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Table of Contents for 2/8/10:
NEWS
Buildings
1. California Polytechnic State U Res Hall Earns LEED Gold
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Housing Receives LEED Gold
3. John Hopkins U Receives LEED-CI Silver Certification
Co-Curricular Education
4. Queen's U Opens Organic Teaching Farm
5. Arizona State U Starts Community Garden
6. Boston U Launches Sustainability Website
Coordination and Planning
7. U Georgia President Discusses Sustainability in State of the Univ
8. Clemson U Establishes President's Sustainability Committee
9. Marshall U Hires Recycling Coordinator
Curriculum
10. U Dayton Announces New Minor in Sustainability
11. Salt Lake CC to Offer Associate's in Energy Management
12. U Kansas Class Makes Sustainability Campaign Recommendations
Dining Services
13. U Maryland Installs Solar Trash Compactor on Campus
Energy
14. U California Davis Receives $2.5M for Waste-to-Energy Plant
15. Portland State U Receives $1M for Geothermal System
16. Bowdoin College Launches Building Energy Dashboard
17. Colorado State U Dorm Shows Energy Consumption in Real Time
18. U Colorado Boulder Tops 3 Buildings with Solar Panels
19. Portland State U Receives Rebate for Building Energy Improvements
Funding
20. Slippery Rock U Green Fee Funds Projects
Human Resources
21. Maharishi U Management Plans Community Garden
Public Engagement
22. Portland State U Launches Social Innovation Incubator
Research
23. U Idaho Joins Forestry Research System
Transportation
24. U Central Oklahoma Starts Car-Share Program
Waste
25. U California Davis Dorm Programs Switch to Reusable Dishware
26. U Pennsylvania Organizes E-Waste Collection
Water
27. Luther College Receives Grant for Permeable Pavement Construction
NEW RESOURCES
28. New AASHE Resource: Green Athletic Centers
OPPORTUNITIES
29. 2010 Campus Sustainability Staffing Survey
30. Clinton Global Initiative U Outstanding Commitment Awards
31. Summer Short Course on Sustainable Communities in Australia
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
32. Vice President, Campus Services, Emory U
33. Associate VP for Finance & Administration, Western State College
34. Sustainability Outreach & Administrative Coordinator, UCAR
35. Sustainability Project Administrator, McGill U
36. Assistant Professor, Sustainable Development, Appalachian State U
EVENTS
37. EPA College & University Training on Mandatory Reporting of GHGs
38. Webinar: STARS Reporting Tool 101
39. Strategies for Adaptation Across the Sustainability Curriculum
40. SCUP Annual Conference
41. CFP - Annual Meeting for Society for Values in Higher Education
News
Buildings
1. California Polytechnic State U Res Hall Earns LEED Gold
California Polytechnic State University's newly completed student housing project, Poly Canyon Village, has earned LEED Gold certification. The apartment development houses 2700 residents. Standards for the designation included low volatile organic compounds material, reduction of water use, water-efficient landscaping, use of recycled content, and 90 percent diversion from the landfill of construction waste.
See also: List of Green Residence Halls (AASHE Members Only)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Housing Receives LEED Gold
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Ashdown House has received LEED Gold certification. The graduate residence that houses more than 400 students and includes a full dining area earned its Gold rating for a variety of green features: the building’s landscaping and irrigation systems use water from a non-potable source; a storm-water management system significantly reduces storm-water runoff; maximized daylight is available in 95 percent of regularly occupied spaces; and low-flow fixtures reduce water use by more than 20 percent.
3. John Hopkins U Receives LEED-CI Silver Certification
John Hopkins University (MD) School of Medicine has received a LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Silver certification for its renovated Department of Facilities Management offices and Clinical Information Systems Education Center. The two offices are located in the basement of a larger building and received LEED certification by including features such as day lighting, use of recycled furniture, and recycling construction material.
Co-Curricular Education
4. Queen's U Opens Organic Teaching Farm
Queen's University (ON) and Sodexo have partnered on a new project called MyFarm, a 76 acre piece of land that will be used as an educational tool and organic farm. The property, currently owned by Sodexo's corporate executive chef, has been made available for the students to learn where their food comes from and how it is grown. The University hopes to educate the students on the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture.
5. Arizona State U Starts Community Garden
Arizona State University's
Polytechnic campus has begun developing a community garden for students, faculty, and staff to use this coming spring. There will be eight plots measuring 20-feet by 30-feet that will be rented for $70 each. The fee will help pay for fertilizer, a fence to keep rodents out, and general maintenance. The Garden Committee will host classes and workshops to help beginning gardeners best utilize their plots.
6. Boston U Launches Sustainability Website
Boston University (MA) has launched its first sustainability website, sustainability@BU, which acts as a portal to educate and engage the BU community. The site houses information such as research being done in renewable energy, classes being offered, energy saving building retrofit projects, a Green Campus Tour, and where to find bike rack and recycling locations.
See also: Sustainability@BU
See also: List of Campus Sustainability Websites (AASHE Members Only)
Coordination and Planning
7. U Georgia President Discusses Sustainability in State of the Univ
University of Georgia President Michael Adams used his State of the University Address this year to discuss successful sustainability initiatives at UGA. He noted the "Every Drop Counts" campaign that resulted in a 22 percent drop in total water usage on campus, the reduction of energy consumption per square foot by 18 percent, and the switch to green cleaning products on campus. Adams also used the speech to accept the report and recommendations of the UGA Sustainability Working Group, promising that sustainability will be included in the University's next strategic plan, and to accept the recommendation passed by a student referendum to impose a $3 per term green fee to help fund an Office of Sustainability.
See also: List of Student Green Fees
8. Clemson U Establishes President's Sustainability Committee
Clemson University (SC) has established a President's Commission on Sustainability. The group is charged with creating and implementing a plan to make the University carbon neutral. The commission is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff representatives from various colleges and departments, and representatives from Clemson’s Public Service Activities arm. The commission is chaired by Ben Sill, emeritus Alumni Professor of Civil Engineering.
9. Marshall U Hires Recycling Coordinator
Marshall University (WV) has hired Elizabeth Rutherford to be the campus' new recycling coordinator. Housed in the Sustainability Department, Rutherford will work with eight student recyclers to manage daily pickups from new recycling pods across campus. Rutherford will also work to promote recycling and sustainability on campus.
Curriculum
10. U Dayton Announces New Minor in Sustainability
The University of Dayton (OH) has announced a new minor in sustainability, energy, and environment (SEE). The program began accepting students into an introductory course this semester. Although some courses are still under development, the SEE curriculum will emphasize learning across several disciplines to include societal, economic, engineering, science, political, artistic, historical, and ethical perspectives. The 18-credit hour minor will fulfill general education requirements and include a choice of core courses as well as flexibility in research that can be tailored to individual interests.
See also: SEE Homepage
See also: List of Minors in Sustainability
11. Salt Lake CC to Offer Associate's in Energy Management
The Utah Board of Regents has approved an Associate of Applied Science Degree in energy management at Salt Lake Community College's Green Academy. The degree will train students on how to install renewable energy technologies, as well as how to take advantage of tax incentives and rebates. The program requires 67 credits, 26 of which are in a specialty area.
See also: The Green Academy Homepage
12. U Kansas Class Makes Sustainability Campaign Recommendations
A University of Kansas journalism class has developed a university campaign aimed at unifying sustainability efforts on campus. Students conducted more than 30 interviews with KU community members and traveled to Kansas State University, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Colorado School of Mines, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University (NC) to conduct research as well. The class recommended a three-year implementation plan, more involvement in campus events, increased participation from Greek and other student organizations, and unifying the leaders of campus environmental groups.
Dining Services
13. U Maryland Installs Solar Trash Compactor on Campus
University of Maryland Dining Services has installed a trial solar-powered trash compactor outside a late night campus dining facility. The dining hall was notorious for having trash overflow that would not be collected until the early morning hours. The new trash compactor, which the University currently has as a free trial, can compact what eight trash cans would normally hold. Energy
14. U California Davis Receives $2.5M for Waste-to-Energy Plant
The University of California, Davis has received $2.5 million in federal stimulus funds to help build an $18 million waste-to-energy plant to power a campus housing, office, and retail project. The plant will convert food scraps from campus cafeterias, animal waste, and tree trimmings into methane, which will then provide energy for a fuel cell to make electricity for the new development. The plant is expected to begin operation in 2013 or 2014.
15. Portland State U Receives $1M for Geothermal System
Portland State University (OR) has received a $1 million grant to drill geothermal wells near a campus science building and help purchase a 1,000-ton heat pump for additional heating and cooling in the 13-building campus energy loop. Design work has begun, and well construction will start this summer. The system should be operational in 2011.
16. Bowdoin College Launches Building Energy Dashboard
Bowdoin College (ME) has launched a building dashboard that provides real-time measurements of energy use of campus facilities. Visitors to the building dashboard site can select a building and view total consumption for the day, or usage on a per-person or square footage basis. They can also select a timescale — usage over a day, week, month, or year — and construct comparisons between buildings.
See also: Bowdoin College Building Dashboard
See also: List of Campus Energy Websites (AASHE Members Only)
17. Colorado State U Dorm Shows Energy Consumption in Real Time
Colorado State University students will soon be able to track their dorm's energy consumption in real time thanks to a $44,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Institute. This new technology will kick off the "Green Warrior Campaign," which runs through mid-March and aims to create a culture of sustainability on campus. During the campaign, students will have the opportunity to register online and pledge to participate in environmentally friendly tasks. The campaign website will provide an area to track sustainability efforts such as conserving water, saving electricity, and recycling on campus.
See also: Green Warrier Campaign Homepage
18. U Colorado Boulder Tops 3 Buildings with Solar Panels
Three buildings at the University of Colorado, Boulder have been mounted with solar panel arrays. The Coors Events/Conference Center and the Housing System Maintenance Center each received 210 solar panels while the Wolf Law Building received 52 solar panels. Through a partnership with Rockwell Financial Group, the University does not have to pay for the solar installations initially. This partnership allowed Rockwell to receive a number of tax rebates and incentives the University would not have been eligible to receive. The 140,000 kilowatt hours that the installations will produce will help power the buildings on which they are installed. In seven years, CU-Boulder will have the option of purchasing the solar panels at a fraction of their original cost and also will be able to sell solar power back to the local energy company.
See also: List of Campus Solar Installations
19. Portland State U Receives Rebate for Building Energy Improvements
Portland State University has received a $313,114 incentive check from the Energy Trust of Oregon for recent energy-efficient improvements to a campus building. Improvements to the building's heating and cooling system will save an estimated 1.4 million kilowatt hours or $126,000 in annual energy costs. New features include a chiller for the data center, carbon monoxide controls for parking garage exhaust fans, and the ability to use outside air to help cool the building during moderate temperatures.
Funding
20. Slippery Rock U Green Fee Funds Projects
The Slippery Rock University (PA) student green fee has distributed $19,500 in grant money to fund new projects. Professors and students recently submitted project proposals for how the funds should be spent and a committee chose five of the proposals including: a campus wide showing of Food Inc., lectures from green speakers, a biofuels project, occupancy sensors for class rooms, and electric metering equipment.
Human Resources
21. Maharishi U Management Plans Community Garden
Maharishi University of Management (IA) has planted a community garden for faculty and staff. The goal of the garden is to grow local food and to offer a chance for exercise. University employees will be able to choose their own plot or be part of a large community plot. Public Engagement
22. Portland State U Launches Social Innovation Incubator
Portland State University's (OR) School of Business Administration has launched the Social Innovation Incubator (SII), a new program fostering entrepreneurial solutions to today's environmental, social, and economic challenges. The Social Innovation Incubator assists individuals that are working to launch new initiatives within established organizations. Chosen through a selective application process, SII members receive strategic support for business planning, marketing, and fundraising. Services include one-on-one consulting, mentors and coaches, pro bono legal education, and networking.
See also: PSU Social Innovation Incubator Research
23. U Idaho Joins Forestry Research System
The University of Idaho has received a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to help university forestry researchers solve industry-wide problems. The University will use the funding to establish a research site in the Center for Advanced Forest Systems (CAFS), a program that links university-based forestry research programs in the U.S. By joining CAFS, the university will increase information sharing and optimize research in the areas of silviculture, biometrics, bioenergy, site resource availability, forest genetics, and geospatial analysis of forest productivity. Transportation
24. U Central Oklahoma Starts Car-Share Program
The University of Central Oklahoma has started a car-share program for students, faculty, and staff. The program aims to reduce campus traffic congestion, offer mobility to commuters, and reduce pollution. The program offers four 2010 vehicles: a Toyota Prius, Ford Escape, Mazda 3, and Toyota Camry. The program is in partnership with Hertz and is called "Connect by Hertz."
See also: List of Campus Car-Share Programs (AASHE Members Only) Waste
25. U California Davis Dorm Programs Switch to Reusable Dishware
The University of California, Davis has introduced Aggieware, an initiative that utilizes reusable dishes and compostable napkins for any residence hall event or program where food is served. The University expects the program to pay for itself within two years with decreased paper plate purchases. Every UC Davis resident advisor stores a set of Aggieware in his or her room for the floor's use.
26. U Pennsylvania Organizes E-Waste Collection
The University of Pennsylvania has organized an electronics waste recycling collection. During the collection, Penn students, faculty, and staff will be able to drop off their old electronics and computer hardware from home for free disposal through the University's e-waste recycler, which ensures that the materials will be processed and recycled, destroyed, or displaced in an environmentally correct manner in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Water
27. Luther College Receives Grant for Permeable Pavement Construction
Luther College (IA) has been awarded an $85,979 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to replace the asphalt paving of an existing 24,600-square-foot parking on the Luther campus with a more environmentally beneficial permeable surface. The grant money will pay a major part of the cost of removing the current 120-foot by 205-foot asphalt parking surface, grading the base and constructing a two-section permeable concrete parking surface. The new permeable surface of the lot will allow surface water and snowmelt water to seep through the paving and into the underlying soil, which significantly reduces the rate at which the water enters the river. The permeable surface paving has a design life of 50 years and is expected to function for at least 20 years with minimal maintenance. Construction on the project will begin in summer 2010.
New Resources
28. New AASHE Resource: Green Athletic Centers
AASHE has released a new resource that lists green athletic centers in the U.S. and Canada. The resource contains environmentally-friendly health and fitness centers, football complexes, arenas, athletic complexes, and more. The resource is only available to AASHE members.
Opportunities
29. 2010 Campus Sustainability Staffing Survey
AASHE’s 2010 Campus Sustainability Staffing Survey is now in progress. All paid sustainability staff on college and university campuses in the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to take 10 minutes to complete the survey. This includes part-time or full-time employees with sustainability, or an aspect of it, as one of their primary responsibilities. The survey closes on February 12, and aggregate results will be shared publicly (no individuals or institutions will be identified). AASHE urges all eligible employees to take the survey and let others know about it. The results should provide the most complete and up-to-date picture yet of campus sustainability staff positions, backgrounds and salaries.
See also: Results from Past AASHE Staff Surveys
30. Clinton Global Initiative U Outstanding Commitment Awards
The 2010 Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) Outstanding Commitment Awards, made possible by Walmart, are grants given to exceptional student Commitments to Action aimed at improving communities and lives around the world. Winners will receive funding to implement their CGI U commitments, which are new, specific, and measurable plans which make a difference in one or more of CGI U’s five global challenge areas: Education, Environment & Climate Change, Peace & Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Public Health. All currently-enrolled students (both undergraduate and graduate) may apply for these awards.
31. Summer Short Course on Sustainable Communities in Australia
AustraLearn, in partnership with James Cook University (Australia), invites applicants for its summer 2010 short course that is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the challenges in planning for green urbanism, focusing on the question: "How can we foster the development and care of sustainable communities?" Through hands-on exploration and practical field experience, students will explore a number of key topics and challenges for settlements, covering issues of particular significance to Australia and the world, including: the sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources, water use and allocation; regional sustainability; local government and Indigenous groups; urban planning and renewable energy resources; disaster preparedness and community resilience; and implications of climate change and greenhouse gas abatement. The program will take place June 20 - July 3, 2010. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and have completed at least one year of full-time study and the college/university level. Students must have also successfully completed at least two first and/or second year biology or environmental science courses.
Jobs & Internships
32. Vice President, Campus Services, Emory U
Emory University (GA) invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for the position of vice president of campus services (VP). Reporting to the executive vice president for finance and administration, and a member of the senior leadership team for the Finance and Administration Division, the VP will be a visionary leader who inspires the work force and provides leadership for facilities management, campus planning, design and construction, the university architect, transportation and parking, community services, and police. S/he will work closely with the senior leaders in Campus Life, Athletics, Environmental Health and Safety, Office of Sustainability Initiatives, Human Resources, Finance, University Technology Services, Research Administration, the Clifton Community Partnership and Emory Healthcare, to provide a safe, well-maintained, sustainable community, uphold the standards of construction and design for the University, and, provide infrastructure support and professional services to facilitate achievement of the University’s vision and strategic plan, as well as the Campus Master Plan. The successful candidate will bring a sense of innovative thinking and strategic planning to the challenging initiatives that will face the University in the next decade and beyond.
33. Associate VP for Finance & Administration, Western State College
Western State College of Colorado seeks applicants for the position of associate vice president for finance and administration. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the vice president for finance and administration in managing the daily operations and strategic planning of the College's administrative areas. The position will assist in the development and implementation of campus sustainability initiatives, particularly as they relate to energy efficiency and the sustainable design and construction of campus facilities. A bachelor’s degree is required, and excellent oral and written communication and organizational skills, as well as an ability to make decisions in a collaborative environment are preferred. Applications are due March 1, 2010.
34. Sustainability Outreach & Administrative Coordinator, UCAR
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is seeking applicants for the position of sustainability outreach and administrative coordinator. The position will coordinate and support sustainability programs that involve engaging employees in defined sustainability-oriented behaviors; provide excellent customer service and communication regarding zero waste and alternative transportation programs; and support the development of community-based social marketing strategies and programs to encourage employee behavioral change in favor of sustainability. Experience in outreach, administration, customer service, public relations, and/or environmental education are all desired. A four-year undergraduate degree is desired. Initial consideration will be given to applications received prior to Friday, February 19, 2010. Thereafter, applications will be reviewed on an as-needed basis.
35. Sustainability Project Administrator, McGill U
McGill University (QC) seeks a sustainability projects administrator to act as the steward of the McGill Sustainability Projects Working Group. Reporting to the director of the Office of Sustainability, the successful candidate will advise and assist the community on applications to the Sustainability Fund, monitor and report on Fund activity, provide administrative support to the program, supervise support staff or work study students, and administer applied student research. Three years of related work experience is required. Applications must be received no later than February 8, 2010 at 5pm Eastern.
36. Assistant Professor, Sustainable Development, Appalachian State U
Appalachian State University (NC) seeks applicants for the position of assistant professor in the sustainable development program. The position will focus on strengthening the BS concentration in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. Responsibilities include developing new undergraduate/graduate courses in agroecology/sustainable agriculture; advising students; producing scholarly work in research, publications, and grant writing; and participating in university and community service. Preferred qualifications include a PhD and experience in one or more of the following areas: animal science/husbandry, agricultural economics, agribusiness, or farm management. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Events
37. EPA College & University Training on Mandatory Reporting of GHGs
February 10, 2010; 1pm - 3pm Eastern; Online
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering a webinar training session entitled "Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases Rule: Training Session for Colleges and Universities." The events aims to provide detailed information to colleges and universities on such topics as applicability, estimating emissions, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements under the Rule, as well as guidance for stationary fuel combustion facilities. Registration is required.
38. Webinar: STARS Reporting Tool 101
February 16, 2010; 2pm Eastern; Online
AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) will host a webinar training on the nuts and bolts of using the online Reporting Tool for STARS. The webinar will include a demonstration of how the Reporting Tool works from the first time users log in to the final steps of completing the submission, tips to streamline the reporting process, and an opportunity to ask questions. The webinar is free and open to the public. You do not have to be affiliated with a STARS Charter Participant institution to participate. Participants should RSVP. This webinar is part of AASHE's STARS webinar series.
39. Strategies for Adaptation Across the Sustainability Curriculum
March 22 - 23, 2010; Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem, NC
Wake Forest University will host, 'Taking It to the Next Level: Strategies for Adaptation across the Sustainability Curriculum.' The national conference will explore the ways in which institutions of higher education are adapting to support the collaborative endeavors of faculty and staff and the roles that administrative leaders can play in this evolving arena. Participants will have the chance to learn from the concrete case studies presented and to develop strategies for implementation on their own campuses. This conference is designed to meet the needs of campus leaders who are considering comprehensive strategies for advancing sustainability into and across the curriculum. Campus teams that include provosts, academic deans, faculty leaders, and sustainability professionals will have time during the conference to confer about the strategic approaches they can take back to their own campuses for implementation. Capacity is limited to 200 participants. Campuses are asked to limit the number of registrants to five each, in order to encourage a broad array of campuses to participate.
40. SCUP Annual Conference
July 10- 14, 2010; Minneapolis, MN
The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) invites participants to its annual conference. The event will feature pre-conference workshops, concurrent sessions, campus and local tours, and keynote speakers Jerome Ringo, president of the Apollo Alliance, and Mark Valenti, president of The Sextant Group, Inc. Pre-conference workshop topics will include supporting bicycles as transportation on campus, integrating sustainability in the master planning process, and building organizational capacity for change. Concurrent sessions will also include presentations related to campus sustainability. Early bird registration ends April 30, 2010.
41. CFP - Annual Meeting for Society for Values in Higher Education
July 21 - 25, 2010; Portland State University; Portland, OR
The Society for Values in Higher Education invite afternoon working group proposals for its 2010 annual meeting, 'Making Choices: Sustainability in a World of Conflicting Values.' Scientists, scholars, and educators are encouraged to submit work related to 'human capabilities and moral motivation" and "strategies and negotiations.' Suggested topics include: Are we capable of practicing the kind of distributive justice necessary for human sustainability? What strategies are effective in leading institutions of higher education to implement sustainability programs? What institutional values have led to sustainable practices? What are some effective models? How do we educate students to value sustainability and the common good? What curricular or co-curricular strategies promote these values? Proposals should not exceed 1000 words in length. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2010.
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