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Dear Readers,
For the past two and half years, it has been an honor and great pleasure to serve as editor of the AASHE Bulletin. I will be attending graduate school this fall at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and will be leaving AASHE shortly to begin my transition from staff to student. I am pleased to introduce you to AASHE's new Publications Coordinator, Margo Whitmire. She will serve as the Bulletin editor beginning with next week's issue. I am confident that Margo will do an excellent job bringing you the most recent campus sustainability news, resources, opportunities, and events. Please welcome her, and continue to send your events and sustainability success stories to bulletin@aashe.org.
There is so much I would like to say to everyone I've communicated with over the years, but there is not enough space. Thank you, I will miss you, and I wish all of you the best of luck in your sustainability endeavors.
Sincerely,
Andrea Webster
Table of Contents for 6/14/10:
NEWS
Buildings
1. Green Mountain College Building Awarded LEED Gold Certification
Campus Sustainability in the Media
2. U California Los Angeles Extension Students Plant Dry Garden
Climate
3. 44 Campuses Complete Climate Action Plans
Co-Curricular Education
4. U California Davis to Open Honey Bee Haven
Curriculum
5. Antioch U New England Debuts Resource Mgmt Graduate Degree
6. Antioch U New England Offers Sustainable Dev't Concentration
7. Rosemont College Launches Environmental Studies Major
8. U Buffalo to Offer Environmental Geosciences Degree
Dining Services
9. U Waterloo to Debut Fair Trade Eatery
Diversity and Affordability
10. Rochester Inst of Technology Expands Options for Native Americans
Energy
11. Harvard U Installs System to Measure Building Energy Use
12. U Washington to Cut Carbon Emissions with New Heating System
13. Colby-Sawyer College Announces Green Utilities Contract
14. Western Kentucky U Television Studio Adds LED Lighting System
15. Boise State U Announces LED Light Pole Installations
16. Youngstown State U Announces Solar Array Installation
Transportation
17. Dalhousie U Declares an Idle-Free Campus
18. U California Los Angeles Releases Bike-U-mentary
Waste
19. Maharishi U Management Students Build Industrial Can Crusher
Water
20. California State U San Bernardino Builds Water Efficient Garden
NEW RESOURCES
21. AASHE Releases Annual Review of Sustainability in Higher Ed
22. New Report on Green Building Trends in Higher Education
OPPORTUNITIES
23. AASHE 2010 Awards Program Accepting Applications
24. Spend the Fall with Greenpeace - Student Training Program
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
25. Sustainability Director, U Oregon
26. Assoc Dir, Ctr for Sustainable Processes, Portland State U
27. Sustainability Coordinator, St. Mary's College Maryland
28. Sustainability Coordinator, U Connecticut
29. Energy Manager, Pomona College
30. Multiple Faculty, Sustainable Business, Marylhurst U
EVENTS
31. AASHE 2010 - Call for Presentations
32. Midwest Collaborative for Sustainability Education 2010 Summer Conference
33. Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium - Call for Proposals
34. World Sustainable Development Teach-In Day
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSION FORUMS HIGHLIGHTS
35. Definition of Sustainability as it Applies to Courses
36. Reporting Energy Use in Campus-Owned Houses
News
Buildings
1. Green Mountain College Building Awarded LEED Gold Certification
A Green Mountain College (VT) residence hall has been awarded LEED Gold certification. The $1.3 million renovation of SAGE (Students for Academic and Green Engagement) Hall, includes Energy Star windows, high efficiency lighting fixtures, low-flow bathroom fixtures, Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood products, and local materials like slate flooring.
See also: List of Green Residence Halls (AASHE Members Only) Campus Sustainability in the Media
2. U California Los Angeles Extension Students Plant Dry Garden
The Los Angeles Times recently featured a group of students in the University of California, Los Angeles Extension's Landscape Architecture and Horticulture certificate program. Led by Program Director Stephanie Landregan, the students planted the first successful dry garden on the University's campus in May. After seven months and five different plans, the 15- by 40-foot garden features water-efficient copper pinwheels, fox tail agave, and blue fescue.
See also: Building Sustainability & Community in a Student-Led, Service-Learning Environment Climate
3. 44 Campuses Complete Climate Action Plans
44 new campuses have submitted Climate Action Plans (CAPs) as part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) since the last update in the AASHE Bulletin on May 3, 2010. The plans illustrate the specific steps schools are taking to reach climate neutrality. The CAP is the second major reporting requirement of the Commitment and is due within two years of signing. The new submissions are: Cascadia Community College (WA); University of Delaware; University of California, Davis; Utah State University; University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science; Temple University (PA); Virginia Commonwealth University; Northland College (WI); University of North Dakota; Loyola Marymount University (CA); Yeshiva University (NY); Shoreline Community College (WA); Saint Peter's College (NJ); the City College of New York; Colby College (ME); Wesleyan University (CT); Finger Lakes Community College (NY); Lewis and Clark Community College (IL); New College of Florida; Century College (MN); San Francisco State University (CA); Bucknell University (PA); University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Anna Maria College (MA); George Washington University (DC); Nassau Community College (NY); University of South Florida; Hocking Technical College (OH); University of Southern Mississippi; Roger Williams University (RI); American University (DC); Davidson College (NC); St. Clair County Community College (MI); North Arkansas College; Des Moines Area Community College (IA); Life University (GA); University of Connecticut; Mount Union College (OH); Drew University (NJ); Indiana State University; College of Saint Rose (NY); and New England Institute of Technology (RI). In related news, Elon University (NC) and Delaware Technical & Community College have each announced formal plans to reduce carbon emissions. Co-Curricular Education
4. U California Davis to Open Honey Bee Haven
The University of California, Davis has announced plans to unveil the Haagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven in September, 2010. The half-acre garden, planted last fall, is designed as a year-round food source for bees and other pollinators. Another aim of the garden is to create public awareness about the plight of honey bees and their importance.
See also: Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility Curriculum
5. Antioch U New England Debuts Resource Mgmt Graduate Degree
Antioch University New England (NH) has begun accepting applications for a new master's degree in resource management and conservation. The four-semester program, which will begin this fall, is tailored to working professionals in the natural and environmental sciences who want to broaden their leadership expertise and expand their career options. Courses take place on Fridays and weekends in a collaborative learning environment focused on socio-economic sustainability.
6. Antioch U New England Offers Sustainable Dev't Concentration
Antioch University New England (NH) has added a new concentration in sustainable development and climate change to its environmental studies graduate program. Studies include ecological and climate sciences, policy formulation and implementation, resource management, stakeholder participation, and organizational decision making. Applications to the 20-month program are now being accepted for the fall.
See also: List of Academic Programs in Sustainable Development
7. Rosemont College Launches Environmental Studies Major
Rosemont College (PA) has added an environmental studies major to its undergraduate curriculum for the fall. The new interdisciplinary degree is designed to prepare students for graduate school or professional work in conservation, preservation, environmental studies, science, and policy.
See also: List of Environmental Studies Programs
8. U Buffalo to Offer Environmental Geosciences Degree
The University at Buffalo (NY) has announced plans for a new undergraduate environmental geosciences degree this fall. Students who choose the interdisciplinary major will study topics ranging from the movement of pollutants in aquifers to the ability of reef corals to respond to climate change. The curriculum aims to prepare students for graduate school or professional work in sustainable resource management, restoration, monitoring and mitigation.
See also: U Buffalo Environmental Geosciences Program Dining Services
9. U Waterloo to Debut Fair Trade Eatery
The University of Waterloo (ON) has announced plans to open a new cafe that will offer fair trade and local comestibles. The Waterloo Coffee Company will supply fair trade organic coffee to the still-unnamed eatery. In response to student demand, the cafe will feature a reverse osmosis water station where patrons can fill up their bottles for free. The cafe is set to open in August 2010. Diversity and Affordability
10. Rochester Inst of Technology Expands Options for Native Americans
The Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) has partnered with the Ganondagan State Historic Site to enhance opportunities for Native American students and to promote the benefits of indigenous technologies. Students and faculty will have greater access to research opportunities in native science and technology and will be able to explore indigenous solutions to creating sustainable environments. The collaboration will also promote RIT's Native American Future Stewards Program, which offers academic and social support to Native Americans looking to attend college. In addition to these activities, RIT has formed a Native American Advisory Council including leaders from the Iroquois Tribes and government officials from the state and local levels. The Council will assist RIT in increasing opportunities for Native American students and expanding partnership opportunities between the University and New York's Native American Communities. Energy
11. Harvard U Installs System to Measure Building Energy Use
The Harvard University (MA) Law School has partnered with Aircuity, a manufacturer of products that reduce building energy and improve indoor air quality, to install an energy measuring system in a three-building complex. The installations will help improve air efficiency and decrease the maintenance and energy costs associated with the structures. The system will collect data using sensors and provide information regarding adjustments that should be made for the best efficiency settings possible. The new system is expected to help the Wasserstein Hall, Caspersen Student Center, and Clinical Wing complex of the law school receive LEED Gold certification.
12. U Washington to Cut Carbon Emissions with New Heating System
The University of Washington has announced plans to install a new heating system during the renovation of its campus union building. The new water-to-water heat pumps will cut the building's carbon emissions by 90 percent. The pumps are designed to draw heat out of the central cooling water system, generating hot water that would be circulated to provide warm air for the ventilation systems and the radiators under the windows. Renovations will take place over the next two years with a budget of $82.7 million.
See also: Renovation Project News Story
13. Colby-Sawyer College Announces Green Utilities Contract
Colby-Sawyer College (NH) has announced a new, three-year electricity contract that will power the College with renewable energy sources and reduce its carbon emissions by 43 percent. The package will include the purchase of renewable energy certificates.
14. Western Kentucky U Television Studio Adds LED Lighting System
Western Kentucky University has replaced incandescent lighting equipment with an LED lighting system in its television studio. The new lighting system will reduce energy consumption by 97 percent. Broadcast production students will have an opportunity to use and study the new lights.
15. Boise State U Announces LED Light Pole Installations
Boise State University (ID) has partnered with Inovus Solar, a local renewable outdoor lighting company, to set up grid-smart, solar-powered light poles with LED luminaries. The installation will enable real-time testing and development of new solar and power conservation technologies at the University. Students will have access to the installations to learn about integrating solar technologies into a smart grid.
16. Youngstown State U Announces Solar Array Installation
Youngstown State University (OH) has announced plans to install a 10,000-square-foot solar array. The installation will be coordinated by Carbon Vision, a local renewable energy developer.
See also: List of Campus Solar Installations Transportation
17. Dalhousie U Declares an Idle-Free Campus
Dalhousie University (NS) has implemented an idle-free campus policy. The new anti-idling guidelines for vehicles operating on campus ask that passenger-sized vehicles be turned off whenever idling periods are expected to exceed one minute. Larger vehicles are permitted three minutes. Upwards of twenty “Idle-Free” signs will be installed across campus this fall.
See also: List of Campuses with Anti-Idling Policies (AASHE Members Only)
18. U California Los Angeles Releases Bike-U-mentary
The University of California, Los Angeles Sustainable Resource Center has released “UCLA Bike-U-mentary,” a short documentary that profiles real cyclists on their commute to UCLA. The film was released to coincide with Bike-to-Campus-Week activities. Waste
19. Maharishi U Management Students Build Industrial Can Crusher
Students in Maharishi University of Management 's (IA) Sustainable Living Program have designed and built an industrial can crusher as part of the course, Materials and Methods for Sustainability. The University’s Department of Food Services was discarding one-gallon cans rather than recycling them. Instead of purchasing an electric machine to flatten the cans, students built a human-powered press using the basic principles of leverage. The mechanism applies over 1,000 pounds of pressure. After three weeks of operation, Food Services had already recycled nearly 1,000 pounds of steel. Water
20. California State U San Bernardino Builds Water Efficient Garden
California State University, San Bernardino has begun constructing a water conservation demonstration garden. The garden will showcase ways to conserve water with an attractive and water-efficient landscape that will thrive in the local climate. The project will be built on more than once acre of campus grounds and will utilize native and drought tolerant plants and irrigation technology. The University’s Water Resource Institute will incorporate the garden into academic programs and provide educational tours.
New Resources
21. AASHE Releases Annual Review of Sustainability in Higher Ed
AASHE has released AASHE Digest 2009, an annual review of sustainability in higher education. The 380-page report, available free from the AASHE website, includes over 1,250 stories that appeared in the weekly AASHE Bulletin last year. Initiatives from nearly 600 higher education institutions are organized into 24 chapters, spanning education and research, campus operations, and administration and finance. In addition, the publication contains over 110 new campus sustainability resources that were released in 2009.
See also: AASHE Digest 2009 (pdf)
22. New Report on Green Building Trends in Higher Education
American campuses now host more than 3,000 LEED-registered projects, according to a new white paper released by Yudelson Associates titled "Green Building Trends in Higher Education." These efforts represent 15 percent of the total of all LEED projects. The four campuses with the most LEED project registrations include the University of Florida; Harvard University (MA); the University of California, Santa Barbara; and the University of Washington.
See also: Full Report
Opportunities
23. AASHE 2010 Awards Program Accepting Applications
AASHE invites applications for its 2010 AASHE Awards. The categories for 2010 include two Campus Sustainability Case Study Awards, one Student Sustainability Leadership Award, and one Student Research on Campus Sustainability Award. The Case Study Awards, which are new for 2010, include "Best Campus Case Study" and "The Oops! Award for Lessons Learned." The Student Sustainability Leadership Award will provide a $750 prize to an undergraduate student from an AASHE member institution who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting campus sustainability. The Student Research on Campus Sustainability Award will recognize the best research paper of any length that was completed in the previous 12 months and not previously published. All winners will be announced at the AASHE 2010 conference (October 10-12 in Denver, Colorado), and will be featured in Sustainability: The Journal of Record. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2010.
24. Spend the Fall with Greenpeace - Student Training Program
Greenpeace is now accepting applications for its Fall 2010 Greenpeace Organizing Term in Washington, D.C. Students in the semester-long training program will learn about grassroots organizing, media, direct action, and campaign strategy. Participants will work with Greenpeace trainers on an actual Greenpeace campaign. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 24 are eligible to apply.
Jobs & Internships
25. Sustainability Director, U Oregon
The University of Oregon seeks a sustainability director to be responsible for actively promoting and facilitating sustainability activities across campus, collaborating with students, staff, and faculty; and communicating regularly with members of the campus community. The director will work with campus stakeholders and coordinate and advocate for the University's integration of sustainable principles. A master's degree is required. Successful candidates should have five or more years of experience in a field related to sustainability or environmental issues. Applications should be submitted by June 17, 2010 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
26. Assoc Dir, Ctr for Sustainable Processes, Portland State U
The Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices at Portland State University (OR) seeks an associate director to be responsible for daily operations and management of the Center and its affiliated programs and initiatives. The position will also be responsible for continuing to cultivate relationships across campus and disciplines. Successful candidates should have a Ph.D. and a record of academic achievement in a sustainability related field. Administrative and management experience is preferred. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
27. Sustainability Coordinator, St. Mary's College Maryland
St. Mary's College of Maryland seeks a facilities planner/sustainability coordinator to be responsible for support of short- and long-range planning for the campus and to advance and coordinate the College's sustainability efforts. The position will develop plans, lead teams, and accomplish projects in a setting that is team-oriented and interdisciplinary in nature, and will produce numerous oral, written, and graphic communications. The successful candidate will have thorough knowledge of facilities planning, design, construction, and a working knowledge of sustainability issues and green buildings. A bachelor's degree is required and the candidate should have at least four years of experience in facilities management or planning. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
28. Sustainability Coordinator, U Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is accepting applications for the position of sustainability coordinator. The coordinator will supervise a team of student interns, assist in advising the EcoHusky student group, and plan and administer sustainability initiatives related to the University's Climate Action Plan, recycling, water conservation, green building, low impact development, and environmental literacy. In addition, the coordinator will work closely with faculty members and staff in campus departments including Residential Life, Athletics, Dining Services, and Facilities Operations. The position is a part-time, one-year position with the potential to be renewed or become full-time. A bachelor's degree is required. The successful candidate will have one to three years of work experience in a campus sustainability program, demonstrated supervisory/leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
29. Energy Manager, Pomona College
Pomona College (CA) seeks an energy manager to develop a working model for the integration of energy management and other sustainable concepts and practices into its operations. The energy manager will provide leadership for the College's energy program, utility systems, and advancing the Pomona Sustainability Action Plan. The position will work in cooperation with various departments of facilities and campus services, including the Sustainability Integration Office, Maintenance, and Project Management/Planning. In addition, the energy manager will identify desirable sustainability initiatives and assess cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, impact, and acceptance by the college community. A minimum of five years of experience in energy management, facilities retrofits/design, and/or maintenance is preferred. A bachelor's degree in a related technical or engineering discipline is required.
30. Multiple Faculty, Sustainable Business, Marylhurst U
Marylhurst University's (OR) MBA in Sustainable Business program seeks part-time adjunct instructors to teach the following courses: Principles of Sustainable Management, Strategic Leadership in Sustainable Management, Resource Economics, Managerial and Environmental Accounting, Finance and Sustainability, Sustainable Marketing, Research and Quantitative Methods, Modeling and Decision-Making, Environmental Law and Renewable Energy, Operations Management, Alternatives and Renewable Energies, Environmental Law - Green Development, Urban Planning Fundamentals, and Sustainable Development for Sustainable Communities. Successful candidates will have strong professional experience in their discipline(s) as well as proven teaching and academic credentials. A master's degree is required as is 10 years of professional experience in the discipline to be taught.
Events
31. AASHE 2010 - Call for Presentations
October 10 - 12, 2010; Denver, CO
AASHE is pleased to invite submissions of abstracts for AASHE 2010: Campus Initiatives to Catalyze a Just and Sustainable World. Preference will be give to presentations that focus on the conference theme with emphasis placed on economy and funding, curriculum, collaboration, the global campus, social justice, and climate protection. Session types will include concurrent session workshops, dialogues and discussions, field reports, panels, papers, and posters. The submission deadline is June 15, 2010.
32. Midwest Collaborative for Sustainability Education 2010 Summer Conference
July 26-30, 2010; Land O' Lakes, WI
The Midwest Regional Collaborative for Sustainability Education (MRCSE) 2010 Summer Conference will explore the role of assets identification and exchange in sustainable community development. With an open format and co-created agenda, registrants are encouraged to complete the conference event polls found on the website and share their interests at the 2010 Workshop Discussion Forum. Participants will be eligible to seek grant funds to support strategies created at the conference. MRCSE is a project hosted by Northland College (WI) to use education as the catalyst for community-based sustainability initiatives.
33. Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium - Call for Proposals
October 25-26, 2010; Montreal, Quebec
The Northeast Campus Sustainability Consortium (NECSC) invites submissions of presentation proposals for the 7th Annual NECSC Conference: Sustainability & Global Citizenship Education. NECSC is looking for presentations that explore new ideas of how higher education can further integrate the principles of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning to better address the social, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges faced. Presentations will take place in four conference tracks, with two to three presentations and a moderated discussion in each 75-minute session. Presentations may also take the form of a panel or roundtable. Proposals are due by August 15, 2010.
34. World Sustainable Development Teach-In Day
December 3, 2010; Global
The World Sustainable Development Teach-In Day entitled "Sustainable Development: working toward local solutions to a global challenge" will give university lecturers and their students the chance to examine some key sustainability-related issues. The goal of the teach-in is to disseminate information on the concept, aims, and purposes of sustainable development so that it can be understood by a broad public, and will include elements relating to its environmental, social, economic, and policy aspects, and to raise awareness among university students on the complexity of matters related to sustainable development and the need for personal engagement and action. Participating university staff/lecturers and teachers will be encouraged to get their students involved in working through a set of five guiding questions that are pertinent to their discipline. They will be supplied with a list of suggested questions in advance and encouraged to hand them out to their students in order to prepare for the discussions and provide them with guidance. Registration is now open.
Campus Sustainability Discussion Forums Highlights
Answers to the forum questions below can be read by clicking on the question's title.
35. Definition of Sustainability as it Applies to Courses
Does anyone have a definition for sustainability as it applies to sustainability-focused and -related courses?
36. Reporting Energy Use in Campus-Owned Houses
We are looking into reporting energy and utility usage to our students on a monthly basis. This would apply to students living in university-owned houses due to metering issues in dormitories. Is anyone doing reporting like this? We have over 500 unique addresses in our student neighborhood, with a mix of 90 percent single-family homes and 10 percent apartments and multi-family dwellings. This amounts to a huge administrative burden for this program. Has anyone taken on reporting of this magnitude?
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