. The 700,000-square-foot West Village community includes two new residence halls and will seek LEED Silver certification.
Truman State U Offers Online Certificate Course in Sustainability
Truman State University (MO) has launched an online graduate certificate in sustainability and environmental studies. Designed in an interdisciplinary fashion, the coursework includes biology, political science, economics, geography and business perspectives.
U Buffalo Creates Chief Sustainability Officer Post
The University at Buffalo (NY) has announced a new position of chief sustainability officer. Ryan McPherson, currently associate vice president for government and community relations, has been named to the position to provide leadership and direction for university sustainability initiatives. In his new role, McPherson will coordinate university-wide environmental efforts through UB Green, the campus environmental office, partnering with the Environmental Stewardship Committee.
U Hawaii Manoa Implements New Photovoltaic Power System
The University of Hawaii at Manoa has installed a new solar photovoltaic system that will provide energy to the campus library. The 140 solar modules are raised at least 24 inches from the rooftop to help reduce heat load and are expected to save the university approximately $500,000 over the system's 25-year lifespan.
U Maine Campus Shifts to Single Stream Recycling
The University of Maine has made the shift to single stream recycling, eliminating the need for an on-campus sorting facility. In addition to the economic benefits, the university aims to decrease the amount of campus waste.
U Maine Machias Improves Energy Efficiency of Dining Hall
The University of Maine at Machias has completed $475,000 in upgrades to make its campus dining hall more energy-efficient. The university replaced its old steam boiler with an energy-efficient hot water boiler and installed an energy management system to monitor and control the building’s heating system.
U Nevada Las Vegas Installs Solar Trash Compactor
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has installed a solar-powered trash compactor. The Green Built compactor will operate on solar power more than 85 percent of the time and can handle up to 160 cubic yards of trash a month. The university’s previous electric compactor was scheduled for biweekly emptying, full or not, at a lease rate of $4,200 a month. The new compactor has software that reports when it’s full, enabling a scheduled pick-up only when needed. Officials project a savings of approximately $2,500 per month. The university also plans to add a solar-powered compactor for single stream recyclables by the end of the year.
Winona State U Creates Sustainability Minor
Winona State University (MN) has launched a minor in sustainability with the intention of connecting the study of sustainability with other academic areas. The new minor is the university’s first academic commitment to sustainability.
Yale U Medical School Saves Paper with iPads
In an effort to save paper and make course materials more accessible, Yale University's (CT) School of Medicine has announced that it will provide all students with an iPad 2 for use in classroom and clinical settings. Students will be able to download the entire medical curriculum on the device. The school aims to save the $100,000 spent each year to copy, collate and distribute course materials. With an initial expenditure of $600,000 on the new iPads, the university expects that the money saved on printing expenses over the years will cover the cost of the devices.
Appalachian State U Develops 'Always Local' List
Appalachian State University's (NC) Food Services has developed a dynamic "Always Local" list of products that can be found in its dining facilities. The university created an "Always Local" icon for students, faculty and staff to identify items that were grown and/or produced within 250 miles of the university. The list currently contains more than 25 vendors.
Appalachian State U Installs Solar Trash Compactors
Appalachian State University (NC) has installed four solar-powered trash compactors on campus as part of its student-led Renewable Energy Initiative. The compactors have a small photovoltaic system that is used to compress the contents when a certain weight is reached. The unit also contains a recycling container. The compactors were purchased with funds generated through a green fee paid by students.
Boise State U Opens Bicycle Center
Boise State University (ID) has unveiled its Cycle Learning Center. The center serves as the university’s centralized source for basic bicycle repair services, low-cost instructional clinics and alternative transportation information. Students will be able to rent a bike or a secure a storage spot.
Bridgewater College to Conduct Campus Energy Audit
Bridgewater College (VA) has scheduled a comprehensive campus energy audit to begin in October. The audit will evaluate energy and utility consumption in every structure on campus and prioritize energy uses. The college will then implement systems to conserve usage, save natural resources and educate students about energy conservation. Meters will also be installed in 13 major buildings. The college has received a $150,000 grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund to cover part of the $225,000 cost.
California Community Colleges Create Scholarship Fund
In the face of state funding cuts that have forced course reductions and prevented thousands of students from obtaining classes, reports a recent Los Angeles Times article, California's community colleges have created a $67.7 million scholarship fund to provide financial support for thousands of students annually. As fees for California community college students increase from $26 to $36 per unit this fall, the scholarship fund will provide $1,000 to qualified students for textbooks, lab fees and other expenses. An estimated 4,000 students annually will receive scholarships from the endowment, which is a culmination of a three-year fundraising campaign that began with a lead gift of $25 million from a foundation that promised to match a portion of the donations raised by the colleges. Since 2008, the state's 112 community colleges have raised $28.5 million, generating $14.2 million in matching dollars.
California State U San Marcos Develops Compost System
Using coffee grounds and raw fruit and vegetable trimmings, California State University, San Marcos has developed a low-maintenance compost system to provide nutrient-rich soil for campus landscaping. The new program is a result of waste diversion discussions with nearby campuses that participated in this year's RecycleMania.
California State U San Marcos Earns Second LEED Certification
California State University, San Marcos' new Social and Behavioral Sciences building has earned LEED Silver certification, the second LEED certification for the campus. Environmentally friendly features include a stormwater system that saves 60 percent of the water used for landscape irrigation, low-water use fixtures, high-efficiency lighting, automated ventilation systems and energy-efficient windows. Seventy-four percent of the project waste was diverted from the landfill.
Cleveland State U to Offer Car Sharing Service
Cleveland State University (OH) has partnered with Zipcar, Inc. to offer a car-sharing program on campus. The university will start with two vehicles that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all students, faculty and staff members ages 18 and older.
Cornell U Students Design Garden that Cleans Toxic Waste
Featuring ferns, grasses and black elder trees that absorb lead and arsenic from fertilizers and lead arsenate from pesticides, five landscape architecture graduate students at Cornell University (NY) have designed a garden with plants capable of cleaning up hazardous waste sites. Focusing on plants that draw in, store, and in some cases convert, toxic materials into benign compounds, the students' garden includes more than 50 plant species including sunflowers, cabbage plants, rice and willows.
Hispanics Become Largest Campus Minority
With a 24 percent spike in college enrollment, Hispanic 18- to 24-year-olds have become the largest minority group attending college in the U.S., reports a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education. A report recently released by the Pew Hispanic Center says the number of young Hispanics enrolling in college grew by 349,000 from 2009 to 2010. The increase is attributed to data that revealed that more Hispanic young adults were eligible to attend college than ever before as nearly 73 percent had finished high school, and more college-eligible Hispanic youths enrolled in college than ever before. Much of the growth stems from Hispanic enrollment at community colleges. Young Hispanics are enrolling in community colleges at a much greater rate than are their peers, while young black students remain the largest minority group at the country's four-year colleges.
Liberal Arts Diversity Group Works to Diversify Faculty
A group known as the Liberal Arts Diversity Officers, which includes administrators from 24 liberal arts institutions, is planning a forum to share resources and discuss the continuing challenge of diversifying their faculties, reports a recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Leaders of the group want the forum, to be held at Columbia University (NY), to encourage an exchange of strategies for attracting underrepresented students and staff members as well as faculty members. Presidents, chief academic officers and chief diversity officers from 16 colleges are expected to attend. Since its creation, the group has put in place a number of member ideas including the creation of a pipeline of diverse candidates for liberal arts faculty positions.
Macalester College Bans Bottled Water
Macalester College (MN) has eliminated the sale and provision of bottled water as part of its overall sustainability and climate neutrality initiatives. Bottled water will no longer be sold at the campus store, food concessions, athletic events or vending machines and will not be used for catering or purchased with college funds. The college is upgrading its water fountains and will continue to have jug water stations throughout campus.
Madison Area Technical College Receives Green Grant
Madison Area Technical College (WI) has received a $10,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific INSPIRE Grant to support student participation in its "Renewable Energy for International Development" course. The coursework examines energy and economics in developing countries with special consideration toward renewable sources. With eight weeks of online instruction and 10 days of hands-on work in Costa Rica, students design and implement renewable energy systems that can be applied to developing countries. The grant will provide six $1,500 scholarships and a $1,000 stipend.
Michigan State U to Address Farming and Climate Change
A team of researchers at Michigan State University are working to give farmers the necessary tools to help cope with climate variability and lessen its negative impact on agriculture. The five-year project is funded by a $5 million grant from the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Spanning 12 states from North Dakota to Ohio, the study will develop models to predict how climate scenarios could affect corn and soybean growth and profits. The study will also identify the best ways to deliver the information to farmers.
