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Table of Contents for 5/22/08:
NEWS
1. U Central Florida Adopts Sustainability Plan
2. Florida Gulf Coast U to be 100% Solar
3. U Illinois to Cut Energy Use by 10%
4. Middlebury College Offers Green Study Abroad Incentives
5. Kansas State U Hires Director of Sustainability
6. Stanford U Hires Manager of Sustainable Programs
7. Bemidji State U Students Approve Green Fee
8. Gateway CC to Offer Sustainable Building Advisor Certificate
9. Northland College Students Install Solar Panels on Campus
10. Stetson U Students Perform GHG Inventory
11. Appalachian State U Partners with Community to Restore Creek
12. Western Carolina U, Florida Intl U Pilot 4-day Work Week
13. Oberlin College Offsets its Commencement Carbon Footprint
14. Butler U Breaks Ground on Green Pharmacy Building Expansion
15. Western Washington U to Install Rooftop Solar Panels
16. George Washington U to Install Green Roof
17. UW Green Bay to Pilot Universal Bus Pass
18. Carleton College Purchases 2 Hybrids
19. Evergreen State College Purchases Electric Vehicle
20. U Waterloo to Open Eco-Cafe
21. Kendall College Launches Sustainability Education Initiative
22. Higher Ed Paper Reduction Website Goes Live
23. 3 California Colleges Receive Energy Conservation Rebates
24. CSU, Chico Receives Forest Stewardship Council Certification
25. Suffolk U, NYU Donate Unwanted Items
26. Arizona State U Art Exhibitions Feature Sustainability
27. U Oregon Children's Center Receives Energy Efficiency Award
28. Seattle U Named Greenest Campus in Washington State
29. Appalachian State U Library Recognized for Green Design
NEW RESOURCES
30. UC/CSU Best Practice Case Studies
OPPORTUNITIES
31. Invitation to Comment on Campus Sustainability Rating System
32. Invitation to Comment on ACUPCC Carbon Offset Protocol Draft
33. Call for Papers: Climate Action Planning at US Campuses
34. AASHE Campus Sustainability Leadership Awards
35. 5 Student Scholarships: National Recycling Coalition Conference
36. Lifecycle Building Challenge Competition
37. College Recycling/Composting Bin Design Contest
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
38. Manager of Recycling & Sustainability, U Texas at Austin
39. Env'l Prgm Coord, Housing & Food Services, U Texas at Austin
40. Regional Field Coordinator, Southern Energy Network
41. Visiting Asst Professor, Environmental Studies, U Cincinnati
42. Leadership Positions, California Student Sustainability Coalition
EVENTS
43. CFP Deadline Extended - AASHE 2008 Conference
News
1. U Central Florida Adopts Sustainability Plan
The University of Central Florida recently adopted a Sustainability
Plan for its Sustainability Alliance, a three-pronged committee
consisting of operations staff, faculty, and students. The
Sustainability Plan maps out the responsibilities and organizational
structure of the Sustainability Alliance, as well as establishes a base
from which sustainability can be instituted into the university’s
Emergency Preparedness and Response plan. The adopted plan consists of
6 purpose statements which define the role of the Sustainability
Alliance at UCF. These statements include how the Alliance will
identify, initiate, and complete projects effectively while maintaining
the highest level of sustainable management. The Sustainability
Alliance, created in the fall of 2007, is a three pronged committee
consisting of an operations, faculty, and student alliance. Each of the
three committees has been working to promote sustainability both on
campus and around the Central Florida community.
See also: UCF Sustainability Plan
2. Florida Gulf Coast U to be 100% Solar
Legislatures
in Florida have allocated $8.5 million to fund the installation of a
solar farm on 16 acres of the Florida Gulf Coast University campus. The
project, which awaits approval by the Governor, has an expected
completion date of summer 2009. If successful, the solar farm,
including the panels purchased with private donations, would generate 2
megawatts per day enough to provide 100 percent of FGCU's energy needs.
Governor Charlie Crist is expected to approve the plan.
See also: List of Campus Solar Installations
3. U Illinois to Cut Energy Use by 10%
The
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently established a goal
to cut energy use in existing buildings by 10 percent in three years
and reach 1990 levels within five years. The reduction is expected to
save the equivalent of 300 million kilowatt-hours of energy, and would
be achieved by controlling growth, developing incentives to reduce
usage, encouraging the campus community to be more energy conscious and
stimulating investment in energy-saving measures.
4. Middlebury College Offers Green Study Abroad Incentives
Middlebury
College (VT) recently awarded its first-ever sustainable study abroad
grants to assist students with research and projects related to
sustainability while abroad. Other resources available to help students
have a greener study abroad experience include: A “Going Green” guide
for directors of the Middlebury Schools Abroad with guidance for
greening the office and facilities, environmental programming and other
sustainability activities; the “Green Passport” program which helps
students keep track of their actions while abroad within suggested
guidelines for responsible travel; a carbon offset program to help
students reduce the impact of their energy use while abroad; and a list
of sustainable travel resources including a sustainable travel
checklist that considers things like the travel provider’s
environmental policy and whether the provider supports environmental
issues in the place being visited.
See also: Going Green Guide for Schools Abroad
See also: Green Passport program homepage
See also: Middlebury Carbon Offset Program
See also: Middlebury Sustainable Travel Resources
5. Kansas State U Hires Director of Sustainability
Kansas
State University recently appointed Ben Champion as the first ever
Director of Sustainability to develop a university-wide approach for
addressing sustainability at K-State. Champion will provide leadership
and oversight to existing initiatives such as campus recycling and
construction of green buildings on campus, but he will also identify
opportunities for new initiatives, help develop curriculum, facilitate
interdisciplinary research, work with students, and engage the broader
community in areas where K-State can be a leader in terms of
sustainability.
See also: Directory of Campus Sustainability Officers (AASHE Members Only)
6. Stanford U Hires Manager of Sustainable Programs
Stanford
University (CA) recently hired Fahmida Ahmed as the new Manager of
Sustainable Programs in the University's Office of Sustainability and
Energy Management. Ahmed will support the office's executive director
in implementing and improving sustainability programs throughout the
University. In addition, she will assist in the development and
implementation of a campus greenhouse gas reduction plan and will
manage the office's communications and community relations programs
and, overall, assist in efforts to achieve long-range sustainability
goals. Ahmed has served as sustainability specialist at the University
of California-Berkeley since 2006, managing the California Climate
Action Partnership and other campus sustainability programs.
7. Bemidji State U Students Approve Green Fee
The
Bemidji State University (MN) Student Senate recently passed a $5 per
student per semester green fee to fund student projects and support 50
percent of the sustainability coordinator salary. Beginning in 2010,
the green fee will subsidize 100 percent of the sustainability
coordinator's salary. A survey of 318 students conducted before the
vote found that more than 65 percent of students were willing to pay a
green fee of $5 or more per semester.
See also: Sustainability Coordinator Position Description
8. Gateway CC to Offer Sustainable Building Advisor Certificate
Gateway Community College (CT) recently announced that, starting this
fall, the college's Center for a Sustainable Future will offer a
Sustainable Building Advisor Certification Program as part of its
Division of Corporate and Continuing Education program. The program,
which will be offered in a one weekend per month format, is approved
through the U.S. Green Building Council and is designed for practicing
engineers, architects, contractors, building managers and other
building industry professionals.
9. Northland College Students Install Solar Panels on Campus
The
Northland College (WI) Photovoltaic Installation class recently
installed a solar electric system at the home of the Northland College
President. The students installed twelve 175 watt solar panels mounted
on a pole. The array of panels is attached to a sun-watt tracking
system, a mechanism that automatically rotates the panels from east to
west as well as tilts them up and down to follow the sun through the
course of the day. Together, the panels will produce about 3,300
kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The President is funding the
project with her personal finances with help from renewable energy
grants provided by the State of Wisconsin.
10. Stetson U Students Perform GHG Inventory
A Stetson University (FL) Environmental Science class recently
completed a survey of the University's carbon emissions footprint. The
students followed the Clean Air-Cool Planet Model, and assessed carbon,
methane, and nitrous oxide, but did not assess chlorofluorocarbons
because data was not available during the audit.
11. Appalachian State U Partners with Community to Restore Creek
Appalachian State University (NC) recently partnered with the city
community to restore a 150 foot section of Boone Creek, a creek that
runs through campus and parts of the downtown. The restoration group
plans to filter storm water runoff, stabilize the banks, and
incorporate native plants and shrubs that will shade the creek and
provide better habitat for wildlife. The project is the result of an
idea from a 2004 project management class taught by an Assistant
Professor in ASU's Department of Geography and Planning.
12. Western Carolina U, Florida Intl U Pilot 4-day Work Week
Western
Carolina University and Florida International University will offer a
four 10-hour day work week to its employees for the summer. The
initiative aims to reduce weekly driving time, the cost of lighting and
air-conditioning, and CO2 emissions.
See also: Chronicle of Higher Education Full Story
See also: Inside Higher Ed article
13. Oberlin College Offsets its Commencement Carbon Footprint
Oberlin College recently purchased carbon offsets for its 2008
Commencement/Reunion weekend. The purchase aimed to offset the carbon
emissions created from travel, lodging, meals, energy consumption,
waste disposal, production, and other incidental factors for more than
5,000 alumni, family members, and friends that attended commencement
weekend events. The weekend also featured local food, bioware plates
and flatware, and a 100 percent post-consumer paper
Commencement/Reunion program.
14. Butler U Breaks Ground on Green Pharmacy Building Expansion
Butler
University (IN) recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new
addition to the pharmacy and health sciences building. Butler hopes to
achieve LEED Silver certification for the expansion, which will feature
waterless urinals, bicycle storage, and natural classroom lighting. The
University also plans to recycle the construction waste material and
install recycled carpet and flooring throughout the addition.
15. Western Washington U to Install Rooftop Solar Panels
Western Washington University recently announced plans to install 12
solar panels on the roof of the Viking Student Union. The panels will
generate an estimated 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.
Along with the panels, WWU plans to install an educational kiosk to
explain the project and show the amount of power the solar panels are
generating. The project is an initiative of the WWU Students for
Renewable Energy, an Associated Student club that began organizing and
planning for the solar panels in 2006.
16. George Washington U to Install Green Roof
George Washington University (DC) recently announced plans to install a
green roof atop the Elliot School of International Affairs City View
Room Terrace this summer. The 2,000 square foot green roof pilot
project is the result of an initiative by GWU's Net Impact chapter, and
will feature storm water run-off reduction and potential energy savings
and will offer research opportunities to students.
17. UW Green Bay to Pilot Universal Bus Pass
The
University of Wisconsin, Green Bay recently partnered with the city to
allow students to ride city buses for free. A student-led initiative
led the Green Bay Transit Commission to approve the pilot program,
called U-Pass, which gives students, faculty, and staff free rides just
by showing a campus ID. The pilot program will run July 1 through June
30. If U-Pass continues after the pilot program, a less than $3 per
student per semester student fee and a parking pass fee increase would
cover the costs required by Green Bay Metro to implement the program.
See also: List of Universal Bus/Transit Pass Programs (AASHE Members Only)
18. Carleton College Purchases 2 Hybrids
Carleton College recently purchased two new hybrid cars, replacing two
older non-hybrids in the campus fleet. The decision to purchase the
hybrid vehicles came after an extensive study of the College’s fleet
fuel consumption and expenses. The study found that upgrading cars that
were already due for replacement to hybrids would be an efficient and
cost effective decision.
19. Evergreen State College Purchases Electric Vehicle
Evergreen
State College (WA) recently purchased a street-legal electric vehicle
and has plans to purchase four more by the end of June. The additional
electric cars will be financed in part with a grant from the Olympic
Region Clean Air Agency.
20. U Waterloo to Open Eco-Cafe
The University of Waterloo (ON) recently announced plans to open the
Eco-Café this fall. The café will be located in the School of
Accounting and will offer locally sourced foods. The café will also
feature an educational component.
21. Kendall College Launches Sustainability Education Initiative
Kendall College's (IL) School of Culinary Arts recently announced an
ecological sustainability education initiative that is specifically
tailored for the foodservice industry. The nationwide initiative was
launched with the release of a brief instructional video. The
production explains the basics of environmental sustainability and how
foodservice industry professionals can take a few simple steps to
benefit both their businesses and the environment. Many of the video‘s
tips can be implemented at little or no cost and result in net
operational savings. Kendall is exploring the development of a number
of other resources such as training materials for foodservice
personnel, instructional materials for use by educators, presentations
at foodservice industry conferences, and additional videos. The
initiative is in partnership with the Green Restaurant Association.
See also: Kendal Sustainability Video
22. Higher Ed Paper Reduction Website Goes Live
ConnectEdu, a curriculum, college and career planning information
technology company, recently launched StudentsPlantTheSeed.com, a
website aimed at reducing the amount of paper used during the college
application process. The website provides paper-reducing methods for
college admissions and a petition for high school administrators and
higher education institutions to participate in the initiative.
See also: StudentsPlantTheSeed.com
23. 3 California Colleges Receive Energy Conservation Rebates
Contra
Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College recently
received a rebate from Pacific Gas & Electric for reducing the
amount of non-renewable energy used on campus. CCC will receive $1
million for energy conservation, and DVC and LMC will receive $2.8
million and $2 million respectively for solar panels installed on
campus.
24. CSU, Chico Receives Forest Stewardship Council Certification
California State University, Chico's University Printing Services was
recently awarded Forest Stewardship Council chain-of-custody
certification by Scientific Certification Systems, an independent
third-party certifier of environmental, sustainability, food quality
and food purity claims. The chain-of-custody certification means that
products by CSU, Chico’s Printing Services bearing the FSC trademark
meet strict tracking requirements ensuring that they come from
responsibly-managed forests. The University’s paper purchases for
FSC-trademarked products will be audited annually to make sure that
they come from a well-managed forest.
25. Suffolk U, NYU Donate Unwanted Items
Suffolk
University (MA) students recently donated 5,500 pounds of unwanted
goods to two local organizations during move out. The Dump and Run
Program allowed students to donate clothes, shoes, furniture,
toiletries, and other supplies to serve 16 families. Students were also
able to donate food to a local service center as part of the program.
Likewise, New York University recently completed its Green Apple Move
Out collection project where students donated linens, clothing,
electronics, and more. Program Coordinators and volunteers collected
the refuse of 5,600 students in 10 residence halls for donation to
local charities. While the final tonnage has yet to be counted, the
coordinators expect the amount of donated items to exceed 25,000 tons.
See also: NYU Press Release
See also: NY Times Article on NYU's collection
26. Arizona State U Art Exhibitions Feature Sustainability
The
Arizona State University Institute for Humanities Research recently
held an art exhibit entitled, "Sustainability and the Visual Arts." The
exhibition, which was on display last semester, explored the
relationship between human beings and nature and proposed solutions
within existing cultural structures. The exhibition featured work from
students and community members, and showcased two-dimensional and
small-scale sculptures from eight artists. The artists were asked to
explore new meanings and interpretations of sustainability. Local
artists related their experiences in the Valley, preserving their
cultural and linguistic experiences, while others used new materials
and methodologies when creating their work.
27. U Oregon Children's Center Receives Energy Efficiency Award
The
University of Oregon's Moss Street Children's Center was recently
awarded an Oregon State Energy Efficient Design Award (SEED) from the
Oregon Department of Energy. The Center operates at 32 percent better
than code and features passive cooling and night flush, south facing
glazing for passive solar gain, radiant floor heating and cooling, and
hybrid ground source heat pumps. The SEED program requires the Oregon
Department of Energy to review all new state buildings and major
renovations to ensure that they incorporate all cost-effective energy
measures and make the building at least 20 percent more energy
efficient than code.
28. Seattle U Named Greenest Campus in Washington State
Seattle University was recently named the greenest college in the state of Washington by Washington CEO.
The magazine honored the University with a "Green Award," the first
given to an educational institution in the state. SU received the honor
for the maintenance of its 48-acre campus without the use of
pesticides, for its custom-built compost facility for food waste, and
for other green initiatives.
29. Appalachian State U Library Recognized for Green Design
The
Appalachian State University (NC) Carol Grotnes Belk Library and
Information Commons was recently recognized for its green architectural
design in the April 2008 issue of American Libraries and in the
December 2007 issue of Library Journal. Green features of the building
include an emphasis on natural lighting, mechanical equipment for
energy savings, cork flooring, an energy-efficient elevator system,
electronic sensor faucets and toilets, computer-controlled shades and
recycled/recyclable carpeting. The Belk Library opened in 2005.
New Resources
30. UC/CSU Best Practice Case Studies
The
University of California Office of the President recently posted online
two-page case studies of the 2007 Best Practices Award recipients that
document energy-efficiency and sustainability achievements. The Best
Practice Awards program honors University of California and California
State University campuses for implementing green building technologies,
energy-efficient operations, and sustainable design strategies with
outstanding results. Case studies showcasing the achievements and
lessons learned for the 2007 award winners are now available online to
assist other campuses in achieving their own green goals. Projects
include UC Santa Cruz’s student-led effort to offset 100 percent of the
campus’s electricity use with renewable energy credits, CSU
Northridge’s one-megawatt fuel cell power plant, and more.
Opportunities
31. Invitation to Comment on Campus Sustainability Rating System
AASHE
is inviting feedback from the campus sustainability community on the
latest draft of the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating
System (STARS). AASHE intends for STARS to provide a standardized
system for tracking information about sustainability performance and to
enable better information sharing about campus sustainability
practices. The public comment period ends on May 30, 2008.
32. Invitation to Comment on ACUPCC Carbon Offset Protocol Draft
The
American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment
(ACUPCC) invites comments on its first Voluntary Carbon Offset Protocol
draft, which it is developing to provide guidance to ACUPCC
institutions on how to decide whether or not to engage in the offset
markets, and if so, what are the best ways to make effective
investments and reduce risks. Deadline for comments is May 27, 2008.
Feedback received will be presented to ACUPCC presidents and
chancellors at the 2008 ACUPCC Climate Leadership Summit in Grand
Rapids, Michigan on June 5th, and will be taken into account as the
Protocol is further developed.
33. Call for Papers: Climate Action Planning at US Campuses
The International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
(IJSHE) and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in
Higher Education (AASHE) have announced a call for papers for a special
issue of the Journal on climate action planning at campuses in
the United States. Judy Walton, AASHE's Acting Executive Director, will
guest edit this special issue. Submitted articles must be between 2,000
and 4,000 words in length. The closing date for submissions is August
29, 2008.
34. AASHE Campus Sustainability Leadership Awards
AASHE
is now accepting applications for its 2008 Sustainability Leadership
Awards, to be presented in November at AASHE 2008: Working Together for
Sustainability – On Campus and Beyond. Four Campus Sustainability
Leadership Awards will be presented. The Campus Sustainability
Achievement Award recognizes the institutions that have made the
greatest overall commitment to sustainability as demonstrated in their
governance, curriculum and research, operations, campus culture, and
community outreach. Applications are due August 1, 2008.
35. 5 Student Scholarships: National Recycling Coalition Conference
The
College and University Council, a technical council of the National
Recycling Council is partnering with The Coca Cola Company to sponsor
five scholarships for college students to attend the NRC’s annual
Congress and Exposition in Pittsburgh, PA, September 21-24, 2008. The
scholarships cover travel, hotel, meals and conference registration.
The scholarships are intended as a way for college students interested
in a professional career in recycling to gain exposure to the field.
They will have the opportunity to attend over 35 conference sessions,
workshops and tours, as well as to meet and network with community,
state and national recycling leaders. Applications are due July 25,
2008.
36. Lifecycle Building Challenge Competition
The Lifecycle Building Challenge is a web-based competition open to
students and professional architects, designers, engineers, planners,
reuse professionals, contractors, builders, and educators. Lifecycle
designs are sought in two categories: building and innovation. Teams of
up to 5 contestants can enter, and only residents of the U.S. and its
territories are eligible. Registration for the Challenge closes June
15, 2008.
37. College Recycling/Composting Bin Design Contest
Busch Systems is hosting its second annual recycling bin and/or
composting bin design contest. The winner will receive $1000 towards
his or her recycling program, and the bin will be featured in the Busch
Systems Fall Newsletter. The deadline has been extended to May 30,
2008.
Jobs & Internships
38. Manager of Recycling & Sustainability, U Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin invites applicants for its Manager of
Recycling and Sustainability position. The successful candidate will
plan, organize, schedule, and direct the UT recycling program and
sustainability effort. S/he will also work cooperatively with Campus
Planning and Facilities Management (CPFM) and university personnel to
carry out the mission of the recycling program and further
sustainability on campus. The Manager of Recycling and Sustainability
will also be responsible for directing and administering campus
recycling and waste reduction activities; monitoring all campus
sustainability activities; and creating a strategy to integrate
sustainability principles into Facilities Services and CPFM operational
functions. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of
two years of experience in recycling and sustainability. A Master's
degree is preferred.
39. Env'l Prgm Coord, Housing & Food Services, U Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin invites applicants for the
Environmental Program Coordinator in the Division of Housing and Food
Services to market environmental operations and promote sustainability
initiatives through the "Eco-tips" newsletter and other publications;
assess the impact of implementing local food procurement on campus; and
to develop nutrition education materials relating to local and
sustainable foods to be distributed in DHFS locations. Qualifications
include a Bachelor's degree and five years of experience in
coordinating or administering programs.
40. Regional Field Coordinator, Southern Energy Network
The Southern Energy Network (SEN) is seeking an experienced organizer
and manager to take on the role of coordinating and managing its field
organizing for clean energy in the southeastern U.S. This includes
coordinating five state organizers and working with the following
campaigns and initiatives: Power Vote, green jobs, fighting new coal
and nuclear plants, Power Shift 2009, supporting campus initiatives and
state youth networks. The position also includes representing SEN
within the Energy Action Coalition (EAC) and working on many of the
campaigns and initiatives listed above at a national and regional level
in collaboration with the EAC partner organizations. The Regional Field
Coordinator will also work with SEN’s Regional Director on regional
program as needed. The review of applications will begin on June 9,
2008 and continue until the position is filled.
41. Visiting Asst Professor, Environmental Studies, U Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati invites applications for a one-year
position as Visiting Assistant Professor to teach undergraduate and
graduate courses in environmental policy and law and team-teach the
introductory sequence and the undergraduate senior capstone course in
the Environmental Studies major. Qualifications include a PhD or
terminal degree in a relevant academic field, and prior teaching
experience is preferred. The position is open until filled.
42. Leadership Positions, California Student Sustainability Coalition
The
California Student Sustainability Coalition is pleased to invite
students and recent alumni to join the leadership of its Executive
Committee and Website Team. Open positions include Intern to the
Executive Director, Equality Coordinator, Finance Coordinator,
Fundraising Coordinator, Convergence Coordinator, Membership
Coordinator, 2 Council Co-Chairs, 2 Organizing Directors, Outreach
Coordinator, Digital Organizer, Communications Coordinator, Media
Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Program Coordinator, Policy
Coordinator, Education for Sustainability Living Program Coordinator,
and other positions. All positions require 5 – 20 hours per week. Open
Web Team positions include Content Managers, News Authors, Graphic
Designers, Web Development Experts, and other positions. Web Team
positions require 5 – 7 hours per week. All positions are unpaid, and
qualifications vary. Applications are being accepted on a rolling
basis.
Events
43. CFP Deadline Extended - AASHE 2008 Conference
Nov 9-11, 2008; Raleigh, NC
AASHE
is inviting submissions of abstracts for AASHE 2008: Working Together
for Sustainability - On Campus and Beyond. Over 1,000 participants are
expected from every sector of the higher education community, including
sustainability officers, administrators from academics and operations,
facilities officers, operations and finance staff, design consultants,
and faculty and students from a variety of disciplines. Keynote
speakers include Van Jones, Peter Senge, Lester Brown, and Vandana
Shiva. Presentation proposals are due June 2. Early registration ends
August 29, 2008. Discounts are available for students and AASHE
members.
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