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Happy Earth Week from your friends at AASHE!
Table of Contents for 4/17/08:
NEWS
1. RecycleMania Winners Announced
2. NWF 'Chill Out' Contest Winners Announced
3. MIT Establishes Center to Reduce Cost of Solar Energy
4. Central Piedmont CC Establishes Center for Sustainability
5. Johns Hopkins Invests in Faculty Diversity
6. Purdue U Launches Student Aid Campaign
7. U Delaware Offers Renewable Energy Undergraduate Internships
8. 15 New Campuses Sign Presidents Climate Commitment
9. Portland State U Greenhouses Awarded LEED Silver
10. MIT Science Building Awarded LEED Silver
11. Lock Haven U of PA Clearfield Breaks Ground on Green Building
12. MIT Buildings To Undergo Energy Conservation Improvements
13. U Minnesota Video on Campus Composting Efforts
14. U Michigan Launches Carpool Program
15. U Southern Mississippi Announces Plan to Go Green
16. Princeton U Installs Water-saving Toilets in Dorms
17. U Miami Switches to Local Produce & Antibiotic-Free Pork
18. Duquesne University Purchases RECs
19. U New Hampshire Launches Sustainability Blog
20. 21 North Carolina Campuses Awarded State Energy Efficiency Grants
21. U British Columbia Students Market Energy Conservation
22. Green Mountain College Course Wins VT Env. Excellence Award
NEW RESOURCES
23. Sustainability in Intl. Education: Recommendations for Education Abroad
24. New APPA Books on Env. Sustainability & Green Practices
25. Sustainability 101 in Trusteeship Magazine
OPPORTUNITIES
26. Survey on College Sustainability Report Card
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
27. Coordinator, Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State U
28. Associate Director, Sustainable Endowments Institute
29. Urban Sustainability Initiative Graduate Assistantships
30. Prof., Sustainable Energy Studies, Eastern Connecticut State U
31. Instructor, Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry, Naropa U
32. Faculty, Parks & Rec./Env. Ed., Slippery Rock U
33. Asst. Prof., Biology/Environmental Science, Piedmont College
EVENTS
34. How to Start a Local Food Purchasing Program Webcast
35. CFP, Regist. Open - AASHE 2008: Working Together for Sustainability
News
1. RecycleMania Winners Announced
RecycleMania wrapped up its 2008 competition with 58.6 million pounds of recyclables and organics recovered from 400 colleges and universities across the U.S. For the 2008 competition, schools were divided into two divisions, those participating across their entire campus (Whole Campus Division) and those competing with only a subsection (Partial Campus Division). Within each division, schools chose to participate in any of eight categories. Schools that participate in both the Per Capita Classic, which recognizes the institution with the largest amount of recyclables per person, and the Waste Minimization competition, which recognizes the institution with the lowest amount of waste per person, can earn the title of RecycleMania Grand Champion. This year, Kalamazoo College (MI) achieved a recycling rate of 58.93 percent and was crowned the RecycleMania Grand Champion in the Whole Campus Division for excelling in source reduction, waste prevention and recycling. In the Partial Campus Division, California State University, San Marcos claimed the Grand Champion first place for the fourth year in a row, recycling 75.69% of its waste stream. North Lake College (TX), Northwest State Community College (OH), Stanford University (CA), Rutgers University (NJ), Stephens College (MO), Oregon State University, Mills College (CA), Rhode Island School of Design, and United States Coast Guard Academy (CT) were also awarded first place in specific categories categories.
See also: RecycleMania Results Page
2. NWF 'Chill Out' Contest Winners Announced
The National Wildlife Federation has announced the winners of its 2008 Chill Out: Campus Solutions to Global Warming national competition. The program honors U.S. schools that are show leadership in addressing global warming and do so in a creative manner. Butte College (CA) was named the Grand Prize winner for employing energy efficiency measures in all campus facilities. Butte also runs the largest community college transportation system in California, recycles more than 75 percent of its operations waste stream, and has a solar array that generates for 28% of the campus' electricity use. Other campus winners include the University of Missouri in the Energy Efficiency category, University of Montana, Missoula in the Transportation category, and Cascadia Community College and University of Washington in the "Habitat Restoration, Waste Reduction, Educational Awareness and More" category. Berea College (KY) and Daemen College (NY) were the YouTube Video Winners.
See also: Butte College Press Release
See also: U Missouri Press Release
See also: Cacadia/UW Bothell Press Release
See also: Berea College Press Release
See also: Daemen College Press Release
3. MIT Establishes Center to Reduce Cost of Solar Energy
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently announced its partnership with Fraunhofer, a German research organization, to establish a research center in Massachusetts focused on significantly reducing the cost of solar energy over the next five years. The MIT-Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems aims to develop progressive technologies and materials for designing and producing better solar modules. Located adjacent to the MIT campus, the center will be active in other areas of sustainable energy research as well, including developing new technologies to substantially reduce the energy consumption of new and retrofitted structures.
See also: Fraunhofer press release
4. Central Piedmont CC Establishes Center for Sustainability
Central Piedmont Community College (NC) has established a Center for Sustainability to respond to the need for sustainability training. The center will offer courses, workshops, and seminars, and plans to collaborate with various agencies to accomplish its goals. The Center for Sustainability aims to increase community awareness of the importance of living and working in an ecologically responsible manner, to conduct continuing education training and seminars for the general public which focus on teaching people how to live in an environmentally friendly manner, and to increase the presence and perspective of environmental sustainability into CPCC curriculum programs.
See also: CPCC Center for Sustainability Homepage
5. Johns Hopkins Invests in Faculty Diversity
Johns Hopkins University (MD) will provide at least $5 million over the next five years in matching funds for departments seeking to improve faculty diversity, which will include hiring and retaining outstanding women and underrepresented minority scholars. The Mosaic Initiative, as the pilot program will be called, will be funded initially at a minimum of $1 million per year, to be increased as the project generates external support.
6. Purdue U Launches Student Aid Campaign
Purdue University (IN) recently announced that it is starting a $304 million fundraising campaign for student scholarships. The programs being funded include Purdue Promise, which will provide scholarships to students whose families make less than $40,000 per year; the Purdue Marquis Scholarship Program, which will provide for students whose families make $40,000 to $70,000 per year and qualify for little or no state and federal aid; Presidential and Trustee Scholarships, which will be awarded to the highest-achieving students in an effort to recruit and retain them at Purdue, and more. All programs are expected to start in fall 2009.
7. U Delaware Offers Renewable Energy Undergraduate Internships
The University of Delaware Department of Chemical Engineering and the Center for Catalytic Science and Technology will administer a three-year, $300,000 National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant, which will enable 10 exemplary students per year in chemical engineering to work with UD researchers on such projects as designing new fuel cells and engineering novel nanomaterial coatings to reduce the drag on ships in water. Under the mentorship of faculty advisers, students selected for the program will not only conduct research, but also learn how to present their findings in scientific seminars and poster sessions.
See also: REU Program Information
8. 15 New Campuses Sign Presidents Climate Commitment
15 new institutions have signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment since the last update in AASHE Bulletin. In doing so, these campuses have committed to develop comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. The new signatories are: Robert H. Bruininks for the University of Minnesota System which adds the University of Minnesota, Crookston, the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and the University of Minnesota, Rochester, Michael J. Hogan of the University of Connecticut, Judy Gershaft of the University of South Florida, Philip W. Eaton of Seattle Pacific University (WA), Eugene P. Trani of Virginia Commonwealth University, Martha T. Nesbitt of Gainesville State College (GA), Jane O’Brien of St. Mary's College of Maryland, Terry A. Calaway of Johnson County Community College (KS), Stephen Morgan of the University of LaVerne (CA), Patricia Lang of Confederation College (Canada), Dolores Sanford of Truckee Meadows Community College (NV), and Lucille Jordan of Nashua Community College (NH). 519 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment.
9. Portland State U Greenhouses Awarded LEED Silver
The Portland State University (OR) Biology Research Greenhouses have received LEED Silver certification. Sustainability features include: on-site treatment of all runoff from the roof before it enters the city's stormwater system; flow-through planters populated with native plants that are watered with rainwater; a driveway that is made of permeable pavers; and a covered patio that is enclosed by bamboo fencing. Inside the greenhouses, the lumber used for cabinets and counters is Forest Stewardship Council certified. The certification is for Phase 1 of a two-phase project of ten modular interconnected greenhouses.
See also: PSU Student Newspaper Article
10. MIT Science Building Awarded LEED Silver
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex recently received LEED Silver certification. The building features gray-water recycling for toilets, heat recovery on the exhaust air stream, and interior finishes that impose a minimal impact on indoor air quality.
See also: Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex Homepage
See also: List of Green Science Buildings (AASHE Members Only)
11. Lock Haven U of PA Clearfield Breaks Ground on Green Building
The Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Clearfield campus recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new academic building. Plans for the building features design elements that permit high standards of energy efficiency and the use of local building materials. The University plans to use 50 to 75 percent recycled building materials and incorporate other components that are environmentally friendly. The University hopes to receive LEED silver certification for the new building.
12. MIT Buildings To Undergo Energy Conservation Improvements
Several Massachusetts Institute of Technology buildings will undergo a variety of basic energy conservation improvements in the next few months. Pilot projects include retrofitting light bulbs and fixtures, adding and adjusting motion sensors, monitoring buildings to gauge energy use, and automating fume hood controls. The projects have been made possible by $500,000 in seed funding from the Executive Vice President, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Facilities. Additionally, students in a recent Sloan School of Management course partnered with the Department of Facilities to identify an additional $14 million of potential investments with a three-year return. These include a major revamping of the heating system in one building to include heat recovery; continuous building commissioning that assesses and optimizes building energy systems in real time; and strategic maintenance to improve energy efficiency in existing ventilation systems.
13. U Minnesota Video on Campus Composting Efforts
The University of Minnesota Dining Services Green Team has posted a video on their recent effort to teach students how to compost in the dining halls on campus. The initiative produced more than 80 tons of compost during the fall semester. The video also explains how the composted material from the dining halls is mixed with animal waste in a manure facility, and is then returned to the UM fields as fertilizer. The video also tells about a recent initiative to hand out compact florescent light bulbs on campus.
14. U Michigan Launches Carpool Program
The University of Michigan recently launched GreenRide, a Web-based, geographic information system ride-matching application. GreenRide helps a potential carpooler or vanpooler find ride-sharing partners by searching for other UM staff who live close by or on the commute route and who have similar work schedules. Participants will get a map of the general area showing potential ride matches near them and along their commute route, and it calculates potential fuel savings for the carpool or vanpool. Additionally, effective July 1, the University's Carpool Program will allow fellow carpoolers to split the cost of one parking permit using payroll deduction. For a fee, carpoolers will be able to request a reserved parking space. New University carpoolers will get a 10-percent reduction in the shared parking permit fee for the first six months of the program and they will be entered in weekly drawings for $25 gas card prizes.
15. U Southern Mississippi Announces Plan to Go Green
The University of Southern Mississippi recently announced a plan to reduce the impact on the environment through updating building designs on campus and completing an assessment to improve operations with the campus Physical Plant. USM also recently held its first Sustainability Committee meeting, in which 23 members were in attendance. The University also plans to create an Office of Sustainability on campus in the future.
16. Princeton U Installs Water-saving Toilets in Dorms
Princeton University (NJ) recently installed water-saving toilets in two residence halls on campus. The new dual-flush toilets allow users to push the flush handle one way to use less water for liquid waste and another way to release more water for solid waste. Facilities Management installed water-saving shower heads as well.
17. U Miami Switches to Local Produce & Antibiotic-Free Pork
University of Miami's (FL) on-campus dining halls recently began purchasing locally-grown tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, oranges and antibiotic-free pork. The University has also switched to cage-free whole eggs, and is currently exploring its options to start composting within the next year. The changes are part of Green U, a program designed to minimize the university's environmental impact.
18. Duquesne University Purchases RECs
Duquesne University (PA) recently purchased 8,020,000 kW of Renewable Energy Credits. This purchase is equivalent to 100 percent of the University's purchased electricity.
19. U New Hampshire Launches Sustainability Blog
The University of New Hampshire Office of Sustainability recently launched a new blog, entitled "Discover(ing) Sustainability." The goal of the blog is to share UNH's commitment to being a sustainable learning community while helping readers discover how sustainability connects us all. Currently authored by several University Office of Sustainability and communications staff at UNH, Discover(ing) Sustainability will seek voices from around the university, including students, researchers, and administrators. Recent posts have highlighted a "green cuisine" gourmet dinner at UNH, research related to climate change and clean water, and a recent award to UNH's Wildcat Transit. The blog also brings sustainability trends in higher education and in the news media to light.
See also: UNH Sustainability Blog
20. 21 North Carolina Campuses Awarded State Energy Efficiency Grants
15 University of North Carolina campuses and six community colleges were recently awarded the state's first Energy Efficiency Reserve Fund grants to implement power-saving projects. The governor made the announcement at the 5th Annual North Carolina Sustainable Energy Conference. The grants are administered by the State Energy Office.
21. U British Columbia Students Market Energy Conservation
A University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business team of students recently won a competition to create a marketing plan using new technologies and other innovative practices to help universities and colleges reduce energy consumption. The group of students surveyed nearly 100 students and found that 70 percent of students are unaware that leaving an appliance such as an unused cell phone charger plugged into the wall consumes energy, and 60 percent of students were unaware of the benefits of energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs. The team's marketing plan included developing an application that posts daily conservation tips on Facebook and on UBC’s Web Course Tools website, where students download assignments and other class content. They also recommended selling CFLs and other energy-efficient household items in booths in UBC’s Student Union Building, and hosting an energy conservation competition in the residence halls.
22. Green Mountain College Course Wins VT Env. Excellence Award
The Green Mountain College (VT) Course, "Food, Agriculture, and Community Development in the Northeast," has received the Vermont Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence and Pollution Prevention. The course explored how food choices affect the community. The class visited roughly one dozen area farms and hosted several national food and agricultural experts as guest speakers. As a final project, the class created sustainable purchasing guidelines for an on-campus dining hall.
New Resources
23. Sustainability in Intl. Education: Recommendations for Education Abroad
The Task Force on Environmental Sustainability in Education Abroad of the Association of International Educators has released a report entitled, "Sustainability in International Education: Recommendations for Education Abroad Administrators and Faculty." The report addresses the questions of how education abroad programs can be both high quality and low impact and also contribute to greater environmental awareness.
24. New APPA Books on Env. Sustainability & Green Practices
APPA, the association promoting leadership in educational facilities, recently published two books on environmental sustainability and green practices. "The Green Campus: Meeting the Challenge of Environmental Sustainability" is an anthology that explores the meaning of environmental sustainability, in global and local terms, while profiling exemplary campus environmental programs. The second edition of the "Environmental Compliance Assistance Guide for Colleges and Universities" updates the key environmental rules and regulations affecting the physical surroundings of educational institutions. Published in partnership with the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Manage¬ment Association, this guide includes abstracts of 32 programs derived from eight environmental statutes that have been the focus of EPA inspections on college campuses in recent years.
See also: The Green Campus: Meeting the Challenge of Environmental Sustainability
See also: Environmental Compliance Assistance Guide, second edition
25. Sustainability 101 in Trusteeship Magazine
Trusteeship Magazine, a publication of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, recently published an article entitled, "Sustainability 101," by President David Shi of Furman University (SC). The article describes why higher education institutions should model sustainability and inspire students to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. It also highlights how Furman is working to achieve this goal.
Opportunities
26. Survey on College Sustainability Report Card
The Sustainable Endowments Institute has launched a web survey to gain feedback on its annual College Sustainability Report Card. The short survey seeks input on the Report Card's content and focus as well as suggestions for improvement. Participants are also invited to share stories about how they have used the Report Card or how they have seen it used. The survey is open to everyone.
Jobs & Internships
27. Coordinator, Global Institute of Sustainability, Arizona State U
The Arizona State University Global Institute of Sustainability seeks a Coordinator for the University Sustainability Business Practices office. Under general supervision, the Program Coordinator is responsible for facilitating the implementation of several campus sustainability projects, including but not limited to the coordination of sustainability efforts at all four ASU campuses, the advancement of a network linking and enhancing opportunities to integrate academic work and applied campus sustainability, and the assessment of campus sustainability efforts as a pilot university for the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's new campus rating system. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment and three years of related experience. Applications are due April 30, 2008.
28. Associate Director, Sustainable Endowments Institute
The Sustainable Endowments Institute is seeking a highly motivated and reliable individual for the newly created position of Associate Director. The Associate Director will be a core member of the leadership team and will help set and achieve the Institute’s strategic goals. The Associate Director will also assist in managing the College Sustainability Report Card project team. Qualifications include experience in advancing sustainability on college campuses, two years of relevant work experience, prior experience with grant writing and/or other desirable fundraising activities, and a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a related field. The position is open until filled.
29. Urban Sustainability Initiative Graduate Assistantships
The University of Nevada at Las Vegas Urban Sustainability Initiative invites applicants for Graduate Assistantships, which will be granted to qualified master’s and doctoral students starting in the fall 2008. USI GAs may pursue research and/or educational activities associated with any facet of sustainability including environmental, economic, and social/cultural issues. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty in their major program as well as the Office of Urban Sustainability Initiatives to research and promote sustainability topics. Preference will be given to doctoral students. The application deadline for a fall appointment is May 1. The application deadline for a spring appointment is Nov. 1.
30. Prof., Sustainable Energy Studies, Eastern Connecticut State U
Eastern Connecticut State University is seeking a Professor to teach courses in sustainable energy and global climate change, advise students in the sustainable energy studies program, supervise students on research and internship projects and participate in course development projects. Qualifications include a Master's degree in science or education with an undergraduate degree in physics, engineering, geoscience, or a related field. Experience in teaching at the college level preferred. The position is open until filled.
31. Instructor, Environmental Science, Ecology & Forestry, Naropa U
The Naropa University (CO) Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Department is seeking an adjunct faculty member to teach ENV: 615e Ecology Concepts and Applications for Ecopsychology. This online course reviews fundamental concepts in ecology and explores their relevance to ecopsychology. The students will explore organisms in their environment, population dynamics, community ecology, ecosystem dynamics and Gaia theory. A field component involves natural history investigations in each student's local bioregion. As a group, we develop a place-based perceptual ecology and inquire into the dynamic interrelationships between local ecology, global change and the human psyche. Teaching experience in Ecology, Environmental Studies or related field is required, as is a MA/MS or higher in Ecology, Environmental Studies or a related field.
32. Faculty, Parks & Rec./Env. Ed., Slippery Rock U
Slippery Rock University is seeking applicants for a temporary full-time, two semester position in the Parks and Recreation/Environmental Education Department beginning in August 2008. Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in several of the following areas: Park Planning (Environmental Resources Analysis, Recreation Area Design), Ecosystem Ecology, Interpretive Methods & Programming, Outdoor Leadership, Environmental Issues, Research Methods, and/or Park and Recreation Administration. Requirements include a Masters Degree and at least one degree in Park and Resource Management or related field. Review of applications will begin by May 15, 2008 and continue until position is filled.
33. Asst. Prof., Biology/Environmental Science, Piedmont College
Piedmont College (GA) seeks an Assistant Professor of Biology/Environmental Science. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in biological science, have expertise in and be able to teach courses in the general education curriculum such as introductory biology and environmental science. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Events
34. How to Start a Local Food Purchasing Program Webcast
April 23, 2008; Webcast
Academic Impressions is offering a webcast on how to set up and manage a local food purchasing program. The presentation will offer solutions to challenges such as distribution, cost, liability, product specifications, handling, and storage, and will also give viewers tips on training the staff to use local food, marketing, and setting short and long term goals. The webcast is aimed at institutions exploring local food purchasing or looking to expand their current local and sustainability initiatives. Directors of Dining, Dining Services Managers, Purchasing Managers, Auxiliary Service Directors, and Sustainability Coordinators are encouraged to attend the event.
35. CFP, Regist. Open - AASHE 2008: Working Together for Sustainability
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 by May 1. Early registration ends June 17, 2008. Discounts are available for students and AASHE members. |
