Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
Green Tip
Long-term solutions to climate change will require profound changes in how we think about energy. At the same time, there are everyday things we can do to reduce our personal contributions to greenhouse gases. Check out these seven simple guidelines for thinking about carbon emissions. Read more »
UNC-Chapel Hill Signs the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge
Carolina joined more than 200 colleges and universities across the nation in signing the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge. Announced by the White House just ahead of the Conference on Climate Change in Paris, the pledge demonstrates the signatories’ commitment to “accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy while enhancing sustainable and resilient practices across campus.” Read the full pledge and list of signatories here.
Carolina specifically pledged to build on existing investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public transportation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:
• Transitioning to burning more natural gas instead of coal as an interim fuel strategy at our award winning 32 megawatt combined heat and power plant.
• Investing in more LED lighting and demand responsive HVAC systems. UNC-Chapel Hill has already reduced energy consumption by 29% per square foot since 2003, thus avoiding $260 million in energy costs and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
• Examining opportunities to expand our use of GHG-intensive methane gas to generate electricity. UNC already operates a 1 MW generator that produces electricity from landfill gas.
• Working with the town to implement our recently developed bicycle master plans. UNC already sponsors a fare-free transit system, along with the town, that provides 7 million rides annually.
Campus Community Plants First Edible Campus Garden
The new Edible Campus project promotes a landscape of fresh produce and herbs accessible to all. Over 80 students and community members recently participated in the first planting day, facilitated by Grounds Services employees. Volunteers planted over 300 edible plants around campus, including blueberry bushes, persimmon trees, and artichoke plants.
Read more »
CSU Offers New Greenhouse Gas Management and Accounting Degree
Earlier this year, Colorado State University (CSU) became the first university to achieve a Platinum rating in sustainability from AASHE STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System). CSU has now announced the new Master of Greenhouse Gas Management & Accounting to provide an interdisciplinary approach to greenhouse gas quantification and mitigation efforts. The program leverages world-leading climate change expertise and enables students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds, such as environmental studies, business, engineering, natural resources, and agriculture, to develop the skills needed for emerging professions in greenhouse gas management and accounting.
Read more »
Apply for Fellowships Through The Carolina Center for Public Service
The Carolina Center for Public Service is currently accepting applications for the Community Engagement Fellowship program, which awards a maximum of five fellowships of up to $2,000 each year for projects that employ innovative, sustainable approaches to complex social needs. Returning, full-time graduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill are eligible to apply. Apply online through the CCPS Application and Nomination Portal by February 8, 2016.
City of Asheville Adopts Framework for Clean Energy
Asheville City Council recently adopted the Community Clean Energy Policy Framework, a blueprint for implementing the city’s 2013 pledge to transition to a clean energy economy. Developed by a diverse group of residents and city staff, elected officials, and business owners over a two-year period, the framework includes next steps and practical strategies for innovative ways to reduce energy needs. Read more »
Service-Learning Course Development Grants
APPLES is soliciting proposals for $5,000 service-learning course development grants from faculty and instructors who teach undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Up to seven $5,000 grants will be awarded to develop new or modify existing courses that integrate community-based service and promote service-learning pedagogy at UNC-Chapel Hill. For eligibility criteria and application information, click here. Applications are open through February 22, 2016, through the Carolina Center for Public Service Application and Nomination Portal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)