U Chicago Installs First Energy Dashboard
The University of Chicago's (IL) Searle Laboratory recently became the first building on campus to feature an energy monitoring building dashboard system. The Lucid Design Group interactive display of real-time energy consumption reveals energy data across multiple time scales and according to different unit equivalents including gallons of gasoline, tons of carbon or dollars. The dashboard is the first step in an eventual campus-wide installation of energy monitoring systems.
U Colorado at Boulder Installing Carport Solar Array
The University of Colorado at Boulder is installing 100 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic panels atop a new carport on campus. The university has partnered with design and construction company EcoDepot for project financing and has the opportunity to buy the solar installations after seven years at a fraction of the original cost.
U Colorado Boulder Phases Out Herbicide Use with Compost Tea
The University of Colorado at Boulder has announced plans to phase out the use of herbicides on campus fields. The university will treat the grounds with a “compost tea,” a liquid that can be used as both a fertilizer and to prevent plant diseases. The first phase will reduce the use of herbicides by 45 percent in 2011. By the end of 2012, all turf areas will no longer receive synthetic herbicide applications. The final phase includes eliminating the use of synthetic pesticides after the 2016 growing season.
U Minnesota Morris Educates with Fitness Center Solar Panels
The University of Minnesota, Morris recently celebrated the successful installation of a 32-panel solar thermal array at its Regional Fitness Center with two solar swims for the community and students. Organized by the Students Using Natural Energy (SUN-E) team, the swim gatherings are drawing crowds of about 100 people who swim in water heated by the sun and enjoy free pizza and a poolside DJ. This summer, the center will feature kiosks that show live temperature data at each juncture of the system, carbon dioxide output and the amount of energy produced by the solar panels over time. A diagram of the pool and the panels detailing the heating system as well as information on other green energy platforms on campus will complement the live data.
U Minnesota to Reduce Coal Use in Power Plant
The University of Minnesota has created a new plan to use natural gas and biomass to produce steam to reduce the amount of coal burned in the campus power plant. Oat hulls, a waste product from the General Mills cereal plant, will be used for the biomass. Coal will be reserved for the coldest days of winter, reducing its use by 85 percent.
U Texas Arlington to Install 1,500 Low-Flow Showerheads
The University of Texas at Arlington has received 1,500 low-flow shower heads from the City of Arlington as part of an ongoing effort to promote water conservation and sustainable practices. The shower heads will be installed in residence halls and other student housing locations during the summer. The university expects to save 14.2 million gallons of water each year, saving more than $100,000 a year in water, sewer and natural gas fees.
U Washington Develops Software to Reduce Computer Energy Use
Researchers at the University of Washington have created an energy-efficient program that reduces the energy consumption of powerful computers, data centers and mobile devices. The program has cut energy use in simulations by up to 50 percent and has the potential to reduce energy use by as much as 90 percent. The software works like a dimmer switch, letting some transistors run at a lower voltage. Researchers are now designing hardware to test their results in the lab. The long-term goal is to improve the battery life of a computer.
Wilfrid Laurier U Takes on Canadian Commuter Challenge
Members of the Wilfrid Laurier University (ON) community recently competed in the Canadian Commuter Challenge, a friendly competition between organizations in Canada to reduce greenhouse gases. Staff and faculty at the university pledged to use environmentally friendly modes of transportation like biking, walking, car pooling or public transit to get around town and to commute to and from work. The university has also announced that 25 bike racks and three crosswalks will be installed over the summer on campus. The Sustainability Office is also researching a formal carpooling program and the feasibility of an electric fleet of vehicles for use on campus.
22 Campuses Complete Climate Action Plans
Twenty-two new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAPs) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on Feb. 7, 2011. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing. The new submissions are, in alphabetical order: Albion College (MI); Alfred University (NY); Bemidji State University (MN); Bergen Community College (NJ); Case Western Reserve University (OH); DePauw University (IN); Drury University (MO); Lake Superior College (MN); Mercer County Community College (NJ); Missouri University of Science & Technology; Pomona College (CA); Roxbury Community College (MA); St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley (MO); State University of New York Upstate Medical University; The Ohio State University - Columbus; University of La Verne (CA); University of New England (ME); University of New Mexico-Taos; University of South Carolina Upstate; Valencia Community College (FL); Wells College (NY); and Willamette University (OR).
Aquinas College Plants Community Garden
Aquinas College (MI) has created a community garden on campus. The garden was recently planted with a variety of fruit, vegetables, herbs and flower seeds. Volunteers will look after the new plot and no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides will be used.
Babson College Eco Reps Create Freshman Sustainability Class
Student Eco Reps at Babson College (MA) have created a sustainability class as part of the First Year Seminar (FYS) curriculum starting this fall. Designed to help entering students realize how their behaviors can make a positive impact on campus and in the world, the class gives an overall view of the college's sustainability efforts and encourages students to become change agents for a better planet. The Eco Reps developed "A Student's Guide to Sustainable Behavior," a case study, quiz and optional extra credit for the class, as well as a Teacher's Guide for FYS instructors.
Case Western Reserve U to Create Solar Energy Center
Case Western Reserve University (OH) has been recommended for a $2.88 million grant to work with industry to improve the productive lifetime of solar energy technologies, energy-efficient lighting, roofing and building exteriors. The grant will help fund the Solar Durability and Lifetime Extension Center. The center will include a sun farm on campus and provide companies with facilities to expose and evaluate materials, components and products under solar radiation and under extremes in temperature, humidity, freezing and thawing cycles. The grant is funded by Ohio Third Frontier.
Clackamas CC Students Will Construct Wind Turbines
Clackamas Community College (OR) has announced the creation of the Homebuilt Wind Turbine workshop that focuses on the mechanical and electronic processes of making a wind turbine. Students will have the opportunity to construct and assemble a wind turbine from scratch using everyday hand tools. Turbines constructed by students will generate approximately 20-kilowatts of electricity a day. The workshop’s $350 fee will go to creating a 12-foot wind turbine on campus.
Delta College Announces Green Fridays
Delta College (MI) has announced that campus will be closed on Fridays throughout the summer in an effort to reduce its campus carbon footprint. The “Green Fridays” initiative will extend hours Monday through Thursday enough to meet the needs of the campus community. The initiative is one part of a larger effort toward the development of an environmentally sustainable campus.
Harvard U Custodial Services Achieves Green Seal Certification
Harvard University’s (MA) Facilities Maintenance Operations Custodial Services has achieved Green Seal certification. Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that certifies products and services that meet rigorous environmental safety standards. The process took several years and required the university to adjust the cleaning products and procedures as well as invest in new equipment. Custodial services customized a cleaning program to meet the specific environmental needs for each building.
Harvard U Dormitory Earns LEED Existing Buildings Certification
Harvard University’s (MA) Thayer Hall, an undergraduate dormitory, has achieved the university’s first LEED Existing Buildings certification. A team was created to identify sustainable practices that could be extended to other residential buildings. Each team member focused on a different LEED category and worked to ensure the building’s compliance with relevant prerequisites and implement operational and infrastructural changes. Sustainable modifications ranged from cleaning protocols to snow removal, lighting retrofits, temperature adjustments and landscaping services. The dormitory reduced its energy consumption by 10 percent in two years. The students of the Resource Efficiency Program also coordinated a recycling campaign and waste audit.
Indiana U Announces Sustainability Course Development Fellowships
Two Sustainability Course Development Fellowships have been awarded to Indiana University Bloomington faculty. This year’s recipients will receive $8,000 to provide support for newly developed courses in sustainability. The two courses are “Exploring the Challenges of Sustainability: Ecology & Society” and “Sustainability Law & Policy.” The fellowship represents an instructional component of a broad-based initiative originally developed by the university’s Task Force on Campus Sustainability. It is intended to provide support for individual faculty members interested in expanding their teaching into topics related to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Marshall U Evaluates Wind Energy Potential on Former Mining Sites
Marshall University’s (WV) Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences has installed a wind turbine on three former mountain top removal sites (MTR). The university is using Second Wind’s satellite wind data service to evaluate the wind energy potential on former mining sites. The university’s goal is to help surface mine property owners determine whether they can make MTR sites productive again through conversion to renewable energy uses.
Meredith College Student Housing Receives LEED Silver
Meredith College’s (NC) student housing project, the Oaks, has achieved LEED Silver certification. Opened in August 2009, sustainable features include dual flush toilets, drip irrigation for landscaping, low-emitting materials and construction materials sourced and manufactured regionally. Approximately 89 percent of construction waste was diverted from the landfill.
Morgan State U Students Design App to Encourage Recycling
To encourage campus recycling, Morgan State University (MD) students have created a mobile phone application that sends alerts to users’ phones when they are in the proximity of recycling units on campus. Born out of the lack of emphasis and notification about where to recycle on campus, the solution also required the development of special transceivers to transmit signals from the recycling units and receive signals back from the cell phones. Funded by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant, the student research team that developed the app ranged from history to industrial engineering majors.
Penn State U Invests in PC Power Management Software
Pennsylvania State University has invested in PC power management software called BigFix. The software enables IT staff to ensure computers are in sleep mode when they are not being used and remotely wakes up the machines when they are needed. The software has been installed on 20,000 computers. The university expects to reduce its utilities bill by $800,000 a year.
Stetson U Replaces Public Safety Dept SUV with Electric Vehicle
Stetson University’s (FL) Public Safety Department has replaced its sports utility vehicle with a MILES Electric Vehicle. The $13,000 electric vehicle is battery-fueled and has an estimated battery life of 25,000 miles. The university may buy more electric-motor-utility vehicles for its Facilities Management Department if the recently purchased vehicle is a success.
St. Lawrence College to Install 1,200 Solar Panels
St. Lawrence College (ON) has announced a planned installation of more than 1,200 solar panels atop a variety of buildings on its campus. The 250-kilowatt project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The college expects the $3 million investment to pay for itself within the next 10 years. The rooftop solar project is part of an initiative created by the Ontario government to install 10 new solar panel projects at various locations throughout the city. The government will pay 71.3 cents for every kilowatt-hour generated.
Syracuse, SUNY ESF Students Hold Sustainability Showcase
Syracuse University (NY), in collaboration with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, recently organized a sustainability showcase in an attempt to engage a broader campus audience in sustainability efforts. From highway design alternatives to algae biofuel to several sustainable product prototypes and proposals for ecotourism and lifestyle changes, the Showcase 2011 Green Museum featured more than 100 graduate and undergraduate sustainability ideas.
Temple U Debuts Car Sharing, Water Refilling Station Initiatives
Temple University (PA) recently implemented two initiatives as part of its Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce the university's carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030. The university has partnered with Zimride, a ride-sharing tool that uses social networking functionality to bring members of the campus community together to share commutes. The university has also installed water bottle refilling stations in the lobbies of several academic building across campus.
Tufts U Students Win Dow Sustainability Innovation Award
Three teams of Tufts University (MA) graduate students have each won $10,000 from the Dow Sustainability Innovation Student Challenge Award program. The students’ research included the development of a silk-based biosensor to detect highly toxic bacterial compound in drinking water, a plan to analyze water consumption for energy-producing technologies in 177 countries, and a plan to develop a solar powered energy system for urban Pakistan.
U Buffalo Creates Framework for Modeling Sustainable Agriculture
The State University of New York's University at Buffalo researchers have begun assessing the City of Buffalo’s capacity for sustainable agriculture. A university geographer has developed a conceptual model in the form of a map that shows how different elements within Buffalo’s urban food movement relate to one another. The map shows feedback involving land use, opportunities for urban agriculture in vacant lots, how urban agriculture can increase familiarity with local food, and how that familiarity can result in greater support for the cultivation of vacant lots into urban farms. The map addresses affordability, public health, community resilience, local economy support and the potential adoption of a “green code.”
U California Berkeley Announces Energy-Related Law Degree
The University of California, Berkeley's Energy and Resources Group and Berkeley Law have announced a new concurrent degree program. Reflecting a growing interest in energy-related legal work and a spike in job opportunities within the field, students will now be able to earn both a J.D. and an M.S. or M.A. after four years of study. With more law students moving toward energy than ever before, says the director of Berkeley Law's environmental law program in the article, this new degree will enhance the law school's overall energy program and gives the school a competitive edge. "It was very rare five to 10 years ago," he says, "to have a student interested specifically in energy. Now it's one of the areas where law firms are hiring aggressively, even with the economic downturn."
U California San Diego Boosts Solar Energy Portfolio
The University of California, San Diego has partnered with Sullivan Solar Power for the installation of an 830-kilowatt solar project. Part of a $3.53 million project made possible with a $1.2 million rebate from the California Initiative and low-interest federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds financing, the panels will boost the university’s solar energy capacity to two megawatts and increase the total campus renewable energy portfolio to nearly five megawatts.
U Chicago Renovates Building to Incorporate Sustainable Practices
The University of Chicago (IL) has renovated its Young Memorial Building to make it a more sustainable place to work. The extensive renovation not only considered ways to reduce its environmental footprint, but also ways to promote complementary individual action. Water fountains have a water bottle-filling feature to encourage the community to use reusable bottles and bike racks are mounted on the wall and a shower room installed to support bike commuters. Reusing rather than replacing the building and its fixtures was strongly emphasized during the renovation. Other sustainable features include a cork floor, low-flush plumbing, recycled and reclaimed ceiling tiles, and energy-efficient lighting.
U Illinois Chicago Receives $15K Federal Grant for Seed House
The University of Illinois at Chicago's Hull-House Museum has received a federal grant of more than $15,000 to open a public heirloom seed library to provide free, regionally adapted seeds to urban farmers and gardeners. The public can apply for library cards to obtain seeds if they agree to plant the seeds, nurture the plants and return some seeds from the next generation at the end of the season. The museum is one of 14 national recipients of the Institute of Museum and Library Services' new Sparks! Ignition grants. The program funds innovations that use time and money most productively to expand library and museum services.
U Minnesota Twin Cities Bldg Earns LEED Gold
The University of Minnesota's Science Teaching and Student Services Center (STSS) has achieved LEED Gold certification, the first LEED Gold building on the Twin Cities campus. The building utilized regional materials, a natural air convection system, low-flow fixtures and a high efficiency irrigation system. The exterior glass will reduce solar heat gain by 50 percent and 94 percent of the construction debris was diverted from the landfill to be reused or recycled.
U Tennessee Knoxville to Develop Campus Energy Management Program
The University of Tennessee Knoxville, in partnership with Knoxville Utilities Board, has agreed to develop a long-term plan to enhance energy efficiency and energy management on campus. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight Solutions for Business program will work with the university to create a 10-year strategic energy road map. Training will be provided for campus energy managers in the areas of energy performance measuring systems, developing peak and minimum load management strategies, and the implementation of best practices for communicating energy efficiency efforts. The first phase of the plan is expected to be complete by fall 2011.
U Texas Austin Celebrates Solar Power System Completion
The University of Texas at Austin has completed the installation of a solar power system. The project consists of two grid-tied solar arrays. One system is a ground-mounted array of solar panels in a field and the other system is an array of panels over a newly constructed carport. A monitoring system has been installed to track the energy generated by each installation. The university hopes the project will offer instructional opportunities for academic engineering programs.
U Winnipeg Local Food Initiative Influences City Food Scene
Two years after University of Winnipeg President Lloyd Axworthy's decision to buy out the contract of the university's large, multinational catering firm and establish its own culinary company, the university has revolutionized the local food scene in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Diversity Foods, in partnership with local nonprofit SEED Winnipeg, was mandated to serve organic, locally grown food of an ethnically diverse variety, and to employ inner-city residents as its primary labor force. As a result, the food is so popular that the university's executive chef is the city's most in-demand caterer and the school's buying power has persuaded suppliers to finally provide sustainable, organic products to the city, once deemed too small a market to justify such deliveries. Local farmers have increased production and the city's menus have changed as a result. This summer, the university will open a fine dining restaurant open to the public.
Yale U Announces Return of ROTC
Yale University (CT) has announced the reinstatement of its Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program with a Naval unit. The institution joins Stanford University (CA), Columbia University (NY) and Harvard University (MA) as the latest institutions to reinstate the ROTC program following Congress' repeal of a ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military.
2 Grand Valley State U Buildings Receive LEED Certification
Grand Valley State University’s (MI) new student housing project and dining hall have both received LEED certification. The 279,974-square-foot housing project provides rooms for 600 students and achieved LEED Gold certification. The 24,000-square-foot food service building was awarded LEED Silver certification. The buildings feature energy-efficient lighting, heating and air conditioning systems, as well as landscaping that requires minimal irrigation with expansive stormwater management systems.
Antioch U New England Pres Named to Climate Adaptation Committee
Dr. David Caruso, president of Antioch University New England, has been named to Second Nature's Adaptation Committee. Composed of higher education and climate adaptation experts, the committee will be introduced during the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Climate Leadership Summit in June. The committee will evaluate how colleges and universities can use research, teaching, knowledge, skills and local outreach to serve as climate adaptation hubs in their communities.
Arizona State U Tempe Campus Installs Solar Energy System
Arizona State University’s Tempe Campus has installed four new solar energy systems. The systems have a combined capacity of 750-kilowatts and utilize 3,572 solar modules. The rooftop installations were placed in strategic locations around campus for optimum solar energy usage. The new solar energy systems are part of the university’s goal to achieve 20-megawatts of solar generating capacity by 2020.
Arizona Western College Breaks Ground on Solar Project
Arizona Western College has partnered with Main Street Power and Arizona Public Service for a five-megawatt solar project. The solar system will feature both single-axis trackers and dual-axis trackers. The installation will have private demonstration systems featuring photovoltaic technology for corporate and government comparisons and will be made accessible to students and researchers. The university expects the installation to produce almost 100 percent of the campus’ daytime electric needs. The project was funded by the APS Renewable Energy Incentive Project.
Atlantic Cape CC Announces Solar Energy Project
Atlantic Cape Community College (NJ) has partnered with Pepco Energy Services, Inc. to install a solar photovoltaic system. The project will be designed, owned and operated by Pepco, and the college will buy the solar energy produced from the company. The solar panels will form two rows of carports, which will cover nearly three-quarters of a parking lot. Students and staff will have the opportunity to view a kiosk that will include information about the amount of energy being produced and the amount of carbon emissions being offset. The college hopes to save $220,000 in utility costs in the first year. The solar photovoltaic system is expected to be completed by mid-August.
Bard College Civic Engagement Center Receives $60 Mil
Bard College (NY) has received a $60 million contribution from the Open Society Foundations in support of its Center for Civic Engagement. The center's programs include helping people in New York State prisons earn degrees, assisting in the development of the first liberal-arts institution in Russia, and operating several public high schools in New York and New Jersey.
California State U Los Angeles Competes in EcoCAR 2
California State University, Los Angeles' College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology has been selected to build a zero-emissions vehicle for the EcoCAR 2 Plugging In to the Future international competition. Established by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, the three-year collegiate competition provides engineering students the chance to design and build vehicles that demonstrate cutting-edge automotive technologies. The competition challenges 16 North American universities to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles without compromising performance, safety and consumer acceptability.
Cal Poly Pomona Constructs Water Tank for Guatemala Residents
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona's Engineers Without Borders club recently traveled to Guatemala with the government's permission to construct a 90-cubic meter water tank in San Lorenzo. Designed by the university's students, the tank was based on a previous site assessment and made specifically for the area's needs.
Cal Poly Pomona Residential Suites Earns LEED Silver
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s new Residential Suites building has achieved LEED Silver certification. Environmentally friendly features include green space, bike racks and parking spaces for hybrid vehicles. Each one of the 150 residences is equipped with a dual-flow toilet and metering to ensure energy-efficient heating and cooling. The residences are part of the university’s climate commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Centenary College Plants 200 Blue Spruce Saplings
Centenary College (NJ) has planted 200 blue spruce saplings that they received from Verizon Wireless. The college was one of five institutions that received the donation as a result of the college’s ongoing initiatives related to Earth Day and sustainability. The college will donate a portion of the saplings to the community. The tree planting initiative is part of the Verizon Wireless Tree Donation Program, which was established with the goal of planting 100,000 trees across the U.S. and 14 other countries by the end of the year.
Chronicle of Higher Ed: Rethinking Access to Higher Education
Public anxiety over college costs is at an all-time high and low-income college graduates or those burdened by student-loan debt are questioning the value of their degrees, The Chronicle of Higher Education recently reported in an article that examines the findings of two surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center. One survey collected responses from 1,055 college leaders from mid-March to mid-April in association with The Chronicle, and the other surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,142 adults age 18 and older by telephone. Three-quarters of the public said college was out of reach for most people. Twenty-five years ago, six in 10 Americans felt that way, according to a survey by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The responses of presidents at public two-year, for-profit and less-selective four-year colleges show a struggle with declining state support, while tuition-driven private colleges confront a student market that has said "enough" to paying more. To meet financial challenges and President Obama's goal of having the world's highest proportion of college graduates by 2020, says "Harnessing America's Wasted Talent" author Peter M. Smith in the article, colleges will have to rethink how they do business and expand access to students who are less prepared, who are the first in their families to attend college and who are juggling classes with work and family. Ideas addressed in the article include three-year degrees, year-round classes, online courses, adopting learning outcomes tied to real-world standards and changing federal financial-aid policy to meet nontraditional students' needs.
Coastal Carolina U Holds Campus Salvage Yard Sale
Coastal Carolina University’s (SC) annual Campus Salvage yard sale has collected $2,000 toward campus sustainability efforts. Students living in residence halls on campus filled 25 PODS with donations during move-out week. Donations included electronics, lamps, bedding, rugs, appliances, clothing and food. The sustainability team made donations to local nonprofits prior to the community sale.
College of William & Mary Launches In-House Carbon Offset Program
Faculty, staff and students at the College of William & Mary (VA) now have the opportunity to contribute personally to an in-house carbon offset program. The program offers individuals and institutions ways to contribute money toward carbon reducing projects that offset their personal carbon producing lifestyles. The college plans to direct 100 percent of the donations to campus energy reduction projects. An example offset is $23 for each 1,000 miles driven in an SUV, truck or minivan, which will contribute to projects including the installation of occupancy sensors, fan drive upgrades, and heating and cooling upgrades. Participants will be able to contribute to energy-saving programs underway through a website that features a contribution calculator.
Concordia U Wisconsin Enviro Stewardship Bldg Earns LEED Platinum
Concordia University Wisconsin recently achieved LEED Platinum certification for its Center for Environmental Stewardship. Environmentally friendly features include geothermal heating and cooling, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, and T-8 fluorescent and LED lighting. Intended as a teaching tool for students and visitors, the $4 million center opened in August 2010.
