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Table of Contents for 10/5/09:
NEWS
Buildings
1. Emory U Veterinary Medicine Building Receives LEED Gold
2. SUNY Geneseo Re-Opens Green Science Hall
3. Washington U St. Louis Installs Green Roof
4. Virginia Commonwealth U Building Wins Green Award
Co-Curricular Education
5. U North Carolina Chapel Hill Launches 'Carolina Green' Campaign
6. Central Michigan U Students Plant Three Organic Gardens
Curriculum
7. Wayne State U Offers Grad Certificate in Sustainable Engineering
8. Utah State U Students Build Three Campus Gardens
Dining Services
9. 13 Campuses Pilot Food Carbon Calculator
Diversity, Access, and Affordability
10. Southern Illinois U Carbondale Establishes Green Scholarships
Energy
11. San Diego CCD Partners to Install 2.4 MW Solar System
12. Luther College Receives $500K for 1.65 MW Wind Turbine
13. Harvard U Installs 2 Wind Turbines
Grounds
14. NY Times Covers Harvard U's Transition to Organic Fertilizers
15. Maharishi U of Management Receives $18K for Prairie Restoration
Transportation
16. U Albany Announces 2 Transportation Initiatives
17. SUNY Geneseo Launches Car-Share Program
Waste
18. Texas State U Begins Composting in Dining Halls
19. Mississippi State U Launches Game Day Recycling Program
20. Wilfrid Laurier U Introduces Reusable Plastic Food Container
21. St. Michael's College Institutes Faculty & Staff Recycling Program
22. Purdue U Provides Desk-Side Recycling, Eliminates Desk-Side Trash
Other News
23. U New Hampshire Publishes Book on its Sustainability Program
NEW RESOURCES
24. List of Campus Water Conservation Efforts
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
25. Director of Sustainability, U Notre Dame
26. Director, Centre for Env & Sustainability, U Western Ontario
27. Postdoctoral Fellow, Wind Energy, Desert Research Institute
28. Two Profs, Environmental Building Technology, U Michigan
29. Asst Professor, Sustainability & Renewable Energy, U Louisville
30. Asst Professor, Environmental Science, Alfred U
31. Adjunct Faculty Positions, Presidio School of Management
32. Adjunct Position, Environmental Science, Everest College
33. Instructor, Environmental Science, Brookdale CC
EVENTS
34. Power Shift '09 Regional Summits
35. Pre-Conf Workshop: How Higher Education Can Lead Restoration
36. Transformative Learning through Sustainability Education Workshop
37. Campus Sustainability Day Webcast
38. Carbon Neutral Campus Architecture Webcast
39. 2010 Smart & Sustainable Campus Conference CFP
News
Buildings
1. Emory U Veterinary Medicine Building Receives LEED Gold
The Clinical Veterinary Medicine Administration Research Building (CVMAR) at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center Field Station at Emory University (GA) has received LEED Gold certification. The 18,000-square-foot facility has achieved a 56 percent water use reduction, 23 percent energy cost savings, and 98.6 percent construction waste diversion. In addition, the structure was built with 27.9 percent recycled content and 50 percent regional materials.
2. SUNY Geneseo Re-Opens Green Science Hall
The State University of New York at Geneseo has re-opened Greene Hall, a 51,000-square-foot science facility. The renovation includes a new, more efficient air handling system; a constant air volume control that allows the Hall to reduce air qualities significantly when areas are vacant; and an energy measurement system.
See also: List of Green Science Buildings (AASHE Members Only)
3. Washington U St. Louis Installs Green Roof
Washington University in St. Louis (MO) has installed a 10,150-square-foot green roof on top of a campus residence hall. The roof contains grass, native plants, and 110,000 pounds of soil. The University expects that 90 percent of rainwater that falls on a green roof will be absorbed by the soil and vegetation, reducing the amount of runoff that flows to sewers and increasing the amount of rainfall naturally recycled through the atmosphere. The green roof also acts as insulation, keeping the building underneath cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which reduces energy usage.
4. Virginia Commonwealth U Building Wins Green Award
The Walter L. Rice Education Building at the Virginia Commonwealth University Rice Center has been named the region’s Overall Project of the Year and Green Project of the Year in the Mid-Atlantic Construction magazine’s Best of 2009 awards program. The LEED Platinum certified building was noted for the sustainable aspects of the structure and serves as an education tool for students.
See also: VCU News Release
Co-Curricular Education
5. U North Carolina Chapel Hill Launches 'Carolina Green' Campaign
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched a new inter-departmental “Carolina Green” campaign to identify and promote university programs that support a healthy and responsible approach to the “green” issues of environmental integrity, economic prosperity, and social equity. Carolina Green offers an online directory of university resources, a range of committees working to improve campus practices, and resources to help individuals and departments have a greener impact on their world.
See also: Carolina Green Directory
6. Central Michigan U Students Plant Three Organic Gardens
Central Michigan University’s Campus Grows student organization has planted three organic vegetable gardens on campus. Campus Grows consists of four students that have led the initiative and spent the summer tending to the gardens. The crops are sold at farmers markets and a coffee house. Some of the food is donated to soup kitchens and food banks as well. Extra plots are sold to students interested in having a personal garden and proceeds go to purchase seed, fencing, and other needs.
Curriculum
7. Wayne State U Offers Grad Certificate in Sustainable Engineering
The Wayne State University (MI) College of Engineering has begun offering a graduate certificate program in sustainable engineering. The program is intended for both current graduate students as well as the technical and scientific workforce of the metro Detroit region. The new certificate requires 13 credit hours of sustainable engineering education in chosen courses from all of the engineering departments. Students can choose from such courses as "Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering," "Ethics in Engineering and Construction" and "Alternative Energy Technology System and Design.
See also: List of Graduate Programs in Sustainable Engineering
8. Utah State U Students Build Three Campus Gardens
Utah State University College of Agriculture and College of Natural Resources students have presented three new campus gardens and companion interpretive panels. The gardens were completely designed and created by USU horticulture students in the Low Water Use Landscaping classes. Students from Natural Resources Interpretation classes teamed up to create interpretive wayside panels for each plot. The panels illustrate three thematic gardens, including the pollinator garden, ideas for gardening with native plants, and historical uses of Utah plants garden.
See also: USU Garden Website
Dining Services
9. 13 Campuses Pilot Food Carbon Calculator
Clean Air-Cool Planet (CA-CP) has partnered with Aramark Higher Education, a company that provides professional services to over 600 colleges and universities in North America, to develop its "CHarting Emissions from Food Services" (CHEFS) food service carbon calculator. The new tool will quantify the environmental impact of growing, producing, transporting, preparing and disposing of food on North American college campuses. The CHEFS program is being piloted on 13 campuses, including Arizona State University; Boston University (MA); Grand Valley State University (MI); Furman University (SC); Johns Hopkins University (MD); New York University; The Evergreen State College (WA); University of California, Davis; University of Florida; University of New Hampshire; Vassar College (NY); Wesley College (DE); and Yale University (CT). The CHEFS tool will work in tandem with CA-CP’s current Campus Carbon Calculator which tracks direct campus emissions.
Diversity, Access, and Affordability
10. Southern Illinois U Carbondale Establishes Green Scholarships
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale has launched a Green Scholarship Program funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation. Seven $9,000 undergraduate scholarships will be awarded to low income community college transfer students pursuing a major in science and/or engineering related to the environment. The program will target economically disadvantaged students who are finishing up their general studies at community colleges but cannot afford a four-year education. The funding is part of NSF’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education program.
See also: Green Scholarship Program Homepage
Energy
11. San Diego CCD Partners to Install 2.4 MW Solar System
The San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) has approved a 20-year agreement with Borrego Solar to construct and maintain a photovoltaic system that will provide about 2.4 megawatts of green energy across the district. The system will be financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which will enable the District to access and use solar-generated energy, without the upfront capital costs or operational expenses. Under the agreement, Borrego Solar would build, operate, and maintain the solar system, and sell the generated solar energy back to the District at rates approximately 18 percent below those of San Diego Gas & Electric; a savings of more than $110,000 annually. The solar energy generated by the District system would be enough to meet 26 percent of current peak electrical demand. The photovoltaic program calls for the solar panels to be installed on building rooftops, parking structures, and atop new solar panel shade structures on parking lots throughout the District.
See also: List of Campus Solar Installations
12. Luther College Receives $500K for 1.65 MW Wind Turbine
Luther College (IA) has received a $500,000 grant and a $1,302,385 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to install a 1.65 MW wind turbine that is expected to generate approximately one-third of the electrical energy consumed by the College each year. Delivery of the turbine is tentatively scheduled for December 2009 with installation to be completed by June 2010. The REAP funds awarded to the Luther wind turbine project are part of the program’s $62.5 million in loans and grants for 705 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in 45 states and Puerto Rico.
See also: List of Campus Wind Installations
13. Harvard U Installs 2 Wind Turbines
Harvard University (MA) has installed two 10 kW wind turbines on the top deck of a campus parking garage. The Bergey Excel turbines, which are each perched on 40 foot towers, provide a portion of the energy needed to power the parking center.
Grounds
14. NY Times Covers Harvard U's Transition to Organic Fertilizers
The New York Times has published an article on Harvard University's (MA) transition to using organic fertilizers on campus. The institution, which aims to be fully organic on the 80 acres that it maintains within the next two years, has begun using compost to fertilize its grass, landscaping, and orchard in test plots across campus. Harvard found that the test plots are able to absorb and hold water, which has resulted in a 30 percent irrigation reduction. In addition, the campus is able to compost grass clippings, pruned branches, leaves, and other materials that were previously trucked off campus for $35,000 per year. Furthermore, Harvard is saving $10,000 per year by not having to buy fertilizers. The NYT article also gives basic instructions on how to begin using organic fertilizers.
See also: Harvard U Organic Landscaping Homepage
15. Maharishi U of Management Receives $18K for Prairie Restoration
Maharishi University of Management (IA) has received an $18,000 grant from the Iowa Living Roadway Trust Fund to reconstruct native prairie on 14 acres located on the center of campus. The three-year project will create native prairie parkland with a wide diversity of species, mown paths and borders, park benches, educational kiosks, and plant identification signs. Once established, the environmentally friendly landscaping will be maintained by annual controlled burns.
See also: List of Sustainable Campus Landscaping Initiatives
Transportation
16. U Albany Announces 2 Transportation Initiatives
University at Albany has announced an initiative to research minimizing harmful automobile emissions and several new alternative transportation options. School of Business Associate Professor Sanjay Goel has been awarded the $25,000 AT&T Industrial Ecology Faculty Fellowship for research into the coordination and optimization of traffic signals as a means to minimize wait-times at intersections, thereby reducing automobile engine idling time and greenhouse gas emissions. The new alternative transportation options include hybrid buses, Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), public bus systems, and bike and ride sharing programs. The new 30-36-seat passenger hybrid buses will be integrated into the University’s mass transit fleet and used for student, faculty, and staff transportation between the University’s various campuses. The University’s GEMs — which now total 13 – are two and four-passenger, low-speed vehicles used for facilities services and repairs, athletics events and services, parking lot management, and transportation of campus mail and small equipment.
See also: List of Campus Bike-Share Programs (AASHE Members Only)
17. SUNY Geneseo Launches Car-Share Program
The State University of New York at Geneseo has launched a new car-share program on campus. Students are now able to rent Zipcars for approximately $10 per hour or $70 per day. Gas and insurance are included.
See also: List of Campus Car-Sharing Programs (AASHE Members Only)
Waste
18. Texas State U Begins Composting in Dining Halls
Texas State University has begun the "Bobcat Blend" program, an initiative that offers closed-loop composting in campus cafeterias. Once the waste has decomposed, it is brought back to help fertilize campus flower beds and green space. The program was developed by a graduate horticulture student.
See also: List of Campus Composting Programs (AASHE Members Only)
19. Mississippi State U Launches Game Day Recycling Program
Mississippi State University's Environmental Collaborative Office (ECO) has joined with the athletic department to promote game day recycling. MSU ECO has set up cardboard recycling boxes to collect aluminum, glass, and plastic at all home football games. The group will also provide tailgating bags on removable poles.
20. Wilfrid Laurier U Introduces Reusable Plastic Food Container
Wilfired Laurier University's (ON) Food Services has introduced a new, reusable plastic food container to reduce the amount of waste produced from cardboard takeout containers. The reusable “eco-takeout” containers cost $5. Regular, disposable takeout containers will still be available for a cost of 25¢, an “eco-tax” that will fully recover the cost of the disposable container. To ensure the reusable containers remain hygienic, students are able to drop off their eco-takeout container at any Food Services outlet on campus to be washed. In exchange they will receive a properly washed eco-takeout container or a card that will allow them to take an eco-takeout container the next time they need one.
21. St. Michael's College Institutes Faculty & Staff Recycling Program
St. Michael's College (VT) has begun a new program that aims to encourage faculty and staff to recycle. The night-time custodial crew now audits the contents of staff and faculty trash bins to make sure that they are not throwing away recyclable items. The custodial staff then reports their findings to the Sustainability Coordinator Heather Ellis, who sends the staff or faculty members in question an e-mail to determine the nature of the problem. If employees have repeat offenses, Ellis instructs the custodial staff to stop picking up their trash until they comply with the recycling program.
See also: SMC's Recycling Homepage
22. Purdue U Provides Desk-Side Recycling, Eliminates Desk-Side Trash
Purdue University (IN) has announced plans to expand its pilot desk-side recycling program to the entire campus to help boost recycling rates. The program, launched in one office building in July 2009, provides recycling bins at workers' desks, but requires them to walk to a central location to deposit trash. Within four weeks worker participation reached 99.5 percent and recycling volume doubled. The program is being expanded to six more buildings this semester.
Other News
23. U New Hampshire Publishes Book on its Sustainability Program
The University of New Hampshire has published, "The Sustainable Learning Community: One University's Journey to the Future." The new book details how the University of New Hampshire, home to one of the oldest endowed offices of sustainability in the nation, has been integrating sustainability across its curriculum, operations, research, and engagement in the last 10-plus years. The book shares the perspectives of more than 60 authors from UNH and beyond on subjects ranging from curriculum to climate change to compost.
New Resources
24. List of Campus Water Conservation Efforts
AASHE has published a list of water conservation efforts at higher education institutions in Canada and the United States. The new resource is only available to AASHE members.
Jobs & Internships
25. Director of Sustainability, U Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame (IN) is seeking a director of sustainability. Reporting to the vice president for business operations, the new director will build institutional learning capacities to support continuous improvement in building design and operations, landscaping, procurement, energy and water conservation, waste disposal and recycling, and service provision. The ultimate goal will be to enact significant behavior change in individuals and departments through the implementation of tested sustainability practices. A bachelor's or master's degree is required, as is 10 years of related experience. The position is open until filled.
26. Director, Centre for Env & Sustainability, U Western Ontario
The University of Western Ontario invites applications or nominations for a senior-level faculty appointment as the first Director of the Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES). The selected candidate will be appointed with tenure either as Professor or Associate Professor in an appropriate academic Department. The initial term of the Directorship will be for a period of 5 years. The Director will be expected to lead a vigorous and internationally competitive research program, to supervise graduate and undergraduate student research, and to participate in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels. In addition, a significant portion of effort will be directed to leading, developing, and administering CES. The successful candidate should have an excellent research record in a relevant area and demonstrate the high level of vision, leadership, and resourcefulness appropriate to the position of Director. Consideration of applications will begin on November 15, 2009.
27. Postdoctoral Fellow, Wind Energy, Desert Research Institute
The Desert Research Institute, the environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education, is seeking a post doctoral research associate in the area of renewable energies - wind energy. The appointment is of one year duration and could be extended for two additional years based on performance and funding availability. The candidate will participate in and lead individual tasks within ongoing and future planned wind assessment studies using data from meteorological towers and conducting high-resolution mesoscale and microscale modeling as well as in subsequent analysis and reporting. Candidates will be evaluated on communication skills, ability to conduct original research, proposal and publication record, grant and contract activities, ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and personal area of expertise that complements existing staff. Significant opportunities exist for the candidates to develop their own research ideas and to pursue additional external funding to investigate these ideas in addition to contributing to existing projects. The position is open until filled.
28. Two Profs, Environmental Building Technology, U Michigan
The University of Michigan A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning has announced plans to make two professorial appointments in environmental technology. One position is tenured or tenure-track faculty member in environmental building technology that will have a focus on passive and active building performance, energy-efficient building, and building systems integration. The second position is a tenure-track assistant professor in environmental building technology that will have a focus on sustainable building environments. Desirable candidates will have complimentary expertise in one or more of the following areas: sustainable design, energy efficient construction incorporating green materials, and ecological air- and water-handling systems. The demonstrated ability to conduct research and contribute to doctoral studies in this area is desired for both positions. Candidates for either position should have a record of teaching, scholarship, publication, and/or related professional experience. A Ph.D. is desirable. Review of applications will begin January 2, 2010 with interviews planned for February and March 2010.
29. Asst Professor, Sustainability & Renewable Energy, U Louisville
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisville (KY) invites applications for one tenure track assistant professor position in the area of sustainability and renewable energy. Applicants should have an earned doctorate in mechanical engineering or a related field prior to the start date. Applicants should demonstrate an ability to establish a program of externally-supported research and mentor doctoral students in their research area. Preferred areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, active and passive solar space conditioning, sustainable building technology, solar thermal power, photovoltaics, energy storage, wind energy, biofuels and hydropower. Review of applicants will begin on December 15, 2009.
30. Asst Prof, Environmental Science & Justice, Washington State U Vancouver
The Science Programs at Washington State University, Vancouver invite applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in environmental science and justice. The University seeks candidates whose research focuses on scientific issues that disproportionately affect populations along cultural, economic, and/or racial boundaries. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline, research addressing environmental justice issues, and the ability to establish an externally funded research program. Teaching duties may include undergraduate and graduate courses, plus mentoring graduate students and directing graduate student research. Review of completed applications will begin on November 15, 2009 and continue until the position is filled.
31. Asst Professor, Environmental Science, Alfred U
Alfred University's (NY) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in environmental science beginning August 2010. Responsibilities will include teaching introduction to environmental sciences, research methods, data analysis, and special topics related to a particular interest and experience. Expertise in conservation biology, ecology, or natural resources is preferred, but other areas of environmental science will be considered. Review of applications will begin November 2, 2009 and continue until the position is filled.
32. Adjunct Faculty Positions, Presidio School of Management
Presidio School of Management (CA) is seeking several adjunct faculty positions for courses across the curriculum, with particular emphasis in economics, marketing, human resources, finance, accounting, and capital markets. Qualifications include a doctoral degree in the field of management, public policy, economics, or related interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, sustainable systems, or sustainable design. Candidates should also have a critical understanding of the relationship between the course subject, systems, and sustainability.
33. Adjunct Position, Environmental Science, Everest College
Everest College (MO) is seeking an adjunct instructor to teach environmental science. The position requires teaching and maintaining all aspects of instructing a class in environmental science. Qualified candidates should have a master’s degree in environmental science and teaching experience is preferred. The position is open until filled.
34. Instructor, Environmental Science, Brookdale CC
Brookdale Community College (NJ) invites applications for an environmental science instructor to begin September 2010. The College seeks colleagues who have a commitment to working with a diverse student population, collaborative learning, using technology in the classroom, and distance education. This is a full-time, 10-month, tenure track position. The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching environmental science courses. A master's degree in environmental science, marine biology, or oceanography is required. Applications are due by December 15, 2009.
Events
34. Power Shift '09 Regional Summits
October and November 2009, Various Locations
The Power Shift '09 Regional Summits (to be held in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, the Carolinas, the Northern Plains, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Appalachia, Florida, and the West) seek to exercise the political power of young voters and ask President Obama and Congress to pass a clean energy jobs plan by December to rebuild our economy, end our dependence on dirty energy, and bring America lasting security. Registration is now available.
35. 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; Dr. Anthony Cortese, founder and President of Second Nature; and Julian Keniry, Senior Director of Campus and Community Leadership for the National Wildlife Federation.
36. Transformative Learning through Sustainability Education Workshop
October 20, 2009; British Columbia Institute of Technology
The British Columbia Institute of Technology will host "Transformative Learning: Creating Communities Through Sustainability Education." The event is for students, faculty, staff, and administrators and will focus on building capacity for sustainability education in post secondary institutions across BC. The one-day workshop will cover such topics as: trends and opportunities in the sustainability education movement; professional development tools and approaches for faculty members; building relationships with communities to foster critical sustainability research; experience and hands-on learning; and identifying sustainability learning outcomes. Registration is currently available.
37. Campus Sustainability Day Webcast
October 21, 2009; 1 – 2:30pm Eastern
The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) will host a Campus Sustainability Day webcast. Participants in the webcast will discover how institutions across North America are finding opportunities in the wake of budget cuts and providing the appropriate campus infrastructure and knowledge on how to finance, plan, operate, and manage low carbon, energy efficient campuses. Attendees will also learn how these actions are supporting broader community, regional, and national initiatives. Participants will hear from Andrew Revkin, Science Reporter for the New York Times; Sarah Brylinsky, Sustainability Education Coordinator for Dickinson College (PA); Larry Eisenberg, Executive Director for Facilities Planning and Development at the Los Angeles Community College District; Joseph E. Grasso, Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration at Cornell University (NY); and Angela Halfacre, Director of the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability and Professor of Political Science at Furman University (SC).
38. Carbon Neutral Campus Architecture Webcast
November 19, 2009; 1 – 3pm Eastern
The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) will host "Carbon Neutral Campus Architecture: Climate Specific Design and Innovation," a webcast that will investigate carbon neutral architectural projects. Buildings from three to four different climate zones will be highlighted. Learning outcomes include discovering what drivers and change agents have been put in place at campuses and institutions to lead to the successful design and construction of carbon neutral; exploring projects and design possibilities that can or will achieve carbon neutrality; and deriving inspiration for climate-specific design and understand the strategies related to specific climate zones.
39. 2010 Smart & Sustainable Campus Conference CFP
March 21-23, 2009; University of Maryland, College Park
The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) invites presentation and workshop proposals for the 2010 Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference. Submissions may come from campus administrators, students, or members of the corporate community. At least one presenter needs to be an institutional representative. Preference will be give to presentations that focus on removing obstacles to reach sustainability on campus, including finding creative ways to finance small or large-scale projects, and strategies being employed to fulfill the obligations of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. Broad categories for submission include: operational solutions, financing sustainability, institutionalizing sustainability, and planning and smart growth. Submissions are due October 30, 2009.
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