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Table of Contents for 8/24/09:
NEWS
Assessments and Ratings
1. Sierra Magazine Names Top 20 Coolest Schools
Buildings
2. Texas Christian U Renovation Receives LEED Gold
3. Rice U Children's Campus Receives LEED Silver
4. James Madison U Opens Green Dining Hall
5. Walsh College Receives Green Building of America Award
Campus Sustainability in the Media
6. NY Times Publishes Article on Growing Interest in Sustainability Courses
7. Christian Science Monitor Covers Ball State U's Geothermal Installation
8. Christian Chronicle Covers Growth in Green Initiatives at Christian Colleges
Co-Curricular Education
9. U North Carolina Launches U.S. Energy Use Website
10. U New Hampshire Football Game Goes Green
11. Arizona State U Art Museum Features Sustainability Theme
Curriculum
12. 3 Campuses to Launch Programs in Sustainable Development
13. Goucher College Launches MA in Cultural Sustainability
14. Syracuse U, SUNY ESF Announce Joint Certif in Sustainable Enterprises
15. Johnson County CC to Offer 2 New Energy Programs
16. Mid-State Technical College to Start Wind Energy Training Prgm
17. Babson College, Oregon Inst of Technology Partner for Green Curriculum
18. Western Kentucky U to Add Service Learning to State Env'l Ed Prgms
19. Roger Williams U Receives Grant for Sustainability Study Abroad
Energy
20. U Central Florida to Install Thermal Energy Storage Facility
21. U California, San Diego Installs Sun-Tracking Solar Panels
22. U North Carolina Implements Energy Policy
Funding
23. U North Alabama Receives Green Campus Initiative Funding
Grounds
24. Middlebury College Launches 'No-Mow' Project
Public Engagement
25. California State U, San Bernardino to Offer 3 New Green Certificates
26. Unity College Donates White House Solar Panels to Smithsonian
Research
27. U California, Merced to Lead Multi-Campus Solar Energy Research
28. New Mexico State U Receives Solar Funding
29. U Arkansas Partners with PepsiCo to Research Product Sustainability
Transportation
30. Jacksonville State U Unveils New Transit System
Waste
31. Coastal Carolina U Expands Recycling Program
NEW RESOURCES
32. Conf Call Podcast: Students' Role in Adopting a Sustainability Policy at U Colorado
33. Sustainability Education and Curriculum Resource Center
34. Interview with Owner of Duke U's Green Campus Cafe
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
35. Prgm Assoc, Ctr for Science, Technology, & Sustainability, AAAS
36. 2 Energy Program Coordinators, North Carolina State U
37. Project Liaison, Sustainability Plan, U California Santa Cruz
38. Prof/Dept Head, Dept of Plant & Env'l Sciences, New Mexico State U
39. Professor, Sustainable Systems, U Michigan
40. Asst Prof, Energy Sustainability, U Michigan
EVENTS
41. Pre-Conf Workshop: How Higher Education Can Lead Restoration
News
Assessments and Ratings
1. Sierra Magazine Names Top 20 Coolest Schools
Sierra, the official magazine of the Sierra Club, has released its third annual ranking of planet-preserving colleges and universities. The list of "20 Coolest Schools" is based on a survey e-mailed to "sustainability experts" at institutions in the US and covered the following topics: efficiency, energy, food, academics, purchasing, transportation, waste management, and administration. They top 20 schools in order are: University of Colorado at Boulder; University of Washington; Middlebury College (VT); University of Vermont; College of the Atlantic (ME); The Evergreen State College (WA); University of California, Santa Cruz ; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; Oberlin College (OH); Harvard University (MA); University of New Hampshire; Arizona State University; Yale University (CT); University of Florida; Bates College (ME); Willamette University (OR); Warren Wilson College (NC); Dickinson College (PA); and New York University.
Buildings
2. Texas Christian U Renovation Receives LEED Gold
Texas Christian University's renovation of Sherley Hall has received LEED Gold certification. The 76,403-square-foot structure, which features 162 double-occupancy sleeping rooms, is the first building on campus to achieve LEED certification. The renovation reduced energy consumption from interior lighting by 41 percent, from exterior lighting by 53 percent, and from cooling by an estimated 40 percent. Water usage decreased by 37 percent.
See also: List of Green Residence Halls (AASHE Members Only)
3. Rice U Children's Campus Receives LEED Silver
Rice University's (TX) Children's Campus, the institution's early learning facility for children of Rice faculty, staff, and students, has received LEED Silver certification. The 9,750-square-foot building includes light sensors, programmable thermostats, a self-monitoring mechanical system, double-paned windows, dual-flush toilets, and faucet aerators. In addition, more than 90 percent of occupied spaces in the building have access to natural daylight and views to the outdoors.
4. James Madison U Opens Green Dining Hall
James Madison University (VA) has opened its new 700-seat East Campus Dining Hall. Green features of the new structure include its location close to bus stops and bike racks, a white membrane that covers 97 percent of the roof and reflects sunlight, water-efficient plumbing, daylighting, and the use of recycled and regionally manufactured building materials. The Dining Hall is registered for LEED certification.
5. Walsh College Receives Green Building of America Award
Walsh College's (MI) Jeffery W. Barry Center has received a Green Building of America Award. The Center will be featured in the Real Estate & Construction Review-Midwest Green Success Stories special edition. The 37,000-square-foot Barry Center incorporates recycled and eco-friendly materials and captures and recycles rain water.
Campus Sustainability in the Media
6. NY Times Publishes Article on Growing Interest in Sustainability Courses
The New York Times has published an article on the growing interest in sustainability in continuing education and extension program curriculum. The story mentions green coursework at University of California, Berkeley; Stanford University (CA); Harvard University (MA); University of Oregon; Duquesne University (PA); City University of Seattle (WA); California State University, Long Beach; and University of Colorado at Boulder.
7. Christian Science Monitor Covers Ball State U's Geothermal Installation
The Christian Science Monitor has published an article on Ball State University's (IN) geothermal project. BSU is digging 3,750 to 4,000 wells to supply heating and cooling to most buildings on campus. Each well will be five inches in diameter and 400 feet deep. The project will save the University an estimated $2 million annually in fuel costs and will halve the campus' yearly carbon dioxide emissions.
8. Christian Chronicle Covers Growth in Green Initiatives at Christian Colleges
The Christian Chronicle has published an article on the increase in sustainability initiatives on Christian college campuses. The story mentions projects at Lubbock Christian University (TX), Lipscomb University (TN), Pepperdine University (CA), Oklahoma Christian University, and Faulkner University (AL).
Co-Curricular Education
9. U North Carolina Launches U.S. Energy Use Website
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched “Powering a Nation,” an experimental multimedia news website that explores U.S. energy use and its relationship to the country’s demographics. Ten Carolina journalism students selected as News21 fellows have been working since January with faculty – joined by two students from Harvard University (MA) and the University of Missouri – to produce stories about wind farms, the electrical grid, mountaintop removal, coal activists, biofuels, religious response to environmental issues, and other topics. The stories are presented as feature articles, multimedia documentaries, motion graphics, blog posts, and games.
See also: Powering a Nation Website
10. U New Hampshire Football Game Goes Green
University of New Hampshire Athletics has announced a partnership with the UNH University Office of Sustainability to focus on eco-friendly products and choices at the first football game of the season. The 'Go GREEN with the Wildcats'” event will feature volunteers encouraging attendees to recycle and tables offering Wildcat Corporate Partners' green products and services.
11. Arizona State U Art Museum Features Sustainability Theme
Arizona State University's Art Museum has announced plans to showcase a series of projects this fall gathered under the title, "Defining Sustainability." All exhibitions or projects range in materials and format, and are installed throughout the Museum to tell stories of environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.
Curriculum
12. 3 Campuses to Launch Programs in Sustainable Development
Columbia University (NY), Emory University (GA), and the University of Florida have been selected by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as three of 10 universities worldwide to receive $900,000 to create a new master’s in development practice (MDP) degree program. The MDP programs are designed to provide graduate students with training beyond the classroom study of economics and management that are the typical focus of most development studies programs. The program’s core curriculum bridges the natural sciences, health sciences, social sciences, and management. It combines classroom study with field experiences in a range of disciplines, including agriculture, policy, health, engineering, management, environmental science, education, and nutrition.
See also: Columbia U Press Release
See also: UF Press Release
See also: List of Graduate Programs in Sustainable Development
13. Goucher College Launches MA in Cultural Sustainability
Goucher College (MD) has begun accepting applicants to its new Master of Arts in Cultural Sustainability program. The 38-credit program brings together tools from anthropology, history, communications, business and management, linguistics, and activism. The program aims to teach students how to sustain cultural traditions in an era of increasing homogeneity and globalization. Coursework is conducted as a limited residency, distance-education program, meaning classes are primarily held online and are complemented with two one-week residencies on campus.
14. Syracuse U, SUNY ESF Announce Joint Certif in Sustainable Enterprises
Syracuse University (NY) and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) have announced a joint graduate Certificate of Advanced Study in Sustainable Enterprise (CASSE). The certificate was developed to engage graduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds in a trans-disciplinary program focused on sustainability strategies for organizations. The CASSE curriculum integrates business, science, engineering, and policy instruction with practical knowledge in sustainability. CASSE candidates will be required to complete three core courses and two electives. The core courses — “Managing Sustainability: Purpose, Principles and Practice,” “Strategic Management and the Natural Environment” and “Sustainability-Driven Enterprise” — are designed to be relevant and accessible to a wide range of disciplines.
See also: CASSE Webpage
15. Johnson County CC to Offer Residential 2 New Energy Programs
Johnson County Community College (KS) has announced plans to offer a new Residential Energy Auditing Certificate and an associate's degree in Energy Performance and Resource Management (EPRM) beginning in the fall of 2009. The 25-hour “fast track” certificate program can be completed in 12 weeks. The new program was developed in response to a need for professionals who are able to perform certified energy audits for homeowners in search of stimulus funds for weatherization. The 64-hour EPRM associate's degree program aims to prepare students for the alternative energy technology field. Upon completion of the EPRM coursework, students should be able to understand the science behind active and passive energy systems, analyze energy systems designs, and offer professional advice to consumers to improve energy systems.
16. Mid-State Technical College to Start Wind Energy Training Prgm (link no longer available)
Mid-State Technical College (WI) has received $160,000 to start a customized training program in wind energy. The program will be an intensive, 12-week, 12-credit course. The 35 people who will receive training as a result of the grant are mostly displaced workers from other industries.
17. Babson College, Oregon Inst of Technology Partner for Green Curriculum
Babson College's (MA) Fast Track MBA Program and Oregon Institute of Technology's Renewable Energy Engineering Program have announced a partnership to explore business application for renewable energy technologies. In the pilot program, Babson MBA students in the Northwest region will be matched with students at OIT's Portland campus who are enrolled in the Renewable Energy Engineering program to address business challenges of projects focused on renewable energy products, services, or systems. The goal is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation that could result in commercializing new green technologies.
18. Western Kentucky U to Add Service Learning to State Env'l Ed Prgms
Western Kentucky University’s Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability has announced plans to lead a two-year, $1.5 million project to integrate service learning into environmental education programs in Kentucky. WKU and three other yet-to-be-determined Kentucky universities will incorporate service learning into their teacher education programs. Students in those courses will use service-learning to assess energy use in public buildings near campus and develop a project to decrease energy usage in their target buildings. The project is expected to engage about 360 college students and 4,000 elementary and secondary school students.
19. Roger Williams U Receives Grant for Sustainability Study Abroad
Roger Williams University (RI) has secured a federal grant to create an Interdisciplinary Sustainability Study Abroad Program in the Republic of Turkey. The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awarded $96,798 to support the RWU initiative which includes a partnership with Turkish educational institutions to collaborate on issues related to urbanization, pollution remediation, green building design and construction, renewable energy, and public policy.
Energy
20. U Central Florida to Install Thermal Energy Storage Facility
The University of Central Florida has announced plans to install a thermal energy storage facility to be in operation by the end of September. The $3 million facility is expected to save UCF around $685,000 annually.
21. U California, San Diego Installs Sun-Tracking Solar Panels
The University of California, San Diego has installed solar panels that automatically track the sun as it crosses the daytime sky and concentrate sunlight onto hundreds of electricity-producing solar cells, each smaller than a shirt button. The 220-square-foot, 5.75 kW concentrating photovoltaic panel is mounted on a movable platform atop a metal pole and has an average efficiency of nearly twice that of conventional photovoltaic technology.
See also: List of Campus Solar Installations
22. U North Carolina Implements Energy Policy
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has implemented a new campus-wide energy policy that aims to decrease energy use by reducing the amount of air conditioning and heating used in buildings. The temperature set points will be between 76 and 78 degrees during the summer and between 69 and 71 degrees during the winter. Most buildings will be programmed to relax these settings (to between 64 and 83 degrees) when buildings typically are unoccupied or have low occupancy. The University expects a savings of between $4 and $5 million per year in energy costs.
See also: UNC Energy Policy (pdf)
See also: List of Campus Energy Conservation Policies
Funding
23. U North Alabama Receives Green Campus Initiative Funding
The University of North Alabama has received $951,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy for phase two of the University’s Green Campus Initiative, an effort to make UNA facilities as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. UNA’s Green Campus Initiative projects are designed to promote greater efficiencies of energy usage, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and recycling of appropriate items. Phase one of the initiative includes the current renovation of Keller Hall. The Keller renovation features solar panels, new windows, and a new heating and air system.
Grounds
24. Middlebury College Launches 'No-Mow' Project
The Chronicle of Higher Education has posted a video on its Buildings & Grounds blog about a recent initiative at Middlebury College (VT) to reduce the number of times the College mows its lawn per year. The "No-Mow" project has lessened the amount of lawn Middlebury staff mow by 20 acres and has saved approximately 670 gallons of fuel. The post also mentions Cape Cod Community College (MA) which has begun a similar program.
Public Engagement
25. California State U, San Bernardino to Offer 3 New Green Certificates
California State University, San Bernardino has announced plans to add three new green certificate programs to its fall 2009 course offerings. The new certificates, which are offered through the CSUSB extension program, include: Green Building Construction, Green Energy Management, and Sustainable Practices. Each program consists of five courses that can be taken individually or together to earn a certificate.
See also: CSUSB Green Industry Online Professional Certificates Homepage
See also: List of Certificate Programs in Sustainability
26. Unity College Donates White House Solar Panels to Smithsonian
Unity College (ME) has donated a solar panel that was once installed on the White House to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The panels were originally installed on the roof of the White House above the Oval Office by President Jimmy Carter's administration to heat water in the staff kitchen. The panels were removed in 1986 during the Reagan Presidency and obtained by Unity College in 1991. Sixteen panels were refurbished and installed atop the College's cafeteria. They heated water until 2005 when they reached the end of their lifespan. One of those panels was donated to the museum’s collection in the division of politics and reform. Another panel was donated to the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta.
Research
27. U California, Merced to Lead Multi-Campus Solar Energy Research
The University of California, Merced has received a $2.25 million five-year grant to fund a new UC-wide solar energy research program. California Advanced Solar Technologies Institute (CAST) researchers will cover the development of novel photovoltaic devices, which convert sunlight into electricity, and thermal energy for cooling of buildings, industry, and other applications. Other participating institutions include the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
28. New Mexico State U Receives Solar Funding
New Mexico State University's Southwest Technology Development Institute, a part of the Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE), has received $1.75 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for leadership and operation of the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs). Led by the Technology Development Institute, the Solar ABCs is a 10-member consortium of public and private entities that develops national and international codes and standards.
29. U Arkansas Partners with PepsiCo to Research Product Sustainability
The University of Arkansas has announced a partnership with PepsiCo to support research on how to create more sustainable products. Under the agreement, PepsiCo will provide a $300,000 grant over three years to UA's Applied Sustainability Center to focus on product sustainability, including life-cycle assessment and a sustainable food index.
Transportation
30. Jacksonville State U Unveils New Transit System
Jacksonville State University (AL) has unveiled the Gamecock Express, a new campus bus service that will run continuously from 7am to 10pm Monday through Friday, with limited schedules on the weekends. The routes have been designed to help students travel to and from class, and a city route will allow campus and community members to go shopping. The fleet of 10 buses will be free of charge and will not require a JSU identification card. The University has implemented restricted parking zones also.
See also: List of Campus Universal Transit Passes (AASHE Members Only)
Waste
31. Coastal Carolina U Expands Recycling Program (link no longer available)
Coastal Carolina University (SC) has begun an initiative to expand its recycling efforts. Starting this fall, more recycling will be available in dorm rooms, at football games, and during move-in. Each dorm room will receive a yellow recycling bin and fliers and stickers will be available to inform students what can be recycled. Students will be responsible for collecting recyclable materials from each room.
New Resources
32. Conf Call Podcast: Students' Role in Adopting a Sustainability Policy at U Colorado
AASHE has posted a podcast of "The Students' Role in Adopting a System-Wide Sustainability Policy at University of Colorado," a recent conference call held on the organization's Open Space Conference Call Line. The conversation, led by student leaders on all four CU campuses, focuses on how individual student governments can affect campus sustainability policy and what policies would help the CU campuses achieve strong sustainability goals best.
33. Sustainability Education and Curriculum Resource Center
Creative Change Educational Solutions has announced the opening of its Curriculum and Resource Center (CRC). The CRC is an online curriculum library that provides educators (K12, college, and adult) access to a curriculum portfolio on a subscription basis. The materials in the CRC address sustainability topics such as food systems, land use/sustainable communities, brownfields redevelopment, green design, renewable energy, environmental justice, and ecological economics. The site also offers a searchable interface that allows subscribers to select and download materials by grade level, discipline, topic, and more. The CRC also provides access to completely developed units to integrate into courses.
34. Interview with Owner of Duke U's Green Campus Cafe
National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology has posted an interview with Laura Hall, the owner and operator of the Refectory, a café that serves local and sustainable foods at Duke University (NC). In the interview, Hall discuss how the café was opened; how the Refectory has been able to source produce, meat, and eggs from 30 local farms, all within 150 miles; and how the campus eatery uses food from the on-campus garden.
Jobs & Internships
35. Prgm Assoc, Ctr for Science, Technology, & Sustainability, AAAS
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) seeks a Program Associate to lead the daily operations of the Center for Science, Technology, and Sustainability as it interfaces with the academic and policy communities. The successful candidate also will stay updated on issues related to the emerging field of sustainability science; maintain and enhance a network of stakeholders in the field; update the sustainability Forum and interface with the Forum's editors; plan and implement the sustainability roundtable that takes place during the AAAS annual meeting; and research, write, and edit materials on specific projects for the Center. A Bachelor's degree is required and preferred fields of study include International, Environment, Sustainability, and/or Climate Change.
36. 2 Energy Program Coordinators, North Carolina State U
North Carolina State University invites applications for two Energy Program Coordinator positions. The successful candidates will be responsible for identifying and implementing assigned energy conservation programs on all NCSU campuses. This work will include preparing program scope statements, specifications, and building data, as well as solicitation and evaluation of proposals. They also will be tasked with documenting resulting energy savings. Applicants should have knowledge of North Carolina building and energy codes, spreadsheet software, boiler and steam distribution systems, and contract procedures for obtaining inspection services. A two-year technical degree in the area of assignment or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required. Applications are due August 28, 2009.
37. Project Liaison, Sustainability Plan, U California Santa Cruz
The University of California, Santa Cruz is recruiting a part-time, temporary Sustainability Plan Project Liaison to help UCSC develop its first Campus Sustainability Plan. Under the direction of the Sustainability Coordinator, the Sustainability Plan Project Liaison will support the Sustainability Working Groups, Task Forces, and other key stakeholders. In addition, the Liaison will work with the core Campus Sustainability Plan team to develop a master project timeline, document the process, and contribute to the overall project design. The successful applicant will have experience planning and producing events and activities; experience with word processing and spreadsheet applications; and the ability to negotiate and exchange ideas, information, and opinions with others to arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, and solutions. The position is open until filled. The initial review of applications will begin on August 27, 2009.
38. Prof/Dept Head, Dept of Plant & Env'l Sciences, New Mexico State U
New Mexico State University seeks a Professor and Department Head for its Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. The tenure-track, 12-month, full-time position will be responsible for all aspects of administration including fiscal management; developing and maintaining departmental facilities; faculty and program evaluations; and administering teaching, research, and service programs at the main campus and several off campus locations. Candidates should have already obtained the rank of Professor or equivalent with a doctorate in agronomy, horticulture, soil science or a related field. Other requirements include a demonstrated ability to recruit and mentor students from diverse cultures and recruit and mentor diverse faculty. Review of applications will begin November 30, 2009, and continue until the position is filled.
39. Professor, Sustainable Systems, U Michigan
The University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) is seeking a candidate to fill a full-time, nine-month, tenure track professor position (rank open) to contribute to research and teaching in sustainable systems. The focus includes approaches that address both the production and consumption activities associated with water, mobility, shelter, energy, and other basic needs. Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in engineering, environmental science, economics, management, public policy, or related interdisciplinary fields including industrial ecology or systems analysis. A record of independent peer-reviewed scholarship is important; teaching experience is preferred. Review of applications will begin after October 15, 2009, and will continue until suitable candidates are found.
40. Asst Prof, Energy Sustainability, U Michigan
The University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) is seeking a candidate to fill a full-time, nine-month, tenure track assistant professor position to contribute to research and teaching on energy sustainability. Applicants should have completed a Ph.D. in engineering, environmental science, economics, or related interdisciplinary fields including industrial ecology or energy systems analysis. A record of independent peer-reviewed scholarship is important; teaching experience is preferred. Evidence of prior work in interdisciplinary energy and environmental fields is also preferred. Review of applications will begin after October 15, 2009, and will continue until suitable candidates are found.
Events
41. Pre-Conf Workshop: How Higher Education Can Lead Restoration
October 15, 2009; 9am – 5pm Pacific; San Francisco, CA
Second Nature, AASHE, and the California Student Sustainability Coalition will host "Education for Action in the Age of Climate Change: How Higher Education Can Lead Restoration In and Out of the Classroom," a pre-conference workshop at Bioneers 2009. The workshop, which is designed for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the general public, will challenge participants to rethink the purpose of formal education related to solving the complex problems we face, while demonstrating breakthrough examples of leadership and successful innovations. Keynote speakers will include David Orr, leading environmental educator and Bioneers board member; Anthony Cortese, founder and President of Second Nature; and Julian Keniry, Senior Director of Campus and Community Leadership for the National Wildlife Federation.
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