Philander Smith College Receives Grant for Social Justice Center
Philander Smith College (AR) has received a $1.2 million grant from the Kresge Foundation to help establish the Center for Social Justice. The grant will help fund the staff needed to oversee the college’s social justice initiative. An executive director and program staff will train faculty to infuse social justice into their curricula.
Salem State U Opens Green Residence Hall
Salem State University (MA) has announced the opening of a new 158,000-square-foot residence hall designed to achieve LEED Silver or Gold certification. The $57.5 million Marsh Hall project will house 525 students. The building has green features including the use of sustainable building materials, a green roof and the use of renewable energy. The hall was built near a former landfill and will help restore a marsh.
Sierra Magazine Names 'Coolest Schools'
Sierra, the official magazine of the Sierra Club, has released its fourth annual ranking of America's greenest campuses. Eleven-page questionnaires were sent to 900 colleges and universities, asking them to detail their sustainability efforts. After consulting the club's conservation experts, the magazine gave more weight to each school's energy supply. As a result, this year's top 20 includes nine newcomers. The top 20 schools, in order, are: Green Mountain College (VT); Dickinson College (PA); Evergreen State College (WA); University of Washington; Stanford University (CA); University of California, Irvine; Northland College (WI); Harvard University (MA); College of the Atlantic (ME); Hampshire College (MA); University of California, Santa Cruz; Middlebury College (VT); University of Colorado, Boulder; Warren Wilson College (NC); University of California, San Diego; University of California, Davis; University of Vermont; University of Pennsylvania; New York University; and Georgia Institute of Technology.
Stanford U Treats Wastewater With Rocket Science
Engineers at Stanford University (CA) have designed a self-powering wastewater treatment plant that uses rocket science to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions. The university received a grant from the Woods Institute Environmental Venture Projects to research sewage treatment with the goal of making the process both energy-neutral and emissions-free. The sewage treatment process produces two greenhouse gases that power the treatment plant and a small rocket thruster. The new design has the potential to create wastewater management plants that are entirely self-sufficient.
Two Ringling College Buildings Earn LEED Gold
Ringling College of Art and Design (FL) has announced that both of its new campus buildings have been awarded LEED Gold certification. The 82,000-square-foot academic center has five stories and 40 solar panels installed on the roof. The 75,000-square-foot residence hall is equipped with 35 solar panels. Sustainable features include low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual flush toilets, light level sensors, energy-efficient air conditioning systems and passive solar design. Seventy-seven percent of total construction waste was recycled and diverted from the landfill. Native Florida plants are featured in the water-efficient landscape that will use low-flow irrigation for the first year. The landscape will be self-sustaining after the first year.
U Arizona to Receive 1.6 MW Solar Power System
The University of Arizona will feature a 1.6-megawatt solar power system as Arizona electric utility Tuscan Electric Power installs 5,508 solar panels at the university’s solar development center. The center occupies 200 acres and serves as a test bed for new technologies and solar-energy projects. The energy will be used to supply participants in a solar program, which allows rate payers to buy solar power in 150-kilowatt blocks.
U Buffalo Restores Quadrangle Using Sustainable Landscaping
The University at Buffalo (NY) has restored a 2.3-acre quadrangle with hardwoods, shrubs, ground covers and perennials native to Western New York state. Five rain gardens, along with porous asphalt paths that absorb rainwater, will limit the amount of rainwater entering city stormwater systems. In winter, the porous paving will absorb melting snow, reducing the need for salting walkways. The $1.8 million makeover is part of a longterm plan toward environmental sustainability and a dynamic campus conducive to learning and interacting among students, faculty and staff.
U Delaware to Install 2K Panel Solar Array
The University of Delaware has announced that it will receive a 2,000-panel solar array to be installed over three buildings throughout the main campus. The 850-kilowatt solar electric system will be funded in part by the university's 2009 senior class gift, which was earmarked for solar initiatives on campus. The installation is a joint venture of Standard Solar, Inc. and renewable energy financier Perpetual Energy Systems LLC. The university expects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 2 million pounds a year.
U Kansas Students Convert VW Beetle to Plug-in Hybrid
The University of Kansas engineering students, known as the EcoHawks, have converted a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle into a plug-in series hybrid with 25 miles of all-electric range. The hybrid burns 100 percent biodiesel made from cooking oil collected from the campus kitchen. The students hope to improve the design and equipment to achieve a vehicle that gets 500 miles per gallon. The EcoHawks also received a $10,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to build a small-scale smart grid system.
U Maryland Develops Bio-Filtration System
The University of Maryland has developed a bio-filtration system to reduce urban runoff pollution in the Anacostia watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. University researchers have re-engineered rain gardens to improve the removal of phosphorous, nitrogen and other prime urban pollutants from runoff. With a $600,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Prince George's County Government, researchers will conduct a three-part demonstration project near parking lots on campus.
UMass Dartmouth Launches Online Sustainable Development Program
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has launched an online graduate program in sustainable development. The program received funding through a U.S. Department of Labor workforce training program grant. The graduate level certificate program will provide students with the knowledge and skills to enact sustainability in both personal and professional applications. Students will take a core course in Principles of Sustainability, two electives and a capstone course in Strategic Sustainability.
U New Haven Offers Sustainable Studies Degree
The Tagliatela College of Engineering at the University of New Haven (CT) has created a new Bachelor of Science degree in sustainability studies. The program was designed for students interested in applying sustainable principles and practices through a career in the industrial, government or academic sectors. Required classes include Global Solutions to Sustainability, Project Management and Engineering Economics, Environmental Law, Environmental and Natural Resource Economics and Introduction to Traditional and Alternative Energy Systems.
U South Carolina Office Achieves Carbon Neutrality
The University of South Carolina's Outdoor Recreation Office has accomplished its goal of becoming carbon neutral. Since March of 2009, students, faculty and staff have been working to reduce the office’s carbon footprint. Efforts include recycling, organic gardening, energy conservation, composting and organizing trash pickups. During the 2009-2010 school year, the office calculated their emissions at 7.7 tons of carbon from car trips and the powering of lights, computers and other electronics. The office determined that these emissions could be offset by planting 39 trees to absorb the carbon through photosynthesis. Students helped plant peach, plum and cherry trees around the recreation center fields. More trees will be planted in November.
U Toronto Scarborough Promotes Healthy Eating to Local Community
The University of Toronto Scarborough is promoting the benefits of buying local and eating healthy through its weekly farmers market this summer and fall. The university's goal is to create an opportunity for local farmers, producers and artisans to connect with the community, providing access to locally-grown, sustainable produce. The university will continue support of the market through educational programs with the help of guest chefs, nutritionists and local producers. The farmers market initiative will link campus research, programs and services that investigate the benefits of sustainable farming.
Wake Forest U Launches Sustainability Center
Wake Forest University (NC) has launched the Center for Energy, Environment and Sustainability. The new interdisciplinary center will promote action and collaboration across the fields of renewable energy, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, environmental policy, human behavior, social influence, enterprise and environmental markets. The center will also provide a focal point for engaging the public on issues of sustainability.
Western Kentucky U Unveils Green Building
Western Kentucky University has debuted its first green building. The $35 million College of Education and Behavioral Sciences building was designed to LEED standards and is expected to be open to students in January. Energy-saving measures and systems include insulated concrete, low-flow plumbing, motion-sensing lights and advanced heating and air conditioning systems.
American U Launches Green Eagles Program
The American University (DC) has launched Green Eagles, a student sustainability educators program. Green Eagles are paid, part-time student workers hired to implement sustainable practices on campus and to conduct outreach to the university community as a whole, with an emphasis on the residence halls where they reside. Green Eagles will have the opportunity to learn about waste, recycling, composting, energy and carbon neutrality.
Bucknell U Students Initiate Green Roof Learning Laboratory
Bucknell University (PA) has installed about 150 trays of soil and sedum on a 600-square-foot portion of a campus roof. The variety of hardy, flowering plans will serve as a testing ground as well as a living, learning laboratory for students interested in green building. The project was initiated by environmental studies students as part of the Campus Greening Initiative’s Sustainable Energy and Ecological Design Project Program. The green roof will help insulate the building and reduce stormwater runoff.
Butte College, Chico State U Students to Help Retrofit Households
Butte College (CA) and California State University, Chico have received a grant of almost $400,000 from Pacific Gas and Electric's Innovators Pilot Program to retrofit at least 100 Chico, Calif. households with energy-saving measures. The funding will be used to employ students to conduct energy audits and assist with the installation of energy conservation measures like caulking and sealing cracks, doors and windows, and placing real-time energy monitors on homeowner meters to track energy consumption.
Butte College Has Grid Positive Plans for May 2011
With the upcoming addition of 15,000 solar photovoltaic panels, Butte College (CA) is on track to becoming grid positive, producing more clean energy from sustainable on-site solar power than it uses. The college's Board of Trustees recently approved the installation, which will add to its existing 10,000 solar panels for a system total of 4.5 solar megawatts. The $17 million project, funded in part by federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, is slated for a May 2011 completion.
California State U Chico Recreation Center Earns LEED Gold
California State University, Chico’s Wildcat Recreation Center has received LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features include the use of natural light, installation of low-flow showerheads, waterless urinals, a solar pool heater and the control of pollutants during constriction. The pool heater alone will save the university $80,000-$90,000 a year. The university retrofitted 25 elliptical exercise machines to allow users to generate electricity while they work out.
California State U Sacramento Dorm Receives LEED Gold
A California State University, Sacramento residence hall has earned LEED Gold certification. The apartment-style dormitory features green building materials and technology including ozone-friendly refrigerants; energy-efficient lighting, heating and air-conditioning systems; water-efficient fixtures; low-polluting boilers; and solar water heaters.
Dickinson College Grads' Bike Tour Promotes Sustainability
Dickinson College (PA) graduates Andre Lekich and Avi Keremidchieva recently completed a 3,200-mile cross-country bike tour to promote the college's sustainable transportation initiatives. The two traveled from Pennsylvania to Oregon with the aim to reconnect with Dickinson alumni and encourage people to ride their bikes, often staying with strangers who let them sleep in their garage or backyards. To hear their stories from the road, visit http://blogs.dickinson.edu/bikeacrossusa.
Johns Hopkins University Students Help to Green Local Nonprofits
Students at Johns Hopkins University (MA) have recently completed sustainability assessments at 20 Baltimore nonprofits as part of the university's Climate Showcase Project. Through the project, students learn ways to reduce the organizations' energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. The inaugural co-hort of six students looked at details like weatherproofing, lighting fixtures, toilet and sink water flow, recycling efforts and in-house dining options. The students made recommendations including the use of energy-efficient light bulbs, insulation, low-flow toilets, recycling programs and biking to work.
Keene State College Receives Funding for Biodiesel Plant
Keene State College (NH) has partnered with the Monadnock Biodiesel Collaborative for a biodiesel plant and research facility. Funding from the U.S. Department of Labor-Health and Human Services will help pay for an emissions testing laboratory and educational program for students and professors. Half of the building will house a biodiesel manufacturing plant and the other half will include a laboratory where students can test the quality of biodiesel.
New Mexico State U Receives Funding for Farming Energy Sources
New Mexico State University’s International Relations Institute has received $200,000 in federal funds. The grant will support the development of energy sources for New Mexico farmers and ranchers. The majority of the money will go toward projects under the university’s Renewable Energy, Water and Arid Lands Task Force, including a new solar power system for water distribution and animal water stations, and an algae-fueled biodiesel project.
Rice U Duncan College Residence Hall Earns LEED Gold
Rice University’s Duncan College (TX) residence hall has received LEED Gold certification. The 324-bed residential college sustainable features include occupancy sensors for lights, passive solar design, insulation, green roof, dual flush toilets and covered parking for 60 bicycles. Ninety percent of all construction waste was diverted from the landfill.
State U New York ESF Grad Student Uses Wood for Fuel
A State University of New York Environmental Science and Forestry graduate student has converted a truck to run on wood in an effort to prove the sustainability of biomass material for use in powering engines. Because wood fuel gets about 30 percent less mileage than fossil fuels, the research is aimed toward the use of biomass fuels in farm vehicles, electric generators or communities in developing countries.
U California San Diego Greens Print Operations
The University of California, San Diego has discontinued the use of non-recycled paper in centrally-operated, multifunctional campus copier machines as part of a larger effort to make the university’s print operations greener.
U Iowa to Develop Model Green Power Initiative for Campuses
The University of Iowa has received a $951,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to increase the amount of green energy produced at the university’s Oakdale Renewable Energy Plant. The funding will also be used to develop a Green Power Initiative that can be used as a model program for other universities across the country. The overall project will involve the development of a biomass-fueled, university-scaled steam generation system based on biomass gasification technologies. Upon its completion, the system will serve as a research and educational facility.
U Maryland Increases Recycling With 'Can the Can' Initiative
Within the debut month of its Can the Can program, the recycling rate at the University of Maryland's main administration building rose from 49 to 71 percent. The initiative, which began in June, encourages recycling by making it harder to throw things away. Facilities management replaced the garbage cans in every office with desktop bins the size of coffee cans with the words “This is all the garbage I make” printed on the side. The size of the trash cans make it inconvenient to throw out recyclable cans or bottles.
U Missouri to Unveil Bike Rental Center
The University of Missouri has planned to implement a resource center for renting and repairing bicycles on campus. The Student Fee Capital Improvement Committee will finance the majority of the program. Rental and membership fees have yet to be decided.
U New Mexico Debuts Sustainable Living & Learning Community
This fall, the University of New Mexico will debut its Sustainability Studies Living & Learning Community (LLC). The program introduces first-year students to various aspects of sustainability, and connects them with opportunities to participate in local outreach opportunities and green internships. LLC students will share an apartment-style dorm, learning to apply the principles of sustainability to their everyday lives.
U Oregon Unveils New Chiller Plant
The University of Oregon has upgraded its cooling system with a new, $37 million chiller plant. Using groups of chillers and cooling towers that pump water through underground pipes to the campus' more than 60 buildings, the plant is expected to cut energy consumption for cooling the university's buildings in half.
U San Francisco Upgrades Water Fountains
The University of San Francisco (CA) has upgraded existing water fountains to make it easier to fill up a reusable bottle. The upgrades come as the result of a three-year campaign by the student-led university Green Team to get the campus to stop selling single-use water bottles. To prepare for the lack of bottled water for purchase, the university has purchased kits to that will convert existing fountains and add a second spout to allow for easy filling.
Utah State U Tower Receives Energy Upgrade
Utah State University has given the lighted “A” atop the university's Old Main tower an energy upgrade. The light will receive new light-emitting diode strips to replace the current neon lights. The new LED lighting has a longer lamp life of about 10 years and is expected to save a considerable amount of electricity.
Washington and Lee U Program Provides Local Food to Summer Camps
Washington and Lee University's (VA) Campus Kitchen has partnered with local camps to provide food education and fresh, local food to the kids. Campus Kitchen serves snacks produced from the campus garden five days a week and plans to host local YMCA summer camps, inviting the kids into the garden to learn firsthand where food comes from.
Washington State U Works With Camelina Farmer for Fuel
Washington State University has partnered with a local wheat and barley farmer who has dedicated part of his operation to camelina, an ancient oilseed crop and one of the newest possibilities for sustainable biofuels production. University scientists will work with the farmer on refining camelina varieties, cropping practices, economics and marketing. Every 100 pounds of seed produces between five and six gallons of oil.
Western New Mexico U Offers Free Solar Energy Courses
Western New Mexico University will offer two new courses on solar energy this fall to laid-off workers and those already employed in the solar, construction or electrical fields at no cost. The courses will be offered in partnership with the Southwestern Area Workforce Development Board under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Applicants who are selected to participate will have the opportunity to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners PV Entry Level exam upon completion of both courses.
Alabama A&M U to Begin Producing Biofuel
Alabama A&M University has partnered with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Alabama, Inc. and bioenergy venture Willbrook Solutions, Inc. to improve campus bioenergy efforts. Willbrook Solutions has donated a prototype biodiesel processing unit for experimental research. Toyota will donate 100 gallons of waste vegetable oil for conversion to biodiesel each month. The biofuel produced will help power transit vehicle operations on campus.
Alfred U to Install Solar Array
Alfred University (NY) has been awarded a $268,840 grant from the New York State Energy Research Development Authority to build a large solar panel array. The solar array will be installed on the Science Center roof and is expected to meet an average of eight percent of the annual electrical energy needs of the building. The project will bring the university closer to its goal of generating 100 kilowatts of solar power on campus within five years.
Appalachian State U to Begin Sustainable Initiative with Brazil
Appalachian State University (NC) has received a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s U.S.-Brazil High Education Consortia Program. The funding will go toward the implementation of a four-year U.S.-Brazil Sustainability and Sustainable Development Education Initiative. In collaboration with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, University of Fortaleza and State University of Amazonas in Brazil, the project will work to improve the quality of undergraduate and graduate education with a focus on sustainability and sustainable development through the exchange of faculty, staff, students, coursework and cultural experiences.
Ball State U Planning Campus-wide Geothermal System
Ball State University (IN) is working on the first phase of an $80 million project that will heat and cool the entire campus using geothermal energy. The geothermal project entails a ground source heating system that uses the earth’s below-surface temperature of 55 degrees to act as a heat source during the cooler months, and a heat sink during the warmer months. Geothermal pumps will push the water through an underground pipe system. By utilizing geothermal ground source technology throughout its 660-acre campus, the university expects to save $2 million annually on utility bills and eliminate 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide.
Bowling Green State U Receives Grant for Energy Upgrades
Bowling Green State University (OH) has received a $911,658 grant to upgrade the energy efficiency of 45 buildings and provide educational opportunities for students and staff in sustainability and energy-efficient design. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant will fund heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system upgrades. The fund will also assist with the installation of energy-efficient lighting and computer-based control of lights and temperature in buildings.
California State U Fullerton Receives Solar Panels
In an agreement between the State of California Department of General Services, the California State University system and solar service provider SunEdison, California State University, Fullerton has received photovoltaic panels. The panels are expected to produce 600 megawatts of power. The power-purchase agreement allows the university to purchase renewable power at or below current retail rates, while avoiding the cost of installing the system. Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, build, operate and maintain the solar panels for 20 years.
Central Michigan U Starts Campus Grow Project
Central Michigan University has launched the Campus Grow Project. With a focus on organic community gardening and composting, the project offers sustainable alternatives to the industrial food system through access to healthy local food and educational gardening opportunities. Students can grow and harvest food in two organic gardens on the university’s campus, where food scraps from the university’s residential restaurants are used to create nutrient-rich soil. Plots are also available to faculty and community members.
College of William & Mary Uses Wild Algae for Biofuel
The College of William & Mary (VA) has launched an experiment to produce biofuels from oil extracted from wild, naturally growing algae. This is the first freshwater experiment of the college's year-old Chesapeake Algae Project, funded by Norwegian energy company Statoil. More robust, fast-growing and plentiful than their monoculture counterparts, wild algae can be converted into a variety of biofuel products including biodiesel, ethanol and butanol.
Evergreen State College Performs Biomass Plant Study
Spurred by the students, faculty and administrators working to make Evergreen State College (WA) carbon neutral by 2020, the college has started a $200,000 study to determine whether a $10 million investment in wood waste makes technical, economic and environmental sense. Natural gas currently burned in campus steam boilers equals 40 percent of the college’s carbon footprint. Proponents believe that substituting wood waste to create steam with a biomass gasification plant will create fewer pollutants and as long as the wood waste is replenished in the forest, the net effect is that carbon released in the atmosphere is equal to the carbon stored in trees. Opponents believe the biomass project will emit twice as much carbon as the gas-fired plant.
Macalester College Invests in Bank for Under-Resourced Citizens
Macalester College (MN) has made a financial investment in University Bank, which supports economically distressed communities in St. Paul, Minn. Through the partnership, students research micro-lending, green banking methods and culturally-appropriate banking through classes and internship opportunities. The campus community can also contribute to the Socially Responsible Deposit Fund with an investment option that helps improve local urban neighborhoods.
Rochester Inst of Tech Student Awarded Electric Energy Fulbright
A master's student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) has been awarded a Fulbright Student Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State to study the potential impact of electric vehicles on Singapore's transportation sector. Samir Nazir, a student in the science, technology and public policy program, will spend a year as a visiting scientist at the University of Singapore. The work builds on research Nazir conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology, which analyzed various types of power plants using both conventional and alternative energy technologies.
