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AASHE has hired a new Executive Director.
Meet Paul Rowland
Table of Contents for 6/15/09:
NEWS
Buildings
1. Wilson College Opens Green Science Complex
2. U Oregon Opens Eco-Friendly Education Building
Campus Sustainability in the Media
3. June Issue of University Business Focuses on Sustainability
Climate
4. 35 Campuses Post Greenhouse Gas Inventories
Co-Curricular Education
5. 2 Campuses Select Sustainability Books for Summer Reading
Curriculum
6. Marylhurst U Offers Online MBA in Sustainable Business
7. Morrisville State College Adds AAS in Renewable Energy Technology
Dining Services
8. Dartmouth College Implements Several Green Dining Initiatives
Diversity, Access, and Affordability
9. HBCUs Partner to Increase African American MBA Students
Energy
10. George Washington U Implements Several Green IT Initiatives
11. Chronicle of Higher Ed Covers Trend of LED Lighting on Campus
Planning
12. Virginia Tech Adopts Climate Action and Sustainability Plan
Public Engagement
13. St. Petersburg College Develops Garden at Local Grade School
14. Wayne State U Hosts Community Farmers' Market
Research
15. U Maryland, North Carolina State U to Host NOAA Climate Inst
16. Farmingdale State College to Create Green Building Institute
17. U Nevada Reno Establishes Renewable Energy Research Ctr
Transportation
18. Indiana U Offers Parking Pass Discount to Green Vehicle Owners
Waste
19. Campuses Donate Unwanted Items During Move-Out
20. U New Hampshire Supports Composting with New Tractor
Other News
21. Harvard U Class of '84 Reunion Goes Green
NEW RESOURCES
22. AASHE Interview Series: Sustainability Coord for Res Life, U Kentucky
OPPORTUNITIES
23. Opportunity to Submit Campus Sustainability Case Study
24. AASHE Student Sustainability Leadership Award
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
25. Resource Center Manager, AASHE
26. ED, Innovation in Energy & Sustainability Inst, Worchester Polytechnic
27. Urban Sustainability Librarian, U Nevada Las Vegas
28. Senior Faculty, Intl Energy & Environmental Policy, Johns Hopkins U
29. Adjunct Asst Prof, Environmental Science, Johnson County CC
30. Resident Lecturer, Env'l Policy & Socio Economics, School for Field Studies
EVENTS
31. Webcastings of California Campus Sustainability Conference
32. Local Carbon Offsets 101 Webcast
33. Conference Call: Encouraging Pro Environmental Behavior
34. Webcast: Measuring the Real Cost of Parking & Alternative Transportation Options
35. CFP: International Conference on Higher Education for Sustainable Development
News
Buildings
1. Wilson College Opens Green Science Complex
Wilson College (PA) has dedicated the Harry R. Brooks Complex for Science, Mathematics, and Technology. The new $25 million building has been built to achieve LEED certification and features daylighting in perimeter offices, high-efficiency condensing boilers, and solar water heating. The 51,500 square foot renovation and 25,000 square feet of new space also features dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, ultra-low faucet aerators, and low VOC adhesives, finishes, and carpet systems.
See also: Harry R. Brooks Complex LEED Info
(link no longer available)
See also: Chronicle of Higher Ed Blog Post
See also: List of Green Science Buildings (AASHE Members Only)
2. U Oregon Opens Eco-Friendly Education Building
The University of Oregon has opened its new 67,000 square-foot HEDCO Education Building. The $50.5 million project includes natural daylighting, solar hot water, and landscaping that channels rainwater through gardens and bioswales. The structure is 30 percent more efficient than state code requirements.
Campus Sustainability in the Media
3. June Issue of University Business Focuses on Sustainability
The June issue of University Business includes several articles on higher education sustainability initiatives that seek to save money and reduce environmental impacts. Topics include green cleaning at Eastern Kentucky University; composting at Green Mountain College (VT), Ohio University, University of Washington, and University of Minnesota; solar panels at Unity College (ME); indoor air quality initiatives at Central Michigan University and Sewanee: The University of The South (TN); biomass projects at the University of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota, Morris, Virginia Tech, University of Illinois, North Carolina State University, and Texas A&M University; green renovations at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Florida International University; car-sharing at University of California, San Diego, Virginia Tech, Washington University in St. Louis (MO), and Stanford University (CA), electronics recycling at Temple University (PA); and green procurement at Arizona State University and University of California, San Diego.
Climate
4. 35 Campuses Post Greenhouse Gas Inventories
35 signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) have submitted public greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin. The GHG inventory is the first major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within a year of signing. New inventories were submitted by: University of Delaware; University of Connecticut; University of Utah; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; University of South Florida; Appalachian State University (NC); American University (DC); George Washington University (DC); Rice University (TX); Seattle Pacific University (WA); Washington State University, Spokane; Washington State University, Tri-Cities; Washington State University, Vancouver; University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute; University of Minnesota, Crookston; University of South Carolina, Columbia; State University of New York at Fredonia (NY); Case Western Reserve University (OH); Bucknell University (PA); Drew University (NJ); New College of Florida; Governors State University (IL); Colby College (ME); College of Saint Rose (NY); Antioch University Seattle (WA); Lake Michigan College; Wentworth Institute of Technology (MA); Carteret Community College (NC); Western Technical College (WI); Scottsdale Community College (AZ); Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY); Shoreline Community College (WA); Lorain County Community College (OH); Vermilion Community College (MN); and St. Clair County Community College (MI).
Co-Curricular Education
5. 2 Campuses Select Sustainability Books for Summer Reading
Smith College (MA) has chosen Van Jones' The Green Collar Economy as summer reading for all entering students. The book will be discussed in during summer orientation. In related news, Northwestern University (IL) has selected Thomas Friedman's Hot, Flat and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution – and How it Can Renew America as its reading book for all new, incoming undergraduate students. The One Book One Northwestern program will provide students with public lectures, the opportunity to engage in online discussions throughout the academic year, and other events related to the topics of energy and sustainability.
See also: Northwestern University Press Release
Curriculum
6. Marylhurst U Offers Online MBA in Sustainable Business
Marylhurst University (OR) has begun offering a new online MBA in Sustainable Business. Concentrations within the new degree include renewable energy, green housing, and public policy.
See also: Marylhurst Online MBA in Sustainable Business Homepage
See also: List of Graduate Business Programs in Sustainability
7. Morrisville State College Adds AAS in Renewable Energy Technology
Morrisville State College (NY) has added a new Associate's degree in Renewable Energy Technology. The new program will offer courses that focus on electrical power generation systems (wind, solar, and hydroelectric), heating and cooling (solar, geothermal), and biomass and biofuels.
See also: MSC Renewable Energy Technology Program Homepage
Dining Services
8. Dartmouth College Implements Several Green Dining Initiatives
Dartmouth College (NH) has implemented several new initiatives to make campus dining more sustainable. Among the new initiatives is the new “plate-default” program in the larger dining areas on campus, which means that real plates are used rather than serving items in to-go plastic and paper containers. The campus also implemented tray-less dining at its Sunday all you can eat brunch. In addition, new options on the catering menu offer low-waste event planning and more local food items.
Diversity, Access, and Affordability
9. HBCUs Partner to Increase African American MBA Students
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and deans of the 36 Historically Black College and University (HBCU) business schools have agreed to partner to better prepare African American students for both the GMAT exam and success in graduate management education. Currently, the mean score for African Americans is 100 points below the mean score for all test takers, and the new initiatives aim to eliminate the difference. As part of this partnership, GMAC pledged fee waivers for each of the HBCU business schools to use at its discretion to make sure that no student is denied access to the exam for financial reasons. In addition, GMAC gave each dean packages of test preparation materials, including copies of the new 12th edition Official GMAT Guide and GMAT Prep CDs.
Energy
10. George Washington U Implements Several Green IT Initiatives
George Washington University's (DC) Information Systems and Services department has implemented several new initiatives to make its services more environmentally friendly. Such projects include the implementation of Lifecycle Refresh and GW documents, two programs that seek to lower energy costs. Lifecycle Refresh allows for new energy-efficient servers and data center systems that have greater computing power to replace older systems. One new machine can replace three to four old machines with no loss in performance. GWdocuments reduces the need for physical servers by consolidating administrative documents into a Documentum repository. The goal is to have all administrative documents in one central storage area, which lowers energy usage and makes information more accessible. GW is also in the process of launching a new data center, which will employ a number of energy efficient strategies. The data center is set to launch in early 2010.
11. Chronicle of Higher Ed Covers Trend of LED Lighting on Campus
The Chronicle of Higher Education has published an article on the trend of colleges and universities installing LED lighting. The article mentions Le Moyne College (NY), Georgia Institute of Technology, Marquette University (WI), Madison Area Technical College (WI), University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and North Carolina State University.
Planning
12. Virginia Tech Adopts Climate Action and Sustainability Plan
Virginia Tech has adopted a 14 point Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan which calls for the pursuit of LEED Silver certification or better for all new buildings and renovations, a 35 percent recycling rate by 2012, a target for reduction of campus greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 emission level by 2050, reductions in electric usage, the creation of an office of sustainability, and improvements in transportation efficiency. To ensure progress towards goals are met, the university will conduct annual assessments to measure actual progress each year and release these reports publicly.
See also: List of Campus Sustainability/Environmental Plans (AASHE Members Only)
Public Engagement
13. St. Petersburg College Develops Garden at Local Grade School
St. Petersburg College (FL) Sustainability Club members have partnered with a local elementary school to develop a garden on its grounds. The garden will cover approximately 1,700 square feet and will be tended by K-5 students starting in the fall. The garden will produce a variety of vegetables, fruits, perennials, and annuals grown in an ecologically responsible manner.
14. Wayne State U Hosts Community Farmers' Market
Wayne State University (MI) has begun hosting a community farmers' market on its campus. The market, which is held every Wednesday from June to October, offers fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and prepared foods. The weekly event was established after two successful pilots last year.
Research
15. U Maryland, North Carolina State U to Host NOAA Climate Inst
The University of Maryland has announced that it will lead a new climate research partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 17 other institutions. The nationwide consortium led by Maryland won a competition for a new NOAA-supported Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites (CICS) that will receive up to $93 million in funding over the next five years, with approximately two-thirds of this funding expected to be managed by the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center of the University of Maryland. CICS will be directed from two principal locations: the first in Maryland's research park; and the second associated with the agency's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, NC. North Carolina State University will be the lead institution for the UNC system and will host an Inter-Institutional Research Institute. CICS will work to create a National Climate Service that would provide longer-term forecasts and warnings related to climate change.
16. Farmingdale State College to Create Green Building Institute
Farmingdale State College (NY) has announced that it has secured $357,000 in federal funds to establish a Green Building Institute. The GBI effort will include participation from faculty in Architectural Design and Management, Construction Technology, Landscape Design, Electrical Engineering, and the Solar Energy. Working with municipalities, agencies, and the public in training, workshops, and seminars, the institute will address such needs as alternative energies, alternative construction materials, storm water management, and “green” roofs and walls and will help to develop sampling techniques for monitoring indoor air quality and water efficient landscaping. In addition, the GBI will provide economic analysis and consultation in alternative land usage, cost-benefit analysis of alternative construction materials and energy systems, and the economic impact of green building construction. Development of the GBI will begin this fall, with its introduction expected to take place in 2010.
17. U Nevada Reno Establishes Renewable Energy Research Ctr
The University of Nevada, Reno has formalized its renewable energy research efforts in a new collaborative, the Renewable Energy Center. The collaboration will primarily focus on the work of four colleges within the University: Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; Business; Engineering; and Science. Research areas will include geothermal, biomass, hydrogen energy, and solar.
Transportation
18. Indiana U Offers Parking Pass Discount to Green Vehicle Owners
Indiana University has begun offering a 20 percent discount on parking passes for employees who drive zero emission vehicles, as determined by the California Air Resources Board, or a car that has achieved a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's annual vehicle rating guide. Some employees have responded to the new discount negatively, arguing that it rewards people who can afford more fuel-efficient automobiles.
See also: Chicago Tribune Article
Waste
19. Campuses Donate Unwanted Items During Move-Out
AASHE has posted a blog on 2008 campus collection/donation campaigns, through which several campuses donated unwanted items during move-out season. The initiatives kept items out of landfills, saved trash pickup fees, and donated items to a good cause. Highlighted campuses include Rutgers University (NJ), Suffolk University (MA), San Francisco State University (CA), University of Dayton (OH), and Alfred University (NY).
20. U New Hampshire Supports Composting with New Tractor
The University of New Hampshire has purchased a new tractor and a windrow turner to aerate compost pulp. Purchase of the new equipment resulted from a collaboration with Dining Services, the Office of Sustainability, the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Parents Association.
Other News
21. Harvard U Class of '84 Reunion Goes Green
The New York Times has published a blog post on a Harvard University (MA) alumni class that opted to hold a green 25th reunion. Environmentally friendly features of the class of 1984's reunion included the use of reusable bottles, plates, and glasses; local food; and biodiesel-fueled busses for a field trip. The organizers of the event also offered suggestions for how attendees could offset their travel emissions.
See also: Harvard U Press Release (link no longer available)
New Resources
22. AASHE Interview Series: Sustainability Coord for Res Life, U Kentucky
AASHE has posted a new installment of its Interview Series. In the most recent interview, Shane Tedder, the Sustainability Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life at the University of Kentucky, discusses the sustainability initiatives on which he is current working, how he incorporates the social dimensions of sustainability into his work, how UK tracks its progress towards sustainability, how students are involved in sustainability initiatives on campus, and a future initiative that will involve using social network analysis to map and connect the sustainability-focused people and projects at UK.
Opportunities
23. Opportunity to Submit Campus Sustainability Case Study
The National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology Program invites submissions of campus sustainability case studies. Campus Ecology gathers these case studies to document and celebrate the great work being done at colleges and universities across the country, and to help others learn from these projects. Schools are welcome to submit more than one case study if they are working on multiple projects in different areas of sustainability. Submissions are due June 30, 2009.
24. AASHE Student Sustainability Leadership Award
AASHE is now accepting applications for the 2009 Student Sustainability Leadership Award, to be presented at the Greening of the Campus VIII Conference (Sept. 20-23 in Indianapolis, IN). The Student Sustainability Leadership Award honors an undergraduate student from an AASHE member institution who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting campus sustainability. Applications are due July 1, 2009. The Student Sustainability Leadership Award includes a $750 prize. In addition, the winner will be featured in Sustainability: The Journal of Record.
Jobs & Internships
25. Resource Center Manager, AASHE
AASHE is hiring a Resource Center Manager to lead the ongoing development and operation of its interactive, online Resource Center. The successful applicant will ensure that the Resource Center meets members' needs and provides membership value, oversee implementation of technical tools and online resources that will facilitate member interaction and allow members to contribute content to the site (including interactive forums, blog posts, and existing and planned resources); assist in the production of AASHE publications, including the AASHE Bulletin, AASHE Digest, and how-to guides; develop metrics to measure member value and communicate the impact of the Resource Center; and transition the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment Reporting System to a broader reporting system that allows all higher education institutions in the U.S. to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate planning efforts. A Bachelor's degree and experience developing and publishing content are required. Review of applications will begin on July 3, 2009, and will continue until the position is filled.
26. ED, Innovation in Energy & Sustainability Inst, Worchester Polytechnic
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA) seeks an Executive Director for the Institute for Innovation in Energy and Sustainability. The successful candidate will be responsible for development and support, intergovernmental affairs and communications, and leveraging partnerships and resources. A graduate degree in economics, finance, law, business, public administration, political science, or a closely related field is required. The position is open until filled.
27. Urban Sustainability Librarian, U Nevada Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Libraries invites applications for an Urban Sustainability Liaison Librarian. Reporting to the Head of the Collection Management Department, this new tenure-track faculty position will serve as library liaison to the campus-wide urban sustainability research initiative, providing research assistance, instruction and collection development services to meet the information needs of the project. A Masters degree in library science is required. The review of materials will begin immediately and will continue until filled.
28. Senior Faculty, Intl Energy & Environmental Policy, Johns Hopkins U
The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) of the Johns Hopkins University (DC) is seeking to fill a tenured position at the level of associate or full professor of International Energy and Environmental Policy studies. The successful candidate will direct the Energy, Resources and Environment Program at SAIS. The ideal candidate will have a record of outstanding academic research and excellence in teaching, and a PhD or other equivalent degree in an appropriate field. The application review period will begin on October 15, 2009 and will remain open until the position is filled.
29. Adjunct Asst Prof, Environmental Science, Johnson County CC
Johnson County Community College (KS) seeks an Adjunct Professor of Environmental Science to instruct students in lectures and/or labs. A Master's degree in Environmental Science or an equivalent field is required. The position is open until filled.
30. Resident Lecturer, Env'l Policy & Socio Economics, School for Field Studies
The School for Field Studies (MA) seeks a Resident Lecturer in Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values. The successful candidate will teach the Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values course, lead designated components of the Center for Marine Resource Studies' Five-Year Research Plan, grade student directed research projects related to his/her area, and serve as part of a team that delivers an interdisciplinary, hands-on learning experience to students spending a semester or summer abroad. A Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience are required. The position is open until filled.
Events
31. Webcastings of California Campus Sustainability Conference
June 22- 23, 2009; Online
The 8th annual University of California, California State University, and California Community College system Sustainability Conference is offering free webcastings of several of its sessions. Available webcasts include the opening keynotes, the closing plenary, and sessions on campus sustainability plans, demonstrated energy efficiency lighting and HVAC technologies, student-led office greening and building greening programs, and climate action planning.
32. Local Carbon Offsets 101 Webcast
June 30, 2009; 1 -2:30pm Eastern
Academic Impressions will host "Local Carbon Offsets 101," a webcast that will teach participants how to evaluate the quality of local offsets, find and use local offsets, expand the benefits of local offsets for maximum added value, and integrate local offsets into a broader campus sustainability initiative. The instructor, Dave Newport, is the Director of the Environmental Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Early bird registration ends June 12, 2009.
33. Conference Call: Encouraging Pro Environmental Behavior
July 9, 2009; 1 – 2pm Eastern
The next topic for the Media Strategies for Sustainability Conference Call Series will be "Encouraging Pro Environmental Behavior – How Social Psychology Can Help Us." In this session, social scientist Dr. Robert Cialdini will address how institutions can incorporate the power of social norms into sustainability messaging and avoid a frequently-made error in the process.
34. Webcast: Measuring the Real Cost of Parking & Alternative Transportation Options
July 28, 2009; 1-3pm Eastern; Online
Academic Impressions will host "Measuring the Real Cost of Parking and Alternative Transportation Options." The webcast will include lessons on assessing current parking demand and transportation behaviors; measuring the impact of transportation demand management; determining future parking demand and costs of new parking; assessing the most cost-effective mix of investments in parking, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities; gathering ideas for how to accommodate future growth on campus; and gathering ideas for multiple sources of revenue to finance transportation program. The webcast is designed for professionals from parking and transportation, campus security/public safety, campus planning, sustainability coordinators and advocates, and facilities management.
35. CFP: International Conference on Higher Education for Sustainable Development
November 20-22, 2009; Penang, Malaysia
The Universiti Sains Malaysia and the Leuphana University of Lüneburg invite abstract submission for the 3rd International Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. The 3-day program will include lectures, workshops, poster presentations, and round tables. Abstracts from the following topics are invited: mainstreaming, impacting, and innovations in higher education for sustainable development. The deadline for submission of abstracts is July 15, 2009. The early bird registration deadline is September 15, 2009.
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