UNC is now one of 100 Bicycle Friendly Universities, earning a silver-level distinction from the League of American Bicyclists. The Bicycle Friendly America Program recognizes communities and universities that actively support bicycling. Carolina has been developing a Bike Master Plan to improve bicycle circulation, infrastructure, and parking on campus. Tar Heel Bikes, the university’s first bicycle share program, provides 30 bikes for free, short-term loan, and plans to expand.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Tar Heels Partner with Sustainable Textile Manufacturer to Support Recycling
With a goal of driving recycling awareness and education among fans, UNC Athletics is the first collegiate athletics program to join REPREVE's #TurnItGreen™ movement. REPREVE, a leading recycled-fiber brand, is made from recyclable materials, including plastic bottles. On December 3, Tar Heels and REPREVE will turn the Dean Dome green by recycling more than 45,000 plastic bottles into REPREVE-based items. “Working with REPREVE gives us the opportunity to show how green our students and fan base can be, and I'm confident they will rise to the challenge,” said Roy Williams, head men's basketball coach at UNC. "Recycling really does make a significant impact, and we want everyone to take what they learn in the stands and put it into action, so that the entire campus community will recycle even more than we do currently.”
Conservation Tips for a Sustainable Holiday Season
As we look forward to time away from campus, please remember that our building systems continue to operate during the break. With your efforts, we can reduce our environmental impact and costs over the holidays.
Before leaving for any extended period, please:
- Shut down desktop and laptop computers unless instructed otherwise by IT or administrative staff. If your computer, speakers, phone charger, etc., are all on one power strip, turn off the power strip after shutting down your computer.
- Unplug nonessential equipment that draws “phantom load”. Copiers, fax machines, printers, scanners, and chargers often use electricity even when turned off or in sleep mode. Warm transformers, chargers, and equipment are an indication that the device is using power.
- Unplug appliances, including coffee makers, microwaves, televisions, and radios. Like office equipment, many appliances use electricity even when turned off.
- Adjust the thermostat to 65 degrees or less.
- Turn off office lights and as much public lighting as possible in hallways, bathrooms, break rooms, and conference rooms.
- Check windows to make sure they are tightly closed and locked.
- Check faucets in bathrooms and break rooms to make sure they are completely turned off and not dripping.
- If you work in a lab with variable air volume fume hoods, shut the sash completely (just as you should any time the hood is not in use).
- Call in any leaks or maintenance issues to your Facilities Services team (962-3456 or www.fac.unc.edu) or Housing Support team if you live in the residence halls (966-2471 or Fix My Room).
These tips will help keep your building safe and energy-efficient. They also apply at home. Post this information to share with colleagues, suitemates, and fellow building occupants.
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Carolina Ranks 32nd Among World’s Top Research Universities
According to the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Global Universities,” Carolina ranks 32nd among the world’s top 500 research universities and 24th among national research universities. “As a leading global public research university, Carolina inspires research, scholarship, and service on some of the most pressing international issues of our time,” said Chancellor Carol Folt. An inventory of university research that incorporates sustainability themes or addresses sustainability-related challenges can be found on the Sustainability Office website.
New “Global Impacts on American Waters” Seminar Course
A new interdisciplinary seminar course on planning sustainable solutions for port communities will be offered this spring. The course explores global impacts on American waters including: water quality and availability; transportation by water, rail, and pipeline; and climate change impacts including sea-level rise, storm, and drought severity. AMST 498 with Professor Rachel Willis is for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, and will meet on Mondays from 3:35-6:25pm.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Divert 32,940 Pounds of Trash from Landfill
A district-wide composting and waste education effort, funded by cost-savings from decreased trash removal, has led to an 87% reduction in cafeteria landfill waste. Schools took the first step by transitioning from Styrofoam to compostable cafeteria trays with assistance from local organization Every Tray Counts. More than 8,000 students from elementary and middle schools separate compostable, recyclable, and landfill waste in cafeterias across the district.
Orange County Public Vehicles recognized as NC Smart Fleet
The NC Smart Fleet initiative, a new, statewide program led by the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, recognizes the efficiency efforts of public vehicle fleets. Orange County was recognized as having a NC Smart Fleet for reducing dependence on petroleum by reducing fuel load and adopting more fuel-conserving driving habits. The town of Chapel Hill received a champion level award for reducing emissions over the past three years.
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State Funding Announced for Clean Water Projects
North Carolina’s waterways, wildlife habitat, and water quality will get a boost thanks to $1.9 million in grant funding for projects that protect and improve ecosystem health and quality. Projects supported by the Environmental Enhancement Grant Program have resulted in the closure of 223 animal waste lagoons, the restoration or conservation of more than 20,700 acres of natural areas and wildlife habitat, and environmental education and research initiatives.
Clinton Global Initiative University
The Clinton Global Initiative University engages the next generation of leaders to develop innovative solutions to global challenges. The 2015 conference will take place at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, from March 6-8, 2015. The final application deadline is December 1, 2014.
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Apply Now for the EPA P3 Competition
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals to research and develop solutions to real world challenges. The People, Prosperity, and Planet Program (P3) will award up to $90K for teams to implement proposals in the field and marketplace. Last cycle award winners include projects on low-cost water quality monitoring, an air conditioning system that runs on solar power, and a campus recycling program for Styrofoam packaging. Submit proposals by December 16.
Environmental Magazine Call for Submissions
Let the environment inspire you to create and share. eno is run by students in the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University to encourage and publish artistic expression that inspires a deeper engagement with the environment. Submissions of writing or art are being accepted until November 26th.
Carolina in the News
Check out recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
15 Years of Leadership in Sustainable Enterprise
UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School was one of the first business schools to offer a comprehensive curriculum in sustainable enterprise that includes experiential learning, enrichment activities, and career development. Today more than 550 MBA students have graduated with a concentration in sustainable enterprise and are pursuing a wide range of careers. “Sustainable enterprise is a strategic strength for UNC Kenan-Flagler,” said Al Segars, faculty director of the School’s Center for Sustainable Enterprise. The school's sustainability initiatives include the Sustainability Leadership Capstone course, a unique model of experiential learning; the Investing for Impact Competition, in which students assess socially and environmentally sustainable firms; and the MBA and undergraduate Net Impact clubs, which have received gold chapter standing for the last three years.
Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at uncnews.unc.edu.
Green Tip
Consider wasting less this Thanksgiving. Plan ahead and practice portion control. After the meal, donate your leftovers to a nearby food bank and don’t forget to compost your food scraps.
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