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Table of Contents for 10/18/07:
NEWS
1. Virginia Tech Launches Energy Efficiency Partnership
2. UNLV Launches Urban Sustainability Initiative
3. Texas A&M System Makes Large Wind Purchase
4. Grinnell Adopts Emissions Reduction Plan
5. Los Rios Colleges Launch GreenForce Initiative
6. Columbia Gorge CC Receives Renewable Energy Training Grant
7. 5 New Campuses Sign Presidents Climate Commitment
8. Brown Announces New Funding for Campus Environmental Initiatives
9. Stony Brook U Breaks Ground on Energy Research and Tech. Center
10. Central Carolina CC Breaks Ground on Sustainable Technologies Building
11. U Missouri-Columbia to Use Biomass in Campus Power Plant
12. U Alberta Unveils New Campus Recycling Transfer Centre
13. U Rhode Island Receives Grant for Offshore Wind Energy Research
14. Harvard Holds Green Inauguration for New President
15. University of Evansville Receives Grant for Green Building
16. Emory Dims Lights to Promote Energy Conservation
17. University of Maine Begins Car Sharing
18. Evergreen State College Receives State's Top Environmental Honor
19. PA Campuses Receive Green Power Awards
NEW RESOURCES
20. Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2007
21. Sustainable Solutions for Grab-n-Go Packaging at CU Boulder
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
22. Graduate Faculty in Sustainability Education, Prescott College
23. Sustainability Studies Research Assistant Professor, U New Mexico
24. Director of Center for Environmental Studies, Brown U
25. Zicklin Chaired Professor in Corporate Integrity, Baruch College
26. Director of Environmental Science, University of Idaho
27. Department Head, Environmental Studies, Siena College
28. Program Specialist, Earth Ethics Institute, Miami Dade College
EVENTS
29. Climate Change and Higher Education Webcast
30. Free Webinar on Renewable Energy Projects on Campus
31. Campus Sustainability Get-Together at GreenBuild
News
1. Virginia Tech Launches Energy Efficiency Partnership
Virginia Tech has announced the "Energy Efficiency Partnership of Greater Washington," an initiative to tackle the problem of global warming by retrofitting existing buildings in and around Washington DC with energy efficiency products designed to decrease energy use and cut carbon emissions. The university's core partners in the effort are energy efficiency financier, Hannon Armstrong, which has already committed $500 million to the initiative during the first five years, and Pepco Energy Services. As an unbiased facilitator, Virginia Tech will work to develop program momentum and governance, as well as taking on the task of documenting a partnership blueprint for future replication. The University sees the partnership as a way to provide hands-on learning tools for students, civic groups, and industry practitioners, as well as a way of identifying long-term cross-disciplinary research opportunities around the theme of energy efficiency.
2. UNLV Launches Urban Sustainability Initiative
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in an effort to integrate sustainability into the values, policies and practices of both the university and the community, recently established UNLV Urban 21-a campus-wide initiative focusing on the study of urban issues through multi-disciplinary research, academic programs with a strong sustainability emphasis and meaningful community partnerships. Many of UNLV's academic disciplines are conducting research and engaging in creative projects, securing competitive grants and/or teaching classes involving aspects of urban sustainability. Partnerships within existing centers and colleges will also be expanded to engage undergraduate and graduate students in research and provide internship opportunities. UNLV is also focusing on ways to improve the campus itself to become a model of sustainability for the community. The university will officially launch the initiative at its inaugural Urban Sustainability Conference during which leaders in the sustainability movement will discuss the challenges facing the Southwest in the 21st century. The new Office of Urban Sustainability Initiatives is housed in the Division of Research and Graduate Studies.
3. Texas A&M System Makes Large Wind Purchase
The Texas A&M University System has signed a contract with TXU Energy to purchase a record amount of wind energy over the next four years. More than 176 million kWh of energy supplied by Texas wind farms are to be used to supply part of the energy needs at eight A&M System universities and four A&M System agencies, plus Stephen F. Austin State University, which joined the A&M System in the power purchase agreement. According to the EPA, this will be the largest purchase of renewable energy made by any institution of higher learning in Texas and seventh in the nation. This represents about 15% of the total energy purchased in the contract.
4. Grinnell Adopts Emissions Reduction Plan
Grinnell College has set an emissions reduction goal of 20% below anticipated 2010 levels. The commitment consists of four action items: continue implementing energy saving retrofits and renovations; increase efforts to inculcate green behavior on campus; install energy efficiency measures for Athletics Phase II; and construct a 3-4 Megawatt utility scale wind turbine project.
5. Los Rios Colleges Launch GreenForce Initiative
In response to the growth in the Sacramento area of the clean/green technology sector, Los Rios Community College District is launching GreenForce, an initiative to create new programs of study that prepare students to work in such growing fields as solar technology, energy efficient building design and construction, biofuels, and alternative energy. New program options will include: a solar technology technician certificate program at American River College; a green building design and construction certificate program at Cosumnes River College; and an energy management systems in HVAC building commissioning certificate at Sacramento City College. It is expected that these programs will be offered during the coming 2008-09 academic year.
6. Columbia Gorge CC Receives Grant for Renewable Energy Training Program
PPM Energy committed $50,000 per year for three years to Columbia Gorge Community College to assist in the development of its renewable energy training program, the first of its kind on the West Coast. The funds will be used primarily for faculty support. PPM sees the programs as an important new educational opportunity for developing next generation of wind power technicians.
7. 5 New Campuses Sign Presidents Climate Commitment
5 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: David W. Leebron of Rice University, Frank Chong of Laney College, Robert A. Adams of Merritt College, Cecilia Cervantes of College of Alameda, and John R. Brazil of Trinity University. 415 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
8. Brown Announces New Funding for Campus Environmental Initiatives
The Sidney E. Frank Foundation has made a gift of $200,000 to support new environmental initiatives at Brown University. The gift, combined with an allocation of $150,000 from the Office of the President, will be used for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, raise awareness, change behavior, and educate the community. The goals of the program include supporting faculty, student and employee projects focused on interventions in the local community, while providing educational and research opportunities for Brown students, faculty and employees. A committee will be created to develop criteria and evaluate proposals for funding.
9. Stony Brook U Breaks Ground on Energy Research and Technology Center
Stony Brook University recently broke ground for the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center. The mission of the $35 million research facility is to develop innovative energy research, education, and technology deployment with a focus on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, and nanotechnology applications for new and novel sources of energy. The Center, which will intended to achieve LEED Platinum certification, is a partnership among academic institutions, research institutions, energy providers, and corporations.
10. Central Carolina CC Breaks Ground on Sustainable Technologies Building
Central Carolina Community College recently broke ground for an 18,000 square-foot Sustainable Technologies Classroom and Lab Building. CCCC's Chatham Campus has a major focus on environmental programs, such as sustainable agriculture, biofuels and green construction. The $3.8 million county-funded Sustainable Technologies Classroom and Lab Building will incorporate sustainable design and will have a green roof.
11. U Missouri-Columbia to Use Biomass in Campus Power Plant
The University of Missouri-Columbia's power plant will replace up to five percent of its coal supply this year with biomass consisting of wood chips. The 7,000 tons of waste wood chips that will be burned this year will lower the plant fuel costs, cut emissions by approximately four percent, and reduce ash by more than 220 tons. Since the wood chip supplier is much closer to the MU Power Plant than the coal supplier, the switch to wood chips also will also eliminate more than 90,000 trucking miles.
12. U Alberta Unveils New Campus Recycling Transfer Centre
University of Alberta recently unveiled a new on-campus recycling transfer centre. The University wanted to expand its recycling program, but faced increased costs with more trips to the recycling centre. The new transfer centre will compact the recyclables on campus, thus reducing the amount of trips necessary to haul the materials to the recycling centre. The University expects to be able to reduce its waste generation by 40 percent as a result of the new centre.
13. U Rhode Island Receives Grant for Offshore Wind Energy Research
University of Rhode Island has received a $100,000 grant from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources for the Graduate School of Oceanography to develop plans for a center for offshore energy technology research and development. The Center of Excellence for Offshore Wind Energy will take advantage of the University's expertise in oceanography, ocean engineering, and marine technologies to research and develop technologies for energy production based on offshore wind, waves, currents and thermal properties.
14. Harvard Holds Green Inauguration for New President
The inauguration of Drew Faust, Harvard University's 28th president, incorporated a variety of green features, including organic flowers, local and organic food, and shuttles that run on biodiesel. All printed materials were be on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks, cleaning products were toxin-free, and recycling containers were everywhere. Further, to make up for extra electricity used during the inauguration, Harvard will purchase renewable energy credits to compensate for its energy usage over the entire month of October.
15. University of Evansville Receives Grant for Green Building
University of Evansville has received a $142,500 grant that will enable UE to build one of the region's first LEED-certified facilities and to boost financial aid. $42,500 of the grant will help pay for student scholarships and financial aid while the remaining $100,000 will go toward making the new Ridgeway University Center LEED-certified. Sustainability features planned for the new Ridgeway University Center include: control of pollution and storm water runoff; protection of existing trees and plant materials; creation of expanded open space (lawns and planting); water use reduction; daylight control; artificial lighting control; control of trash and recycling materials; use of certified materials such as certified wood; use of renewable resources such as bamboo and recycled rubber; and outdoor air delivery monitoring. The new building is scheduled for completion in winter 2008.
16. Emory Dims Lights to Promote Energy Conservation
Key buildings at Emory University will go dark for one-half hour on Friday, October 19 to promote awareness of energy conservation. Modeled on a similar lights out event in Sydney, Australia last spring, the voluntary lights out event, organized through Emory's Office of Sustainability Initiatives, supports Emory's overall goal to reduce energy consumption by 25 percent by 2015 from its 2005 levels. In addition to turning lights out on campus, Emory alumni worldwide are encouraged to turn their lights out simultaneously during the half-hour period. The lights-out event, which will occur the evening before His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives on campus, is intended as both an expression of thanks for his visit, as well as a collective act of mindfulness of the impact energy consumption has on the environment.
17. University of Maine Begins Car Sharing
The University of Maine Student Government recently announced a partnership with Zipcar to provide car-sharing to campus faculty, staff, and students, as well as community residents. Two Zipcars, including one hybrid, will be located on-campus.
18. Evergreen State College Receives State's Top Environmental Honor
The Evergreen State College was been awarded a 2007 Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices. The College was recognized for building the first public higher education building in Washington to receive LEED Gold certification, offering courses in sustainability, and using sustainable practices on-campus.
19. PA Campuses Receive Green Power Awards
Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future recently presented a series of Green Power Awards to Pennsylvania campuses. Eastern University received the Platinum award for purchasing wind power credits to compensate for 100% of its electricity consumption. Swarthmore College and Earthlust Student Organization, Penn State University and Eco-Action Student Organization, and Montgomery County Community College were also recognized for purchasing renewable energy to compensate for 35%, 20% and 10% of their respective electricity consumption.
New Resources
20. Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2007
The Aspen Institute Center for Business Education has released Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2007. Beyond Grey Pinstripes is a biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools on sustainability and social responsibility criteria. The goal of the effort is to is spotlight innovative full-time MBA programs that are integrating issues of social and environmental stewardship into curricula and research. Stanford's Graduate School of Business was ranked first overall this year.
21. Sustainable Solutions for Grab-n-Go Packaging at CU Boulder
The University of Colorado has released "Sustainable Solutions for Grab-n-Go Packaging at the University of Colorado at Boulder", a study on packaging options for Grab and Go venues. The report contains five papers covering the following topics. 1) Lifecycle analyses of conventional plastic, aluminum, corrugated and single-layer cardboard, and PLA plastic. 2) Biodegradable plastics, the true meaning of the terms "biodegradable" and "compostable", and ASTM biodegradable and compostable standards. 3) Peer-to-peer education and outreach strategy development using social marketing techniques that promote sustainable behavior. 4) Current efforts on other campuses that reduce grab and go packaging. 5) Short term and long term recommendations for waste reduction and sustainable packaging. Although the report is tailored to respond to the needs of Dining Services at the University of Colorado, many college and university groups will find valuable information to aid in their future strategies.
Jobs & Internships
22. Graduate Faculty in Sustainability Education, Prescott College
Prescott College seeks to fill a full-time graduate faculty position in Sustainability Education to teach within, and coordinate academic oversight and programmatic content for the graduate programs. Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years' teaching and advising experience at a post secondary level, preferably in limited-residency graduate programs. Review of applications begins December 1, 2007 and continues until position is filled. The starting date is no later than July 1, 2008.
23. Sustainability Studies Research Assistant Professor, U New Mexico
The University of New Mexico Sustainability Studies Program seeks candidates to support research, teaching, and outreach activities directed at developing the state-wide carbon-neutral food-shed. In this 12-month position, the successful candidate will be expected to conduct core academic courses in the Sustainability Studies minor degree program and to engage with other faculty, professionals, and public officials in a vigorous sustainability community. The Research Assistant Professor position is a non-tenure track appointment. The preferred starting date for this position is January 1, 2008. For best consideration, application must be received by October 29, 2007.
24. Director of Center for Environmental Studies, Brown U
Brown University seeks a distinguished scholar with broad interdisciplinary interests in environmental issues to be the Director of the Center for Environmental Studies (CES). The Director will be responsible for overseeing faculty and programs in the CES, building on the Center's record of interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate education, actively promoting interaction between the CES and other environmental programs at Brown University, and enhancing the Center's presence in the community. Applications must be received by December 1, 2007 in order to receive full consideration.
25. Zicklin Chaired Professor in Corporate Integrity, Baruch College
The Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College (CUNY) is searching for a prominent scholar to become the inaugural Zicklin Chaired Professor in Corporate Integrity and to assume the role of Academic Director for the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity. The successful applicant will have an internationally recognized record of scholarship in one or more of the growing areas referred to as Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Integrity, Corporate Ethics, Sustainable Business, Green Business, Environmental Business, etc. The position is open until filled.
26. Director of Environmental Science, University of Idaho
University of Idaho seeks a Director of Environmental Science to begin July 1, 2008. The position reports to the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, and works closely with department chairs, deans, and faculty throughout the university offering coursework and research opportunities in the broad field of environmental science. Review of applications will begin on January 7, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled.
27. Department Head, Environmental Studies, Siena College
Siena College (Loudonville, NY) seeks a senior faculty member to shape an established interdisciplinary environmental science major into a vibrant new academic department. The successful candidate will have: 1) a substantial record of successful undergraduate teaching and research, 2) an appropriate vision of environmental education for the 21st century, and 3) demonstrated the leadership necessary to craft consensus among varied constituencies. Applications are due by January 4, 2008.
28. Program Specialist, Earth Ethics Institute, Miami Dade College
The Earth Ethics Institute at Miami Dade College is seeking a Program Specialist to assists the Director in all program offerings of the Institute and assembles and manages the flow of information and documentation related to the Institute on a daily basis. Applicants should have 4 years of related experience; or 2 years of college and 2 years of related experience. Review of applications will begin on 10/25/2007.
Events
29. Climate Change and Higher Education Webcast
December 12, 2007; 2-3:30 PM, Eastern Time
The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) are co-hosting a webcast entitled "Climate Change and Higher Education:
Leadership to Achieve Climate Neutrality." Moderated by a correspondent from The New York Times, this program will cover the highlights of what is happening in higher education around climate change and in particular the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. Participants will learn best practices, national trends and resources they can utilize. The presenters will be Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, and Billy Parish, co-founder and coordinator of the Energy Action Coalition.
30. Free Webinar on Renewable Energy Projects on Campus
October 23, 2007; 9:00AM-11:00AM (CT)
Midwest Buildings Technology Application Center is hosting a complimentary 2-hour interactive webinar to discuss the planning, financing, and implementation steps of renewable energy projects for Midwest colleges and universities. Presenters include Michael Philips of Energy Ventures International and David Orr and Leo Evans of Oberlin College. Participants will learn how to determine which renewable energy sources are right for their campus; financing options for on-site renewable energy projects; issues in connecting to the utility grid; and lessons learned during the implementation and installation of renewable energy projects.
31. Campus Sustainability Get-Together at GreenBuild
November 8, 2007; 5pm; Chicago
Anne Stephenson (University of Chicago) is organizing an informal get-together for members of the campus sustainability community who are attending GreenBuild. The get-together will be held at Kitty O'Shea's (720 S. Michigan Avenue - in the Hilton).
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