In Memoriam, Dr. Wangari Maathai
Table of Contents for 9/27/2011:
NEWS
Buildings
1. Clarkson U Building Receives LEED Gold
2. Eastern Mennonite U Residence Hall Earns LEED Gold
Campus Sustainability in the Media
3. NY Times: Fordham U Administrators Shutter Farm Share
4. USA Today Highlights Rise of Campus Hydration Stations
Climate
5. NSF Funds Climate Course at 100 Minority-Serving Institutions
Curriculum
6. San Diego State U Launches Sustainable Surf Tourism Program
Dining Services
7. Students Champion Sustainable Meat Procurement on Campus
8. Boston College Students Call for Fair Trade
Diversity and Affordability
9. Kentucky CTCS Earns National Accolades for Diversity Efforts
10. U Colorado Boulder Sees 9% Increase in Students of Color
Energy
11. Washington U St. Louis Kicks Off Green Labs Initiative
12. Chabot-Las Positas CC District Installs Energy Storage Systems
13. Sierra CC District Completes First Phase of Solar Project
Funding
14. Dickinson College Receives $1 Mil Gift for Greenhouse Project
15. U Nevada Las Vegas Receives $500K for Renewable Energy Programs
16. Yale U Receives $25 Mil to Open Energy Sciences Institute
Human Resources
17. Northwestern U Dining Hall Employees Campaign for Living Wage
Purchasing
18. U Montana Partners with Socially Responsible Apparel Supplier
Research
19. 5 Universities Receive DOE Grant for Offshore Wind Study
20. U Iowa Wins NSF Grant for Sustainability Implementation Study
Transportation
21. Michigan State U Participates in Clean Commute Challenge
22. San Francisco State U Students Put the 'Park' in Parking
23. U Denver Debuts Car Sharing Program
Waste
24. Capilano U Launches Pilot Program to Improve Recycling Habits
25. Temple U Dining Services Launches 'Waste Not' Initiative
NEW RESOURCES
26. Blog: AASHE Mourns the Passing of Wangari Maathai
27. An Action Plan for Higher Ed Workplace Diversity, Inclusion
28. Inside Higher Ed 'Academic Minute': Sustainability Ethics
OPPORTUNITIES
29. AASHE Sustainability Across the Curriculum Leadership Workshop
30. Provide Input for Rio+20
31. STARS Discount During AASHE 2011
32. Student Opportunity: USGBC Green Jobs Summit
33. 'America's Next Eco-Star' Campus Competition
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
34. Executive Director, Environmental Center, Bucknell U
35. Director of Diversity, St. Ambrose U
36. Sustainability Program Manager, Dartmouth College
37. Professor, Environmental Engineering & Science, Clemson U
38. Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College
39. Assistant Professor, Peace & Conflict Studies, Colgate U
40. Instructor, Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast U
41. Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast U
42. Sustainability Coordinator, Western Michigan U
EVENTS
43. AASHE 2011 Conference: Registration Ends Soon
44. Webinar: Adaptations to Protect Infrastructure from a Changing Climate
45. Renewal Summit 2011
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSION FORUMS HIGHLIGHTS
46. Construction/Demolition Waste
47. Energy Management Systems
48. Permitting for Urban Wind Turbines
News
Buildings
1. Clarkson U Building Receives LEED Gold
Clarkson University's (NY) Technology Advancement Center has achieved LEED Gold certification. Sustainable features include solar panels, three micro-turbine units, a rainwater collection system, passive solar design, motion and daylight sensors to curtail energy use, high-efficiency air filtration systems, and local and recycled construction materials.
2. Eastern Mennonite U Residence Hall Earns LEED Gold
A new residence hall at Eastern Mennonite University (VA) has achieved LEED Gold certification. The Cedarwood dormitory features extensive natural lighting; recycled flooring; a bioretention filtration system to manage rainwater runoff; a bike shed with a green landscaped roof; native landscaping; and low-flow water fixtures.
See also: AASHE Resource: Green Residence Halls (AASHE Members Only) Campus Sustainability in the Media
3. NY Times: Fordham U Administrators Shutter Farm Share
Fordham University's legal counsel ordered the shutdown of the School of Law's farm share program this month, reports the New York Times. Founded by third-year law student Michael Zimmerman, Farm to Fordham allowed students, faculty and staff to buy a share of a harvest from a local farm for $150 per semester. Objections to the project remain “perplexing” to Zimmerman. Law school administrators declined to comment on the university's decision.
4. USA Today Highlights Rise of Campus Hydration Stations
USA Today recently covered the rise of hydration station installations on campus as more colleges and universities ban the sale of bottled water. Hydration station manufacturers Elkay and Brita each report that about 150 colleges and universities have installed their refilling stations.
See also: AASHE Resource: Campus Bottled Water Bans (AASHE Members Only) Climate
5. NSF Funds Climate Course at 100 Minority-Serving Institutions
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has partnered with Second Nature to implement a climate studies course at 100 minority-serving institutions (MSI) across the country. The National Science Foundation awarded the AMS Education Program $1,028,705 to implement the course over a five-year period. The project will introduce and enhance geoscience coursework at MSIs with a focus on American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) signatories and/or members of the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation. Curriculum
6. San Diego State U Launches Sustainable Surf Tourism Program
San Diego State University (CA) has debuted a new nonprofit Center for Surf Research and sustainable surf tourism curriculum. The center will engage with the surf industry to create a research agenda, disseminate specialist knowledge and shape responsible global citizens. Dining Services
7. Students Champion Sustainable Meat Procurement on Campus
A recent Inside Higher Ed article reports a "growing cultural movement" of students trying to get sustainable meat, or less meat, on campuses. The article profiles student group efforts at Wesleyan University (CT), Bowdoin College (ME) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill toward local, pasture-raised meat suppliers and weekly meat-free days. Challenges to the movement, says the article, include pro-meat student protests to meat-free days and safety, equipment and process regulations required by large food providers that aren't feasible for smaller producers who raise their animals humanely.
8. Boston College Students Call for Fair Trade
As a result of student petitioning, Boston College's (MA) Dining and Facilities has announced the pilot sale of fair trade bananas in two campus locations. If they sell well, the college plans to make fair trade bananas the standard for all dining halls on campus.
Also in this article, the college has announced the pilot of a student-developed Power Dashboard. Operating in select residence halls, the dashboard allows students to constantly monitor their daily energy use. The developers hope that making energy use visible, accessible and real to students will motivate them to decrease their energy consumption through simple lifestyle modifications. Diversity and Affordability
9. Kentucky CTCS Earns National Accolades for Diversity Efforts
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has announced that it will receive the Central Regional Award for Equity from the Association of Community College Trustees. KCTCS has earned the recognition with several new diversity initiatives designed to create an inclusive community of learners and increase the college-going rate of underrepresented populations.
10. U Colorado Boulder Sees 9% Increase in Students of Color
The University of Colorado at Boulder's current student body is the most diverse ever, according to results from a campus census that show the number of students of color increased by 9 percent this fall over last year. The university credits campus recruiting and retention programs for the gain as minorities now make up 17 percent of the school's student body.
Energy
11. Washington U St. Louis Kicks Off Green Labs Initiative
Washington University in St. Louis (MO) has launched a new green labs Initiative in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The program seeks to educate faculty, staff and students and provide a plan of action to reduce energy consumption in laboratories. A green lab initiative energy representative selected from each lab will audit their lab’s energy consumption, create target energy reduction goals and connect with other lab representatives for campus educational opportunities.
12. Chabot-Las Positas CC District Installs Energy Storage Systems
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CA), in partnership with CALMAC Manufacturing Corporation, has installed IceBank thermal energy storage systems to help reduce energy costs. The energy storage system creates ice at night, when energy is less expensive, and uses it the next day for cooling. The storage systems are expected to save the district more than $200,000 a year in energy costs.
13. Sierra CC District Completes First Phase of Solar Project
The Sierra Community College District (CA) has completed a 971-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on its Rocklin campus. The project's second phase, a 282-kilowatt system, will be constructed at its Grass Valley campus.
See also: AASHE Resource: Campus Solar Installations Funding
14. Dickinson College Receives $1 Mil Gift for Greenhouse Project
Dickinson College (PA) has received a $1 million gift to fund a new research greenhouse on campus. The 1,400-square-foot facility will include three isolated research zones, a general use greenhouse area, a preparation potting area and climate-controlled laboratories. The greenhouse is expected to have a transformative effect on sustainability education, interdisciplinary learning and the college’s science curriculum.
15. U Nevada Las Vegas Receives $500K for Renewable Energy Programs
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has received a $500,000 gift from NV Energy to enhance its renewable energy educational programs. The gift will fund four $26,000 graduate-level renewable energy assistantships and support a new graduate certificate program in renewable energy. Funding will also go toward existing renewable energy graduate programs and student outreach activities.
16. Yale U Receives $25 Mil to Open Energy Sciences Institute
Yale University (CT) has received $25 million from the Farallon Capital Management LLC founder and his wife to help open an Energy Sciences Institute. The university will hire new faculty members to conduct research on renewable fuel sources in 40,000 square feet of laboratory space at its West Campus.
Human Resources
17. Northwestern U Dining Hall Employees Campaign for Living Wage
Northwestern University (IL) campus dining hall workers recently voted to pass a new contract with Sodexo that increases wages by 80 cents and lowers the price of health care over the next four years. Thirty-two contract changes were approved including wages no less than $10 per hour plus benefits. The contract allows for free health care and an $85 flat fee for family healthcare, no matter how many family members are covered. Members of the Living Wage Campaign worked with labor union Unite Here and university administrators to negotiate with Sodexo. Purchasing
18. U Montana Partners with Socially Responsible Apparel Supplier
The University of Montana has announced that its bookstore will sell a brand of clothing that has committed to higher standards of social responsibility. Knights Apparel, which created the Alta Gracia brand, manufactures collegiate apparel in overseas factories committed to providing all employees with benefits and a living wage sufficient to cover the monthly costs for a family of four. The new partnership is a result of years of campus demonstrations led by members of Students for Economic and Social Justice. Research
19. 5 Universities Receive DOE Grant for Offshore Wind Study
Researchers from Indiana University Bloomington, Case Western Reserve University (OH), Arizona State University, Risoe Danish Technical University (Denmark) and Clarkson University (NY) have been awarded $700,000 by the U.S. Department of Energy to study Lake Erie wind resources. The study will perform a detailed evaluation of remote sensing technologies for wind resource estimation and will measure offshore wind and turbulence to develop best practices for instrumentation operations.
20. U Iowa Wins NSF Grant for Sustainability Implementation Study
An associate professor in the University of Iowa's School of Urban and Regional Planning has been awarded a three-year, $389,987 grant from the National Science Foundation to study the hurdles that stand in the way of local sustainability initiatives and how communities can address the snags. Because of New Zealand's success in sustainable local governance, planning and development agencies in randomly selected, mid-sized cities in the country will be compared with similarly selected agencies and cities in the U.S. Transportation
21. Michigan State U Participates in Clean Commute Challenge
In an effort to raise awareness of alternative transportation options to campus, Michigan State University announced its participation in the 2011 Clean Commute Campus Challenge, coordinated by the Capital Area Transportation Authority. Campuses throughout the state logged their “clean commutes” during the week of September 19-23 for the chance to be named the cleanest commuting college in Michigan.
22. San Francisco State U Students Put the 'Park' in Parking
Students at San Francisco State University (CA) recently turned local parking spaces into temporary parks using only recycled, borrowed or recyclable materials as part of an annual PARK(ing) Day. The worldwide event is designed to encourage citizens, artists and activists to temporarily transform metered parking spots into spaces for the public to enjoy. This year's student parking spot creations included a labyrinth and a rest stop where passers-by could take a nap.
23. U Denver Debuts Car Sharing Program
The University of Denver (CO) has partnered with car sharing program WeCar (a program of Enterprise Rent-a-Car) to offer on-campus access to car rentals for personal use. WeCar rentals are available for anyone over 18 years old with a valid driver’s license on an hourly, overnight and full-day basis with an initial enrollment fee of $35. The university hopes to take cars off the road and increase student mobility.
See also: AASHE Resource: Car Sharing on Campus (AASHE Members Only) Waste
24. Capilano U Launches Pilot Program to Improve Recycling Habits
Capilano University (BC) has partnered with Encorp Pacific to launch a pilot program aimed at increasing student use of on-site containers for recyclable beverages. New recycling bins with better signage will be placed around campus and the university will involve nearly 100 students in the project as part of their coursework.
25. Temple U Dining Services Launches 'Waste Not' Initiative
Temple University's (PA) Dining Services and Sodexo have launched the Waste Not Project, a week-long effort to raise awareness about the nutritional and environmental implications of portion sizes and food waste. Members of several student groups have volunteered to weigh the food left on each student's tray as it is returned and record how much is being thrown away. After the conclusion of the awareness week, Dining Services will track students' waste reduction progress by posting waste numbers monthly.
New Resources
26. Blog: AASHE Mourns the Passing of Wangari Maathai
In this AASHE blog, Executive Director Paul Rowland pays tribute to Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, 71, who died September 25 in her home country of Kenya. Dr. Maathai, who was scheduled to give the opening keynote at the AASHE 2011 conference, had been hospitalized for ovarian cancer in the preceding weeks.
See also: Condolences for Wangari Maathai
27. An Action Plan for Higher Ed Workplace Diversity, Inclusion
The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) has released its Inclusion Cultivates Excellence Position Statement and Action Plan, which delivers a call to action to encourage inclusion and diversity of all types in all sectors of the higher education workplace. The action plan lays out goals to help higher education HR professionals lead workforce diversity and inclusion efforts on campus.
28. Inside Higher Ed 'Academic Minute': Sustainability Ethics
In this Inside Higher Ed "Academic Minute," Rochester Institute of Technology's (NY) applied ethics professor Wade Robison examines the philosophical assumptions at the heart of sustainability ethics.
Opportunities
29. AASHE Sustainability Across the Curriculum Leadership Workshop
AASHE's latest Sustainability Across the Curriculum Leadership workshop is slated for Jan. 9-10, 2012 at Emory University (GA). For faculty leaders of all disciplines who wish to develop curriculum change programs around sustainability on their campuses, the workshop will include two days of presentations, exercises, discussions, reflection and planning. Participants will experience a range of workshop strategies, hear local experts, enjoy outdoor place-based activities and dialogue with faculty from around the country as they gain help in adapting this model to their own campus. The deadline for applications is Oct. 28, 2011.
30. Provide Input for Rio+20
Join the discussion of what role higher education does, can and should play in sustainable development. AASHE is collaborating with Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (Australia) and the Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (UK) to inform the delegates to the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) regarding the critical role of higher education (known in some countries as tertiary education). Comments may be recorded here for inclusion in the joint document. AASHE will also host a session titled "A Holistic Approach to Rio+20" at the AASHE 2011 Conference on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 at 10:00 am Eastern to further discuss this input.
See also: AASHE Blog: Why Rio+20 Matters to You
31. STARS Discount During AASHE 2011
Institutions that register for AASHE's STARS program during the week of the AASHE 2011 conference (October 9-14) will receive a $250 discount. Registration will be discounted to $650 for AASHE member institutions and to $1,150 for non-members. This offer applies to new registrants only.
32. Student Opportunity: USGBC Green Jobs Summit
Student discounts of 75 percent are available for the U.S. Green Building Council's upcoming Green Jobs Summit. Slated for Oct. 4, 2011, the summit will convene key leaders and visionaries to discuss an action plan for the green economy.
See also: USGBC Greenbuild 2011 Conference & Expo
33. 'America's Next Eco-Star' Campus Competition
U.S. college or university students, faculty and administrators are encouraged to submit nominations for SmartPower's "America's Next Eco-Star" competition. Each school can nominate up to three contestants, chosen by the school's sustainability director, who can accept the challenge by submitting a video about their commitment to clean energy and energy efficiency on campus. Nominations end October 28 and the deadline for video submissions is December 30.
Jobs & Internships
34. Executive Director, Environmental Center, Bucknell U
Bucknell University's (PA) Environmental Center seeks an executive director to lead and manage its staff and programs. Successful candidates will have a Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to the center’s focus on integrating perspectives from the natural and social sciences, humanities and engineering to enhance learning regarding contemporary environmental issues and the interactions between human beings and nature over time. The review of applications will begin Nov. 1, 2011.
35. Director of Diversity, St. Ambrose U
St. Ambrose University (IA) seeks a director of diversity to lead its diversity and inclusion efforts. The director will work closely with faculty, staff, students and alumni to facilitate, promote and integrate diversity and inclusivity based on recognized good practice in higher education. The successful candidate should have demonstrated leadership in developing, planning, implementing, evaluating and aligning diversity and inclusion initiatives. The review of applications will begin Sept. 30, 2011.
36. Sustainability Program Manager, Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College (NH) is seeking a sustainability program manager to connect operational sustainability with student initiatives and develop strategies for campus campaigns and sustainability communication. The manager will also assist in campus sustainability reporting including AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). The successful candidate should have a minimum of two years experience in the implementation of sustainability initiatives and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
37. Professor, Environmental Engineering & Science, Clemson U
Clemson University's (SC) Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences seeks a tenure-track professor of environmental engineering and science. In addition to developing a research program in sustainability, the professor will advise students in his/her specialty area. Teaching responsibilities will include courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, incorporating whenever possible quantitative analysis of sustainability issues to natural and engineered systems. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in environmental engineering or a closely related discipline. The review of applications will begin Nov. 4, 2011.
38. Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College
The Environmental Studies Program at Dartmouth College (NH) seeks an assistant professor in policy, politics and governance. The successful candidate should have an integrative understanding of concepts and methods from diverse social science disciplines and will take an interdisciplinary approach to society-environment interactions. Candidates with a previous focus on sustainability, energy, climate, ecosystems, food, justice or development will be favored. The review of applications will begin Nov. 7, 2011.
39. Assistant Professor, Peace & Conflict Studies, Colgate U
Colgate University (NY) seeks a tenure-stream assistant professor of peace and conflict studies to begin fall 2012. Teaching responsibilities include courses at all levels in the program and the position will be expected to contribute to the university’s core curriculum. Successful candidates will have field-based research focused on the intersection of international human rights, human security and contemporary conflicts. The review of applications will begin Oct. 25, 2011.
40. Instructor, Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast U
Florida Gulf Coast University invites applications for an interdisciplinary environmental studies instructor. Duties will include teaching and course/curriculum development. Successful candidates will have a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and the ability to develop and initiate appropriate service-learning experiences for students.
41. Assistant Professor, Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast U
Florida Gulf Coast University invites applications for an assistant professor of interdisciplinary environmental studies. The position will teach at the undergraduate level and develop courses/curriculum. Successful candidates will have a doctoral degree in an appropriate field of specialization and university-level teaching experience in environmental education, sustainability education or other areas related to sustainability.
42. Sustainability Coordinator, Western Michigan U
Western Michigan University's Office of Sustainability seeks a sustainability coordinator to produce its Annual Report, oversee research and writing for publications on various campus sustainability topics, and assist in building a collaborative learning community around sustainability research and teaching. Successful candidates will have an advanced degree in a relevant field and at least three years of experience in project planning and/or management.
Events
43. AASHE 2011 Conference: Registration Ends Soon
October 9-12, 2011; Pittsburgh, PA
Register for the largest campus sustainability conference in North America before the tours, workshops and dine-arounds are sold out. The conference will feature more than 500 peer-to-peer sessions, AASHE Expo and poster receptions, the inaugural AASHE Community Service Project, interactive art exhibits, Pedal-a-Watt bike charging stations, a student-built electric car and a plethora of networking opportunities. A limited number of discounted hotel rates remain. Registration closes September 30.
44. Webinar: Adaptations to Protect Infrastructure from a Changing Climate
September 28, 2011; 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.; Online
The third in a complimentary Adaptation and National Security monthly webinar series from the Security and Sustainability Forum, this webinar is designed to give managers and decision makers from academia, government and industry a better understanding of effective measures to adapt to the national security threats of a changing climate. In partnership with AASHE, "Infrastructure Adaptations to Address Security Threats from a Changing Climate" will examine the changing conditions from climate impacts and their implications for basic infrastructure. Moderated by Former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett, the event will include strategies to understand and address these issues.
45. Renewal Summit 2011
October 20-23, 2011; Houghton, NY
Featuring workshops including "What Every College Student Should Know About Living Sustainably" and "Starting a Campus Garden," the Renewal Summit is geared toward Christian students nationwide who are interested in or working toward sustainability on their campuses. Hosted by Renewal: Students Caring for Creation, participants will receive training in campus organizing and environmental issues, and have a chance to connect with other students and share experiences. Registration is $50 including food and lodging for current college and university students.
Campus Sustainability Discussion Forums Highlights Click on the titles below to view the full discussion thread.
46. Construction/Demolition Waste
I'm looking for ways to reduce waste from campus construction and demolition. What methods and policies have other campuses found to be effective? (This is my second day on this website so if there are any ideas posted elsewhere on the site I'd also appreciate links to those.) Thanks!
47. Energy Management Systems
Are there any colleges/universities that currently have or are implementing an energy management system? If so, what are the challenges, advantages, benefits, etc.?
48. Permitting for Urban Wind Turbines
Has anyone successfully permitted a wind turbine, in particular a vertical axis turbine, in an urban setting? Would you be able to share your experience and/or put me in touch with people in the agency that approved the permits? We are beginning the process of seeking permits for a vertical axis wind turbine in Washington D.C. and would like to provide our permitting agency with examples from elsewhere.
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