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Table of Contents for 7/12/10:
NEWS
Buildings
1. Virginia Polytechnic Wins Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 Competition
2. Vanderbilt U Residence Halls Awarded LEED Gold
3. U Mass Medical Opens Green Ambulatory Care Center
4. Furman U Development Office Awarded LEED Certification
Co-Curricular Education
5. Emory U Uses Energy Savings for Haiti Relief Efforts
Curriculum
6. Mountain State U Introduces Environmental Sustainability Degree
7. Lakeshore Tech College Installs Wind Turbine for Training Opps
8. Century College Develops Introductory Solar Energy Design Classes
Dining Services
9. U Mass Medical Implements Cooking Oil to Biodiesel Program
10. Fairfield U Plants Vegetable and Herb Garden
Energy
11. Berkshire CC Kicks Off Energy Monitoring and Management Program
12. Carnegie Mellon U Installs Energy Management Application
13. Furman U Receives Grant for Solar Panel Project
Funding
14. U California Riverside Students Vote for Green Tax
15. Pennsylvania State U Receives Grant to Install Wind Turbine
Public Engagement
16. Syracuse U Connects Neighborhood Food Desert with Local Farmers
17. U Ottawa Unveils Community Garden
Transportation
18. Washington State U Students Initiate Bike Rental System
19. Delta College and Saginaw Valley State U to Start Campus Shuttle
Waste
20. Emory U Diverts 68 Tons of Animal Bedding from Landfills
21. U Mississippi Uses Biodiesel for Lawnmowers
22. Cal Poly Pomona Introduces Recycling Dream Machine to Campus
Water
23. Fanshawe College Debuts Green Roof
24. North Carolina State U Installs Green Roof
25. Washington State U Students Build Green Roof
NEW RESOURCES
26. AASHE List of Sustainability Study Abroad Programs
27. Pennsylvania State U Water Conservation Booklet
OPPORTUNITIES
28. Free Green Building Online Course for ACUPCC Signatories
29. Video Competition: Education for Sustainable Development
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
30. Higher Ed Solutions Program Manager, Johnson Controls
31. Green Building Services Coordinator, Harvard U
EVENTS
32. Save the Date – AASHE 2010
33. ACUPCC Webinar: Installing and Purchasing Renewable Energy
34. Labs21 2010: the Climate-Neutral Research Campus Symposium
CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY DISCUSSION FORUMS HIGHLIGHTS
35. Artificial Turf Grass on Campus
36. Developing an Office of Sustainability
37. Holistic Building Renovations
Correction: In the 7/5/2010 issue of the AASHE Bulletin, the title “U California San Diego Kicks Off AMSOLAR Campus Installation Plan” incorrectly identifies the University of San Diego as the University of California, San Diego.
News
Buildings
1. Virginia Polytechnic Wins Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 Competition
Lumenhaus, a solar-powered home designed and built by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University students and faculty, has won the top award at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 Competition in Madrid, Spain. Universities from Europe, the Americas and Asia entered model homes in the 10-category competition. Lumenhaus generates electricity using a 9-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array and includes a geothermal heat-pump system and radiant floor heating.
See also: Pictures of Lumenhaus
2. Vanderbilt U Residence Halls Awarded LEED Gold
Three Vanderbilt University (TN) residence halls have earned LEED Gold certification. Combined, the Stambaugh, Hank Ingram and Murray House buildings are expected to reduce energy use by 15 percent. The university used 26 percent recycled materials during the $40 million construction and diverted more than 74 percent of demolition and construction waste from landfills.
See also: List of Green Residence Halls (AASHE Members Only)
3. U Mass Medical Opens Green Ambulatory Care Center
The University of Massachusetts Medical School will seek LEED Silver certification for its new Ambulatory Care Center. Green features of the center include a white roof, insulated windows, low-flow/low-flush plumbing fixtures, lighting occupancy sensors, passive solar design and recycled construction materials.
4. Furman U Development Office Awarded LEED Certification
Thomas Spann Farmer Hall at Furman University (SC) has become the fourth building on campus to receive LEED certification. The development office achieved the basic level LEED rating.
Co-Curricular Education
5. Emory U Uses Energy Savings for Haiti Relief Efforts
Student teams from Emory University (GA) are off to Haiti to work on earthquake relief efforts thanks to $33,000 in savings due to a reduction in campus energy consumption. Faculty, students and staff cut back their energy use by four percent as part of the Haiti Relief Energy Conservation Challenge. With the energy funds saved, students selected by the university’s Global Health Institute are working through August in rural Haiti on the expansion of safe water access through a household water chlorination program and a project assessing mental health.
Curriculum
6. Mountain State U Introduces Environmental Sustainability Degree
Mountain State University (WV) is offering a new Bachelor of Science in environmental sustainability. The biology-based program integrates a traditional science curriculum with environmental awareness. The program will prepare students for job opportunities in the fields of academics, research, development and implementation of sustainable and green technologies.
See also: List of Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Sustainability
7. Lakeshore Tech College Installs Wind Turbine for Training Opps
Lakeshore Technical College (WI) has installed the campus’ second wind turbine. At 120 feet, the 50-kilowatt turbine will provide opportunities for student training and field testing. Regular maintenance of the turbine will be performed by second-year students in the wind energy technology associate’s degree program. A third wind turbine is scheduled for installation later this summer.
See also: List of Wind Turbine Installations on Campus
8. Century College Develops Introductory Solar Energy Design Classes
Century College (MN) and the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society have developed one-day introduction courses for students interested in learning the basics of designing solar photovoltaic and solar hot water heating systems. The college will also offer a half-day course for students interested in exploring renewable energy careers.
Dining Services
9. U Mass Medical Implements Cooking Oil to Biodiesel Program
The University of Massachusetts Medical School has announced a 35 percent reduction in cooking oil use with the implementation of a new oil filtration process that extends the life of the oil. The filter is able to screen out food particles 100 times smaller than the previous system, extending the oil’s usable life. When the oil can no longer be used for cooking, it is collected by Baker Commodities, a firm that processes the oil for use as biodiesel.
See also: Sustainable Dining Initiatives on Campus (AASHE Members Only)
10. Fairfield U Plants Vegetable and Herb Garden
Fairfield University (CT) has started planting the campus’ first vegetable and herb garden. The garden’s harvest will be used for student dining this fall and stock the shelves of area food pantries this summer. Root vegetables, perennial herbs, hot and sweet peppers, cherry tomatoes and pumpkins are among the vegetables that will be planted in 18 raised beds. Faculty, students, staff and alumni will tend the garden.
Energy
11. Berkshire CC Kicks Off Energy Monitoring and Management Program
Berkshire Community College (MA) is part of a $55 million pilot project to monitor and better manage energy use in state buildings. Funded by federal stimulus money, the Department of Energy Resources and energy management company EnerNOC, will install energy meters, computer systems and web-based monitoring programs in 33 state-owned sites, including colleges. Berkshire will monitor electricity and natural gas use with the installation of 20 meters this fall. The monitors will reveal spot energy spikes and excessive use, providing building managers with specific data to reduce energy use. The information can also be accessed by college staff and students.
12. Carnegie Mellon U Installs Energy Management Application
Carnegie Mellon University (PA) has installed a data-driven energy efficiency application in two of its LEED Silver certified-buildings. The SiteSMART application, from energy management company EnerNOC, identifies energy inefficiencies by analyzing building management system data from thousands of energy-consuming devices across facilities. SiteSMART analysts also deliver monthly score cards that rank energy efficient measures by financial, energy and carbon savings.
13. Furman U Receives Grant for Solar Panel Project
Furman University (SC) has received a $340,000 grant to install 304 photovoltaic solar panels this fall. The installation at the Physical Activities Center is expected to quadruple the solar energy output on campus. The solar panels will have a peak production output of 92 kilowatts and are expected to save the university $9,300 per year based on current electric rates.
See also: List of Solar Installations on Campus
Funding
14. U California Riverside Students Vote for Green Tax
Students at the University of California, Riverside have passed a green fee referendum. After campaigning in favor of the green tax, students will now pay $2.50 per quarter for four years. Part of the proceeds will go toward the installation of solar panels to boost renewable energy on campus. The university plans to install solar panels atop the student union structure in the next few years.
See also: Student Sustainability Fees
15. Pennsylvania State U Receives Grant to Install Wind Turbine
Pennsylvania State University has received a $96,425 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to install a 10-kilowatt wind turbine. A portion of the grant money will go toward the development of a two-year renewable energy major, to debut this fall. The program will introduce students to the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of photovoltaic, wind turbine and solar thermal systems.
See also: List of Wind Turbine Installations on Campus
Public Engagement
16. Syracuse U Connects Neighborhood Food Desert with Local Farmers
Syracuse University’s (NY) Environmental Finance Center has partnered with Central New York (CNY) Bounty to provide fresh, local and organic foods to neighborhoods in need of alternative food options. In these areas, known as “food deserts,” residents must travel long distances to supermarkets that don’t provide fresh or local food options. Through the CNY Bounty online farmers’ market, residents can order food for pick-up at the university’s South Side Innovation Center. The collaboration will also support the local economy by connecting Syracuse residents with small-scale local farmers and producers.
17. U Ottawa Unveils Community Garden
The University of Ottawa (ON) has started a 32-square-foot community garden project. A student volunteer organization will look after and manage the garden, which has 42 plots open to the community. Four communal plots are also on hand for campus projects. Students and faculty can apply for the reserved plots for research purposes.
Transportation
18. Washington State U Students Initiate Bike Rental System
Students at Washington State University have funded the BIXI bicycle system, to debut this fall. The bike program will allow students to take a rental bike from any given location and drop it off at another during a free, 24-hour rental period. The campus will receive 30 BIXI bikes with four docking stations.
See also: List of Campus Bicycle Share Programs (AASHE Members Only)
19. Delta College and Saginaw Valley State U to Start Campus Shuttle
Delta College (MI) and Saginaw Valley State University (MI) have partnered with Bay Metro to provide a campus park-n-ride route. Delta College hopes that the new bus route will alleviate the need for additional parking spots in the future and help reduce the campus’ carbon footprint. To start, 30 parking spots will be available, with plans to put in bike racks. The cost per ride is 75 cents for students.
See also: List of Campus Alternative Transportation Websites (AASHE Members Only)
Waste
20. Emory U Diverts 68 Tons of Animal Bedding from Landfills
Emory University (GA) has announced the diversion of more than 68 tons of animal bedding from Georgia landfills since the start of its composting program in November 2009. The bedding, which consists of wood waste and is used primarily with campus lab rats and mice, used to be incinerated or buried in landfills. Now the university has partnered with Greenco Environmental, which handles the composting of non-infectious animal bedding materials and campus food waste. To date, 196 combined tons of animal bedding and food waste have been collected from the university and sent to Greenco. The campus plans to divert 95 percent of its bedding materials from landfills by 2015.
See also: List of Campus Composting Programs (AASHE Members Only)
21. U Mississippi Uses Biodiesel for Lawnmowers
The University of Mississippi has started using 20 percent biodiesel fuel to operate all campus mowers. The biodiesel fuel is made by research technicians at the University of Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, who say that the new practice should cut campus lawnmower pollution by as much as 50 percent. Seven industrial lawnmowers use biodiesel and the landscaping crew is also experimenting with biodiesel in small engine machinery.
22. Cal Poly Pomona Introduces Recycling Dream Machine to Campus
Cal Poly Pomona (CA) has installed three recycling Dream Machines on campus. The kiosks feature a wireless Internet connection that allows users to learn more about recycling, accumulate rewards points and keep track of their recycling activities. Starting in the fall, points can be redeemed for discounts around campus, or for entertainment, dining and travel coupons at Greenopolis.com. The university hopes to recycle 20,000 bottles and cans by December.
See also: List of Campus Recycling and Waste Minimization Websites (AASHE Members Only)
Water
23. Fanshawe College Debuts Green Roof
Fanshawe College (ON) has installed its first living green roof. Drought-resistant perennial plants cover 850 square feet of rooftop space. The plant modules, each filled with six different types of sedum, are designed to be waterproof and impenetrable while supporting drainage and root growth. The roof will reduce noise and storm water runoff, save energy, improve air quality, provide better insulation and aid in fire prevention. Students who worked on the roof received training and professional certification in green roof installation.
24. North Carolina State U Installs Green Roof
North Carolina State University has completed the installation of a 3,780-foot green roof at the campus’ new engineering building. The roof features 10 drought-resistant plants and will save the university an estimated 25-50 percent in heating and cooling costs.
25. Washington State U Students Build Green Roof
Washington State University landscape architecture students have built a green roof as part of a multi-phased display garden. The students had the opportunity to design a space, do a cost estimate on the materials and build the roof. Located atop a shade and storage pavilion, the roof was constructed almost entirely from 100-year-old recycled wood. The roof supports small drought-tolerant plants and will reduce water runoff.
New Resources
26. AASHE List of Sustainability Study Abroad Programs
AASHE has published a new resource that lists institutions with active sustainability study abroad programs (general and discipline-specific). Also included are sustainability-centered study abroad programs offered by study abroad organizations. The resource is available to AASHE members and non-members.
27. Pennsylvania State U Water Conservation Booklet
Water resource educators with Pennsylvania State University’s Cooperative Extension outline how water is wasted, why it is important to stop the waste cycle, and what communities and individuals can do to save water in a new water conservation booklet titled “Water Conservation for Communities.” The publication targets officials and residents served by community water systems, and features a chart that outlines the correlation between saving water and lowering electricity costs.
See also: Water Conservation for Communities (pdf)
Opportunities
28. Free Green Building Online Course for ACUPCC Signatories
The U.S. Green Building Council is offering access to its Green Building Basics and LEED online course to American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) signatories. School administrators can send a request with the expected number of students to greencampus@usgbc.org through Sept. 30, 2010.
29. Video Competition: Education for Sustainable Development
As part of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the organization is hosting the video competition, “Learning Today to Change Tomorrow.” Video entries that focus on sustainable development education in action are welcome, and the contest is open to participants of all ages worldwide. The short video clips (90 seconds maximum) are due by July 28, 2010.
See also: Learn More About the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
Jobs & Internships
30. Higher Ed Solutions Program Manager, Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is looking for a solutions program manager to lead its Student Engagement Strategy in the higher education market. This position will work with colleges and universities to implement sustainability curriculum in the certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s and graduate degree levels. A Ph.D. is required, along with 10 years of related experience. The successful candidate will have an advanced understanding of energy efficiency and sustainability, and the ability to write curriculum at the advanced degree level. To access this job listing, click on the link provided and enter 049328 into the job number field.
31. Green Building Services Coordinator, Harvard U
Harvard University (MA) seeks a green building services coordinator. The coordinator will conduct audits, estimate energy savings, draft reports and prepare presentations. The coordinator will be expected to support energy conservation measure project management services by keeping minutes, drafting requests for proposals, interviewing contractors, keeping project budgets and schedules and following up with vendors. This position will be responsible for green building research and the proactive study of sustainability and LEED education materials. The successful candidate should have a related undergraduate and/or graduate degree, and an understanding of building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Preferred qualifications include AEE Certified Energy Auditor and LEED Green Associate or Accredited Professional designation, and professional experience with a broad range of sustainable technologies.
Events
32. Save the Date – AASHE 2010
October 10 – 12, 2010; Denver, CO
Registration is open for the AASHE annual conference this October. The conference will feature presentations, an expo and keynote speakers including Ed Begley Jr., who will discuss his involvement in the environmental movement over the past 40 years. Special events will include an AASHE Awards program, Curriculum Convocation, member meeting, Sustainability Officers Workshop and Student Summit.
33. ACUPCC Webinar: Installing and Purchasing Renewable Energy
July 20, 2010: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern; Online
The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) will host “Installing and Purchasing Renewable Energy: Addressing Questions and Opportunities for College Campuses,” a webinar that will provide information about the current state of the renewable energy marketplace and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership Program. The event will also provide examples of how ACUPCC signatory institutions are addressing Renewable Energy Certificates in relation to climate neutrality goals.
34. Labs21 2010: the Climate-Neutral Research Campus Symposium
Sept. 29 – 30, 2010; Albuquerque, NM
As part of its annual conference, Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21) will host “Beyond Energy Conservation – the Climate-Neutral Research Campus” on Sept. 29 – Sept. 30, 2010. This symposium will explore buildings and energy systems on research campuses that are models of efficiency and climate action, with a focus on completed projects, lessons learned and measured results. This event is for those campuses seeking advice about sustainable campus building techniques, standards and equipment. The Labs21 2010 Annual Conference will take place Sept. 28 – 30 in Albuquerque, N.M.
Campus Sustainability Discussion Forums Highlights
Answers to the forum questions below can be read by clicking on the question’s title.
35. Artificial Turf Grass on Campus
I was wondering if there are any studies on artificial turf grass installation on campus for athletic fields. There seem to be so many differing opinions, yet I have been unable to track down any information on the subject. What is the savings in water? Is there a reduction in maintenance? Any feedback from athletes?
36. Developing an Office of Sustainability
We are developing a proposal for the creation of an Office of Sustainability to present to the Chancellor of our university. For those who went through this process, do you have suggestions for steps that should be taken, and/or documents that were helpful?
37. Holistic Building Renovations
Our office is interested in learning about what other universities are doing as far as holistic building renovations go. Many times when small renovations are done within a building they are piecemeal, don’t take into account the entire building and don’t look at the potential of larger problems. Just hoping someone in the AASHE community had some insight as to how to include holistic renovations in university building construction.
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