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Articles 1 - 30 of 53
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
2023 Sustainability Report, Madeline Rawson
2023 Sustainability Report, Madeline Rawson
Sustainability Reports & Plans
Based on the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education's (AASHE) Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System (STARS) Report (Rated Gold) published February 17, 2023, this report breaks sustainability down into twelve categories and articulates recommended next steps for each topic. Along with these detailed recommendations, there are three overarching steps that UMass Amherst can take to advance sustainability on campus quickly and efficiently. This report was designed and written by Madeline Rawson at GreenerU.
Climate Change And Modern Education: Preparing For A Sustainable Future, Poulomi Chakravarty, Sai Gattupalli, Stephen Mcginty
Climate Change And Modern Education: Preparing For A Sustainable Future, Poulomi Chakravarty, Sai Gattupalli, Stephen Mcginty
College of Education Student Publication Series
Climate change is a global phenomenon that has attracted widespread attention in recent decades due to its profound impact on the environment and society. Although climate change is a phenomenon occurring since the inception of Earth, anthropogenic activities such as fossil fuel consumption due to industrialization, transportation and domestic usage, deforestation and land use changes due to urbanization have accelerated the process. Climate education has become an important part of modern education as it helps raise awareness of the issue and promote behavior of climate consciousness which leads to climate action in a positive direction. The authors highlight the values …
“Trash Talk” - Rethinking The Notion Of Waste, Shivaangi Salhotra
“Trash Talk” - Rethinking The Notion Of Waste, Shivaangi Salhotra
Student Showcase
In the twenty-first century, waste has become a ubiquitous problem. Images of things like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have ceased to become jarring, and pictures of overflowing landfills and statistics about plastic in the ocean have become so commonplace that they are “memed”. Yet despite increasing awareness and changes in policy, global waste production and its deleterious effects continue to rise. Dominant narratives surrounding waste tend to focus on how individuals can properly dispose of their waste, which, while certainly important, is not the full story. It doesn't question why we produce so much waste in the first place, …
New2u Impact Report: Fostering Sustainability And Student Engagement At Umass, Sarah Welch
New2u Impact Report: Fostering Sustainability And Student Engagement At Umass, Sarah Welch
Student Showcase
This report presents a cost-benefit analysis of the New2U reuse and waste reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). Rooted in the university's strategic goals, New2U addresses the environmental impact of landfill waste generated during student move-outs. The program, initiated in 2014, has diverted 80,000 pounds of waste, saving 127 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) by redistributing items through a tag sale during move-in.
The Sustainability Of Decarbonizing The Grid: A Multi-Model Decision Analysis Applied To Mexico, Rodrigo Mercado Fernandez, Erin Baker
The Sustainability Of Decarbonizing The Grid: A Multi-Model Decision Analysis Applied To Mexico, Rodrigo Mercado Fernandez, Erin Baker
Publications
Mexico recognizes its vulnerability to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, increasing average temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events and changes to the hydrological cycle. Because of these concerns Mexico has a vested interest in developing sustainable strategies for mitigating climate change as it develops its electricity grid. In this study, we use a set of sustainability criteria to evaluate a number of model-derived pathways for the electricity grid aimed at meeting Mexico's climate goals. We use a multi-step approach, combining pathways from multiple large scale global models with a detailed electricity model to leverage geographic information …
Environmental Decision-Making, Ezra Markowitz
Environmental Decision-Making, Ezra Markowitz
Sustainability Education Resources
Over the past 30 years, there has been a growing recognition amongst environmental advocates, resource managers, policymakers and researchers that the underlying cause of most environmental, conservation and sustainability issues is human behavior. As NRC and ENVIRSCI majors, you have received extensive technical training in how natural systems operate yet relatively little training when it comes to influencing or understanding how people make environmental decisions that affect those natural systems. Recognizing the fundamental role that human decision-making plays in shaping the environment reveals a new set of tools and approaches for both understanding the challenges we face and confronting those …
Beyond Green Cars And Goddesses: Gender, The Global Environment, And Sustainability, Kiran Asher
Beyond Green Cars And Goddesses: Gender, The Global Environment, And Sustainability, Kiran Asher
Sustainability Education Resources
Gender, the environment and sustainability are key terms in debates about economic globalization and social justice. While not new, they are reemerging as part of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda. This course will introduce students to the perceived and existing links between women, gender, and the global environment as they appear in 21st century discussions about sustainable development. Through readings, lectures and discussions will explore the following questions: When did the environment and sustainability emerge as key biological and social issues on global agendas? What are their connections to economic globalization? To colonialism and capitalism? How did …
Introduction To Oceanography – Honors (Geol 103h), Isla Casteneda
Introduction To Oceanography – Honors (Geol 103h), Isla Casteneda
Sustainability Education Resources
A general education course designed to acquaint you with the fascinating features of the nearly 71% of our home planet covered by water. These are broad themes that reflect the spirit and value of the general education curriculum that is a part of your UMass experience. As citizens of our small world, we would argue that everyone should take a course like this! With jet service to almost anywhere in the world, financial markets electronically and politically linked for “real time” transactions 24-7, and global populations striving to live as well as we do here in the U.S., it's important …
Environmental Decision-Making (Nrc 494 Ei), Ezra Markowitz
Environmental Decision-Making (Nrc 494 Ei), Ezra Markowitz
Sustainability Education Resources
Over the past 30 years, there has been a growing recognition amongst environmental advocates, resource managers, policymakers and researchers that the underlying cause of most environmental, conservation and sustainability issues is human behavior. As NRC and ENVIRSCI majors, you have received extensive technical training in how natural systems operate yet relatively little training when it comes to influencing or understanding how people make environmental decisions that affect those natural systems. Recognizing the fundamental role that human decision-making plays in shaping the environment reveals a new set of tools and approaches for both understanding the challenges we face and confronting those …
Food Writing, Carol Ann Connare Ms
Food Writing, Carol Ann Connare Ms
Sustainability Education Resources
This advanced writing four-credit course approaches food writing from a news reporting perspective. The Pioneer Valley is home to a network of food producers, from farmers and cheesemakers to brewers and beekeepers. Students will travel into the field to meet people who make and grow what we eat, conducting interviews and collecting information to synthesize into multimedia stories for publication around themes such as health, history, travel, ecology, animal welfare, social change, nutrition, and home cooking. Students will experience the full spectrum of food writing—blogs, magazine articles, personal essays, reviews, recipes, social and cultural commentary—and create stories in a variety …
Math 456 Student Project Reports For Valleybike Operations Optimization, Ezra Small
Math 456 Student Project Reports For Valleybike Operations Optimization, Ezra Small
Student Showcase
In the fall semester of 2019 UMass Amherst students in Professor Annie Raymond's MATH 456 course used ValleyBike share route data and applied mathematic algorithms to develop recommendations to the system operators and participating communities on how to optimize bike balancing operations, maintenance, station dock allocation, station locations, incentive programs, etc.
Sustainability Integration Project, Ezra Small
Sustainability Integration Project, Ezra Small
Sustainability Reports & Plans
In 2017 UMass Amherst Chancellor's Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) identified 6 top strategic priorities for advancing sustainability through a planning process called the Sustainability Integration Project (SIP). The outcome of this plan has laid the foundation for strategic sustainability projects and planning initiatives at UMass Amherst over the last 3 years and will continue to do so beyond 2020.
The Importance Of Institutional Design For Distributed Local-Level Governance Of Groundwater: The Case Of California’S Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Michael Kiparsky, Anita Milman, Dave Owen, Andrew T. Fisher
The Importance Of Institutional Design For Distributed Local-Level Governance Of Groundwater: The Case Of California’S Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, Michael Kiparsky, Anita Milman, Dave Owen, Andrew T. Fisher
Environmental Conservation Faculty Publication Series
In many areas of the world, groundwater resources are increasingly stressed, and unsustainable use has become common. Where existing mechanisms for governing groundwater are ineffective or nonexistent, new ones need to be developed. Local level groundwater governance provides an intriguing alternative to top-down models, with the promise of enabling management to better match the diversity of physical and social conditions in groundwater basins. One such example is emerging in California, USA, where new state law requires new local agencies to self-organize and act to achieve sustainable groundwater management. In this article, we draw on insights from research on common pool …
The Perfect Storm: Lasting Impacts Of Structural Adjustment Programs And Pressures Of Climate Change In Latin America And Ghana, Africa, Sam Kefferstan
The Perfect Storm: Lasting Impacts Of Structural Adjustment Programs And Pressures Of Climate Change In Latin America And Ghana, Africa, Sam Kefferstan
Student Showcase
This work examines the intersectionality of economic, social and environmental impacts of the International Monetary Fund’s and World Bank’s application of structural adjustment programs (SAPs) within Latin America and Ghana, Africa. Varying economic and social indicators illustrate the underperformance of SAPs in their intended mission to reduce poverty and debt in developing nations. This research argues Gross Domestic Product is an imperfect measure of improving quality of life and points towards other indicators such as increasing national debt, rising incidences of poverty, and exacerbated regional disparities to demonstrate the shortcomings of SAPs. This piece also investigates the limitations adjustment imposes …
Umass Amherst Guide To Zero-Waste Events, Kevin J. Hollerbach, Ainsley Brosnan-Smith
Umass Amherst Guide To Zero-Waste Events, Kevin J. Hollerbach, Ainsley Brosnan-Smith
Student Showcase
As the University of Massachusetts Amherst continues to grow, and as programming for the campus community becomes an ever-rising priority, events organizers will need to consider the waste implications of every event to comply with state and University standards, goals, and policies. This "Guide to Zero-Waste Events" aims to streamline the planning process as well as provide tips and examples for follow-through to implementing a successful zero-waste event. The guide also presents actionable policy recommendations for the University to reduce waste and increase diversion from large-scale outdoor events on the UMass Amherst campus.
What Will It Take To Make Solar Panels Cool?, Luke Fateiger, Cameron A. Lane, M. Donald Rollings, Cameron J. Smith-Freedman
What Will It Take To Make Solar Panels Cool?, Luke Fateiger, Cameron A. Lane, M. Donald Rollings, Cameron J. Smith-Freedman
Student Showcase
With the predicted results of climate change looming, humanity must do all it can to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Maintaining a habitable environment along with the high quality of living associated with developed nations requires investment in renewable energy. Because national governments often fail to make responsible decisions for their country's future, this burden falls to institutions like UMass Amherst. Although costly investments like solar panels substantially improve the sustainability of campus, some innovative improvements of existing solar energy infrastructure can go a long way. For example, when solar panels heat up they lose photovoltaic efficiency. We propose that UMass …
Proposal For Implementation Of An E-Receipt System And Non-Toxic Compostable Receipt Paper At Umass Dining Facilities, Patricia Murphy, Randa Kallin, Kyle Grasso, Taryn Ramey
Proposal For Implementation Of An E-Receipt System And Non-Toxic Compostable Receipt Paper At Umass Dining Facilities, Patricia Murphy, Randa Kallin, Kyle Grasso, Taryn Ramey
Student Showcase
For our junior year writing course, we were given the assignment to write a proposal to fix something on campus. As students passionate about sustainability, our group elected to improve an aspect of campus we thought could boost our universities impressive green reputation. We all realized receipt printing is a large and wasteful process at UMassAmherst while both large-scale stores such as Home Depot and smaller venues in downtown Amherst were able to implement an e-receipt system which saves money and resources. Although this proposal started as a class project, our group found through our research that this idea had …
Umass System Policy On Sustainability (Board Of Trustees Policy Statement), Ezra Small
Umass System Policy On Sustainability (Board Of Trustees Policy Statement), Ezra Small
Sustainability Reports & Plans
The Sustainability Policy exemplifies the long-term commitment of the five campuses of UMass to be good stewards of fiscal and environmental resources. Our environmental responsibility is rooted in the University’s founding as a land-grant institution, designed to bolster good stewardship of land and industry as well as to serve the greater public good. With stewardship in mind, the efforts and achievements of each campus are celebrated while striving to be sustainability leaders, fulfilling our mission of advancing knowledge, and improving the lives of the people of the Commonwealth, nation, and world.
Monitoring Waste To Minimize Waste At The University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Dylan J. Masi, Timothy C. Shea, Jacob M. Downs, Amy W. Chou
Monitoring Waste To Minimize Waste At The University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Dylan J. Masi, Timothy C. Shea, Jacob M. Downs, Amy W. Chou
Student Showcase
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to sustainability, however, the campus could further reduce its costs and save energy by optimizing the current method of waste removal. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that by the end of the century, Earth’s average temperature will rise by 11 degrees Fahrenheit unless society takes action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, about one-third of carbon emissions in the U.S. come from transportation. Campus garbage bins are collected by carbon-emitting trucks daily, and large truckable waste compactors are collected about three times per week. The amount of harmful …
North D Compost Pilot Semester Report, Kevin J. Hollerbach, Jordan Chan
North D Compost Pilot Semester Report, Kevin J. Hollerbach, Jordan Chan
Student Showcase
Following the completion of a 14-week-long residential compost pilot program in North Apartment D at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, this review summarizes the proposition, implementation, and operation of the project. The success of this pilot provides the framework for the expansion of residential composting at UMass Amherst, resulting in higher trash diversion rates from residence halls, and encouraging students to reduce their environmental footprint both on and off campus. The demonstrated success for this pilot program and upcoming expanded pilot provides further justification for expansion across residential life, other University departments, or other institutions to participate in waste-reduction initiatives. …
Umass Amherst Comprehensive Campus Energy Master Plan, Rmf Engineering
Umass Amherst Comprehensive Campus Energy Master Plan, Rmf Engineering
Sustainability Reports & Plans
The following Comprehensive Campus Energy Plan is intended to provide the University of Massachusetts (UMass), Amherst Campus with a long range vision for efficient and reliable utility generation and delivery as well as effective energy conservation measures. While the plan is based upon a 50-year period, specific recommendations and upgrades are presented to address the short term needs associated with the 10-year capital plan.
Fy 2015 Umass Amherst Waste Management Report, John Pepi
Fy 2015 Umass Amherst Waste Management Report, John Pepi
Campus Data
Each year the Office of Waste Management publishes this report which totals recycling and refuse data for the campus.
Sustainability Service Learning At St. Johnsbury Academy, James Bentley
Sustainability Service Learning At St. Johnsbury Academy, James Bentley
NECSC Conference 2015
St. Johnsbury Academy is an independent boarding and day school of 950 students located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We have created an innovative and effective service learning system involving environmental stewardship in our region. Stewardship Days at St. Johnsbury Academy happen twice a year, in December and May. On the December Stewardship Day, the school hosts a conference in which groups of sophomores rotate through stations hosted by reps from local environmental organizations, non-profits, and state agencies, who pitch local environmental projects to the student groups. Students then design projects and execute them on the second Stewardship Day, …
Collectively Developing A Framework For Sustainability External Reviews, Janet Williams
Collectively Developing A Framework For Sustainability External Reviews, Janet Williams
NECSC Conference 2015
As campus sustainability programs have developed and grown over the past decade, with some programs approaching relative maturity, we begin to ask an important question: how can these programs be objectively evaluated? This question was recently raised among NECSC members, and the response shows a high level of interest in and enthusiasm for the idea of an objective, external review process. An adaptable assessment process would provide a basis for programs to highlight successes, identify areas for improvement, and help to prioritize program initiatives and projects. Having a relatively standardized process for conducting the review would provide consistency and help …
The Umass Amherst Sustainability External Review Process, Ezra Small
The Umass Amherst Sustainability External Review Process, Ezra Small
NECSC Conference 2015
As campus sustainability programs have developed and grown over the past decade, with some programs approaching relative maturity, we begin to ask an important question: how can these programs be objectively evaluated? This question was recently raised among NECSC members, and the response shows a high level of interest in and enthusiasm for the idea of an objective, external review process. An adaptable assessment process would provide a basis for programs to highlight successes, identify areas for improvement, and help to prioritize program initiatives and projects. Having a relatively standardized process for conducting the review would provide consistency and help …
Collaborating With Your Communications/Marketing Office, Alex Davis
Collaborating With Your Communications/Marketing Office, Alex Davis
NECSC Conference 2015
Explore how to elevate your program’s communication strategy by developing a strong relationship with your institution’s marketing office. During this session we will cover how the relationship between the Sustainability Office and Marketing Office could be strengthened by:
-The Sustainability Office investing in the relationship, understanding the institution’s marketing goals, and learning the institution’s brand and design standards.
-The Marketing Office educating about resources and services they offer to internal departments, integrating sustainability into each marketing channel, and working to understand the Sustainability Office’s goals.
-Both Offices finding shared goals and focusing on the overall communications goals of the institution.
Penn State Sustainability Institute, Denice Wardrop
Penn State Sustainability Institute, Denice Wardrop
NECSC Conference 2015
Penn State's Sustainability Institute Director Denice Wardrop's keynote address.
The Western Ma Food Processing Center, Nicholette Lustig
The Western Ma Food Processing Center, Nicholette Lustig
NECSC Conference 2015
The Pioneer Valley Vegetable Venture is a project of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation focused on creating a link between local farms and schools by utilizing food processing techniques to extend the season. Learn how we are freezing foods, helping to grow farm businesses in the Pioneer Valley and supplying locally grown vegetables to schools in the winter.
The Clark University Community Thrift Store, Monica Phung
The Clark University Community Thrift Store, Monica Phung
NECSC Conference 2015
The Clark Community Thrift Store is a student-run non-profit business that helps cut down on over-consumption and waste and provides inexpensive college essentials, house wares, furniture, and gently used clothing to the Clark community and the surrounding area. The Community Thrift Store has a mission of providing sustainable and affordable items to the community. Our session will workshop the process of opening a sustainable campus thrift store, and allow for an open conversation about what it means to run a sustainable business. The session will be built around the audience, and will be led by what they are interested in …
Changing The Rules: How To Get Your Green Job, Eban Goodstein
Changing The Rules: How To Get Your Green Job, Eban Goodstein
NECSC Conference 2015
The planet needs saving, and you need a job. What is your first step? Eban Goodstein, Director of the Bard Center for Environmental Policy, will discuss getting started in a green career, and discuss the “C2C Strategy” to finding the sustainability work you want, in the town where you want to live. Working in small groups, teams work through the strategy process. Each student will head home with a plan to land a job or summer internship, and lay the foundation for a career saving the planet.
Participants will be introduced to career tracks in sustainability and fundamental skills for …