|
Table of Contents for 3/2/09:
NEWS
Buildings
1. Jackson State U Engineering Building Receives LEED Certification
2. Simmons College Opens Green Academic Building
Community Engagement
3. U Arizona Launches Green Homes Construction Project
4. 6 Campuses Honored for Community Service
Curriculum
5. Kalamazoo Valley CC Announces Wind Turbine Technician Academy
6. North Carolina CCs Start Green Curriculum Initiative
7. Mary Baldwin College Receives $360K Grant
Energy
8. Wesleyan U Installs Cogeneration System
9. U Wisconsin Madison to Switch from Coal to Biomass
10. Florida Atlantic U Installs Solar Installation
11. U South Carolina Installs Alternative Energy Scoreboard
12. U Buffalo Installs LEDs
13. Winter Shutdown Saves U Albany 280K
14. Luther College Hosts Energy Campaign
Funding
15. Point Loma Nazarene U Passes Green Fee
Grounds
16. SUNY Fredonia Uses Eco-Friendly Ice Melt Product
Research
17. U Rhode Island Professor Creates Sustainable Seafood Website
Sustainability Staffing
18. Indiana U Names First Director of Sustainability
19. Conservationist Named for Stony Brook Southampton Dean
Trademark Licensing
20. U Michigan Ends Licensing Agreement Due to Labor Violations
Transportation
21. Ohio State, Pepperdine Start Car Share Programs
22. Binghamton U Offers Parking Discount to Carpoolers
NEW RESOURCES
23. Guide to Going Organic on Campus
24. AASHE Interview Series: Dir of Env Studies, U Wisconsin Oshkosh
25. DePauw U Documentation of ACUPCC Campaign
26. New Issue of Sustainability: The Journal of Record
OPPORTUNITIES
27. AASHE Member Discount on STRiDA Foldable Bikes
28. Opportunity to Participate in Green Fee Survey
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
29. Sustainable Food Program Manager, Williams College
30. Endowed Prof, Sustainable Ag & Food Systems, College of the Atlantic
31. Intern, National Commission on Energy Policy
EVENTS
32. Developing Your Institution's Climate Action Plan – Pre-Conf Workshop
33. Understanding Sustainable Dining Options Webcast
34. Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming Broadcast
35. On-Site Energy Solutions 2009 Conference - Canceled
36. Finger Lakes Project Curriculum Workshop
37. Lean and Green: The Sustainability Path in a Tough Economy
News
Buildings
1. Jackson State U Engineering Building Receives LEED Certification
Jackson State University's (MS) new School of Engineering building has received LEED certification. The 90,000 square-foot facility features environmentally-friendly materials and reduced waste in construction. It is the first state-funded construction project in Mississippi to receive LEED certification.
2. Simmons College Opens Green Academic Building
Simmons College (MA) has opened its new School of Management and Academic Building, which was built in accordance with LEED standards. The 66,500 square-foot building features recyclable building materials, an efficient heating and cooling system, and low-flow water fixtures. The College is seeking LEED Silver certification for the new structure.
Community Engagement
3. U Arizona Launches Green Homes Construction Project
The University of Arizona has begun a project to design and build affordable, energy and water efficient homes. UA architecture students design and build the homes, which feature rainwater collection systems, ventilation hatches, and natural lighting. The homes are meant for low-income families.
4. 6 Campuses Honored for Community Service
Six colleges and universities have received top honors among 635 institutions of higher learning that were named to the 2008 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The Honor Roll, launched in 2006, recognizes colleges and universities nationwide that support innovative and effective community service and service-learning programs. The Honor Roll's Presidential Award, given each year to only a handful of institutions, is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. California State University, Fresno, Emory University (GA), and Michigan State University were recognized for the general community service category, which considers the breadth and quality of an institution’s community service, service learning, and civic engagement programs. Brookhaven College (TX), Duke University (NC), and the University of Missouri-Kansas City were selected for their leadership in this year’s special focus area, which was helping youth from disadvantaged circumstances through service programs that lower school dropout rates and prepare students for college.
Curriculum
5. Kalamazoo Valley CC Announces Wind Turbine Technician Academy
Kalamazoo Valley Community College (MI) has announced its Wind Turbine Technician Academy. The 26-week academy will be based on a European certification standard and train people to work on the utility-grade turbines that are found on wind farms. The wind-turbine program will run twice a year with 15 students in each class.
6. North Carolina CCs Start Green Curriculum Initiative
The North Carolina Community College System has begun "Code Green," an initiative to expand green job training courses throughout the state. The program is currently working to identify the needs of colleges and of companies to decide exactly which types of courses will be most beneficial. So far, the System has seen a need for green training in the areas of automobiles, construction, and home heating, and it hopes to infuse sustainability into all types of classes.
7. Mary Baldwin College Receives $360K Grant
Mary Baldwin College's (VA) Environment Based Learning program has received a three-year, $360,000 grant from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to continue learning and teaching about the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The grant is contingent on the allocation of federal funding.
Energy
8. Wesleyan U Installs Cogeneration System
Wesleyan University (CT) has installed a new cogeneration system that will allow the plant to produce 81 percent of the campus' yearly electricity needs. The University predicts that the system, which runs with natural gas, will save around $750,000 per year in energy costs.
9. U Wisconsin Madison to Switch from Coal to Biomass
Governor Jim Doyle has announced that the University of Wisconsin, Madison's Charter Street Heating Plant will convert from burning coal to biomass by 2012. The plant, which is responsible for heating and cooling the UW campus, will run primarily on switchgrass.
10. Florida Atlantic U Installs Solar Installation
Florida Atlantic University has installed a solar array on the roof of its Higher Education Complex building. The University expects the 50kW array to supply 20 – 25 percent of the building's electricity consumption.
See also: List of Campus Solar Installations
11. U South Carolina Installs Alternative Energy Scoreboard
The University of South Carolina has installed a scoreboard in its new baseball stadium that is partially powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. A replica of the actual working fuel cell, along with educational material, will be on public display at the stadium to allow fans to learn more about how fuel cells work in general and how the one at the stadium in particular will power the scoreboard.
12. U Buffalo Installs LEDs
The State University of New York at Buffalo has replaced some conventional lamps for LEDs on campus. Five new LED street lights were installed on a service road, four new LED interior lights were installed in corridors in the UB Center for the Arts, and 20 LED lamps were installed in the main lobby of Alumni Arena, home of the UB Athletics Department. The University estimates that the energy savings for the interior areas will total nearly 8,000 kWh per year in the Center for the Arts and 10,500 kilowatt hours per year in Alumni Arena.
13. Winter Shutdown Saves U Albany 280K
The State University of New York at Albany has announced that it saved $280,000 as a result of its winter Intersession and Fall Energy Savings initiatives. The University saved $266,140 by reducing room temperature and lighting throughout all buildings December 20, 2008 – January 15, 2009, and $14,000 as a result of a residence hall energy conservation challenge from September 3 – November 9, 2008. In addition, SUNY Albany received $5,000 from National Grid for the University's Change-A-Light campaign. To date, more than 1,300 energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs have been distributed in residence halls.
14. Luther College Hosts Energy Campaign
Luther College (IA) has launched its second annual energy conservation campaign titled, "Energy Evolution: Conserving for a Cleaner Planet." The goal of this year's campaign is to help students make a connection between mountaintop mining, coal-fired power plants, and light switches.
See also: Energy Evolution homepage
Funding
15. Point Loma Nazarene U Passes Green Fee
Students at Point Loma Nazarene University (CA) have approved a $5 per semester green fee to further campus sustainability. Students will work with PLNU’s Resource Stewardship Task Force to determine how the new funds will be distributed. The Associated Student Body (ASB) predicts that projects such as front loading washing machines, a community garden, energy efficient lighting, more fuel-efficient campus vehicles and expanded recycling efforts are likely to be at the forefront of the list of possible projects.
See also: List of Mandatory Student Fees for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Grounds
16. SUNY Fredonia Uses Eco-Friendly Ice Melt Product
The State University of New York at Fredonia has begun using an environmentally-friendly ice melt product on campus. The new product, Ice B'Gone, is a combination of chloride salts and agriculture-based ingredients and is biodegradable.
Research
17. U Rhode Island Professor Creates Sustainable Seafood Website
Cathy Roheim, a professor of Environmental and Natural Resource Economics at the University of Rhode Island, has prepared a Consensus Seafood Guide that allows readers to look at and compare all the ratings provided by organizations such as Greenpeace and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Roheim created the Guide, which is available on the URI Sustainable Seafood Initiative website, with the goal to provide independent, scientific information to those in the seafood industry. The website also contains hundreds of reports from universities, governments, and advocacy groups on such topics as ecolabeling, consumer preferences, fisheries certification and standards, government policies, and markets for sustainable seafood.
See also: URI Sustainable Seafood Initiative homepage
Sustainability Staffing
18. Indiana U Names First Director of Sustainability
Indiana University has named William M. Brown as its first Director of Sustainability. Brown is co-chair of the Indianapolis-Marion County Green Commission, chair of the Indiana Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, and secretary of the Indiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Brown will start the new position March 2, helping create a campus sustainability program under the joint direction of Provost and Executive Vice President Karen Hanson and Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer J. Terry Clapacs.
See also: Directory of Campus Sustainability/Environmental Officers (AASHE members only)
19. Conservationist Named for Stony Brook Southampton Dean
Stony Brook University, Southampton (NY) has named Mary C. Pearl, PhD, an internationally known and respected conservationist, for the first Dean and Administrative Vice President. Dr. Pearl is President of Wildlife Trust, a global organization dedicated to innovative conservation science, linking ecology and health, and building careers of local scientists and educators in 20 high-biodiversity countries in North America, Asia, Africa and Latin America. She is co-founder of the Center for Conservation Medicine, a consortium of Wildlife Trust with Tufts Veterinary School, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the National Center for Wildlife Health and the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School. She is also a co-founder of the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation at Columbia University, where she serves as an adjunct research scientist.
Trademark Licensing
20. U Michigan Ends Licensing Agreement Due to Labor Violations
The University of Michigan has announced plans to end a licensing agreement with Russell Corporation, a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom. The company is believed to have violated the University's code of conduct calling on licensees to guarantee the basic rights of workers. Under the agreement, Russell made T-shirt, sweatshirts, and fleeces with university logos. 11 other universities, including Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Purdue, and Rutgers, have also ended agreements with Russell.
Transportation
21. Ohio State, Pepperdine Start Car Share Programs (link no longer available)
The Ohio State University and Pepperdine University (CA) have signed contracts with the Hertz Corporation to offer a car share programs on their campuses. The rentable cars, which are placed at various locations across campus, are available to all students, faculty, and staff age 18 and older.
See also: List of Campus Car-sharing programs (AASHE members only)
22. Binghamton U Offers Parking Discount to Carpoolers
Binghamton University (NY) has begun offering a discounted parking pass to carpoolers. The pilot program offers the discount to vehicles containing three or more passengers and provides five parking coupons to each participant for the days when s/he needs to drive separately. In addition, certain parking spaces on campus have been reserved for the high occupancy permits.
New Resources
23. Guide to Going Organic on Campus
The Organic Agriculture and Products Education Institute has released, "Taste the Change: How to Go Organic on Campus." The guide begins with an introduction to organic, including its definition, history, benefits, standards, and labeling. It then presents an overview of the organizational tools needed for getting started on campus. Tips for working with food service, approaching issues like purchasing policy, working within budgetary constraints, and building relations with organic vendors are covered in detail. The guide also offers tips on how to raise awareness and support for organic on campus, as well as ways to showcase organic through special events and interactions with the media.
24. AASHE Interview Series: Dir of Env Studies, U Wisconsin Oshkosh
AASHE has posted a new interview as part of its Interview Series with campus sustainability leaders. In this installment, David Barnhill, Director of Environmental Studies and Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, discusses the University sustainability efforts, including its recent designation as the first 'Fair Trade University' in the US and its adoption of an institution-wide sustainability learning outcome.
25. DePauw U Documentation of ACUPCC Campaign
Students at DePauw University (IN) have documented the process leading up to the signing of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) by their institution. The document includes timelines, memos, articles, agendas, a press release, and lessons learned about effecting institutional change.
26. New Issue of Sustainability: The Journal of Record
Sustainability: The Journal of Record has released its February 2009 issue. Articles include an interview with the Rice University Director of Sustainability, a profile of Stanford's sustainability initiatives, coverage of campus recycling programs, a book review on Van Jones' The Green Collar Economy: How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems," and a roundtable on how to choose among the most sustainable coffees.
Opportunities
27. AASHE Member Discount on STRiDA Foldable Bikes
Areaware is offering AASHE members a $100 discount and free freight on their STRiDA bicycle, a triangular frame bicycle that quickly folds for easy storage. The STRiDA features a rustproof aluminum frame, a greaseless chain, and weighs roughly 20 pounds.
28. Opportunity to Participate in Green Fee Survey
The University of Texas at Austin Campus Environmental Center is completing an analysis of Green Fee programs in the U.S. and in Canada. The Center invites institutions that have green fees to complete two surveys. Survey A - Program Details (to be completed by fund administrators and an institution's green fee program expert) will compare the characteristics and histories of green fees across the U.S. and Canada. Survey B – General Impressions (to be completed by faculty, staff, and students at institutions with green fees) aims to track green fees' perceived effects on campus sustainability. The surveys must be completed by Friday, March 27, 2009.
See also: Survey B – General Impressions
Jobs & Internships
29. Sustainable Food Program Manager, Williams College
Williams College (MA) is pleased to announce an opening for a Sustainable Food Program Manager reporting to the Director of the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives. The manager will design and implement extra-curricular and operational programs and develop resources to support curricular initiatives. The position requires a candidate with vision and initiative who has the ability to work with colleagues across the campus and in the local community, and who will actively seek to develop relationships with external organizations. Candidates should have a minimum of a BA degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Sustainable Agriculture or a related field. Review of resumes will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
30. Endowed Prof, Sustainable Ag & Food Systems, College of the Atlantic
College of the Atlantic (ME) is seeking a full-time faculty member to fill the newly created Chair in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems. This is a full-time faculty position with teaching responsibilities in both general interdisciplinary and specialized courses, and program development. The Chair will offer courses that help students gain awareness of, understand, analyze, and address a range of questions and problems concerning food systems. In addition to teaching, the Chair is expected to lead the shared work of developing a cohesive, innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum in sustainable food systems. Areas of expertise and background may include, but are not limited to agrarian studies, nutrition and public health, rural-urban food connections, community food security, farm and food policy, local and global systems of food production and distribution, as well as food businesses. Review of applications will begin on March 25, 2009 and continue until the position is filled.
31. Intern, National Commission on Energy Policy
The National Commission on Energy Policy seeks an undergraduate or graduate summer intern to conduct research on pertinent energy policy topics. One student will be selected in a competition seeking innovative research proposals that address designated topics pertaining to current U.S. energy strategies. The student whose proposal is accepted will be invited to serve as an intern at NCEP in Washington, D.C. for a 10-week period during the summer. Interns will split their time between bringing their research proposal to fruition and engaging in NCEP’s normal business activities, which includes energy policy and technology research, advocacy, and other related endeavors. Applications are due March 23, 2009.
Events
32. Developing Your Institution's Climate Action Plan – Pre-Conf Workshop
April 5, 2009; U Maryland College Park
The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment will host a pre-conference workshop at the 2009 Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference entitled, "Developing Your Institution's Climate Action Plan – Evaluating the Carbon Reduction Efficacy of Different Mitigation Strategies." The workshop, will guide participants who have completed their greenhouse gas inventories in evaluating the cost/MTCO2e of various carbon reduction strategies to assist them in developing their Climate Action Plans. Presenters will include Toni Nelson - AASHE's Climate Programs Manager, Jenn Andrews of Clean Air-Cool Plant, Michael Kempa from Honeywell, and Scott Lupin and Heather Lair from the University of Maryland's Office of Sustainability.
33. Understanding Sustainable Dining Options Webcast
April 15, 2009; 1 – 3pm Eastern
Academic Impressions will host "Understanding Sustainable Dining Options, a webcast that will teach participants how a dining services manager can begin to assess opportunities and implement change to become more sustainable. Topics to be discussed include defining sustainable dining, understanding the key categories of sustainable Food Service, evaluating the levels of sustainable food to decide what is right for your campus, and developing a test site for better execution. Instructors include John Turenne, President and Founder of Sustainable Food Systems, and Owen Moore, the New York University Dining Services Director.
34. Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming Broadcast
April 15, 2009; Online
The National Wildlife Federation will host Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming, a live webcast featuring practical solutions to global warming being implemented by higher education campuses around the country. Campuses who host the webcast on their campus will be recognized on NWF's website and in broadcast credits.
35. On-Site Energy Solutions 2009 Conference - Canceled
April 27 – 29, 2009; Washington, D.C.
Infocast invites participants to its upcoming conference, "On-Site Energy Solutions 2009." The conference will bring together energy users, utilities, government policy makers, on-site solution providers and technology suppliers to explore the opportunities for implementing on-site energy solutions that will make American industry cleaner, more efficient, and more competitive and enable energy users to lock in stably priced and environmentally sound energy supplies. Keynote speakers will include Thomas R. Casten, the Chairman of Recycled Energy Development, and Marc Spitzer, the Commissioner of the Federal Regulatory Commission.
36. Finger Lakes Project Curriculum Workshop
May 21-22, 2009; Ithaca College; Ithaca, NY
Ithaca College will host the Finger Lakes Project Workshop on integrating sustainability into the curriculum. The workshop will provide resources and training for educational professionals to encourage and support their efforts to integrate concepts of sustainability into their educational activities. This year's workshop theme is "sustainability and culture" and will include lectures and learning sessions on the following topics: eco and activist art, enthomusicology and culture, food culture and sustainability, international education for sustainability, sustainability education for K-12, and course design and assessment.
37. Lean and Green: The Sustainability Path in a Tough Economy
May 27-29, 2009; Boston, MA
Academic Impressions will host "Lean and Green: The Sustainability Path in a Tough Economy," a conference that will offer sustainability coordinators and those charged with organizing sustainability efforts across campus the skills to create a roadmap for promoting a culture of sustainability on campus. The conference will teach participants how to develop and increase sustainability efforts, think and plan strategically for carbon neutrality, develop creative financing strategies for sustainability initiatives, implement innovative strategies for engaging students, faculty, and staff, and track the progress of sustainability efforts on campus.
| 
