Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Sustainability Analysis Of Team Orange County’S Home Life Events During The U.S. Department Of Energy: 2015 Solar Decathlon, Lauren Sato, Alexandra Fw Sidun

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

This project will look at the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2015 Solar Decathlon and examine Chapman University’s involvement in Team Orange County. This project will further examine the Home Life sub-competition by studying the sustainability of the components of the two Home Life dinners, the movie night party, and the energy budget associated with each of the three events. Reviewing team documents and collecting data from affiliated team members will give us a wholesome overview of the efforts taken to achieve sustainability for the dinners and movie night. We found various practices were incorporated in the menu-concepts for the three …

College Students' Perceptions Of Sustainability: A Regional Survey, Michael Myung Jeong, Younghan Jung, Dan Daehyun Koo

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Understanding college students’ perception of sustainability is paramount as today’s students will soon be driving our economy and taking on the responsibility of maintaining a sustainable society. This study conducted a survey of college students attending two regional universities in the United States to capture their current experience levels, expectations, and perceptions with regard to various aspects of sustainability utilizing a questionnaire consisting of structured questions about sustainability knowledge/familiarity levels, green product purchase behavior, attitude-behavior relationship, and sustainability education. The results reveal useful insights into the students’ views on these topics and the demographic data collected were further analyzed to …

Risky Business: Sustainability And Industrial Land Use Across Seattle’S Gentrifying Riskscape, Troy D. Abel, Jonah White, Stacy Clauson

College of the Environment on the Peninsulas Publications

This paper examines the spatial and temporal trajectories of Seattle’s industrial land use restructuring and the shifting riskscape in Seattle, WA, a commonly recognized urban model of sustainability. Drawing on the perspective of sustainability as a conflicted process, this research explored the intersections of urban industrial and nonindustrial land use planning, gentrification, and environmental injustice. In the first part of our research, we combine geographic cluster analysis and longitudinal air toxic emission comparisons to quantitatively investigate socioeconomic changes in Seattle Census block-groups between 1990, 2000, and 2009 coupled with measures of pollution volume and its relative potential risk. Second, we …

Towards Sustainable Digital Humanities Software, George K. Thiruvathukal, Shilpika Shilpika, Nicholas J. Hayward, Saulo Aguiar, Konstantin Läufer

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Our work in software quality for digital humanities was borne of an effort to address sustainable practices in scientific software development, where the speaker (Thiruvathukal) co-authored a position paper on the case for software engineering in scientific software development as part of an all-encompassing strategy to create more sustainable scientific software (an example of a well-known scientific software package is LINPACK). In this position paper, we addressed how “progress in scientific research is dependent on the quality and accessibility of software at all levels". This progress depends on embracing the best traditional--and emergent--practices in software engineering, especially agile practices that …

Chemistry And Biochemistry News, Georgia Southern University

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry News (2015-2023)

• Faculty members from Chemistry and Biology Department Recived a Sustainability Fee Grant
• Teaching Scholarship

• CEMITURE 2015- Research Experience for Undergraduates

Zero-Waste Planning At Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study Of Western Kentucky University, Kianoosh Ebrahimi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Over the past two decades, the number of universities that pursue zero-waste strategies has steadily increased. However, more study is required on several interrelated factors, policy barriers, and infrastructural fundamentals, which each influence the efficiency of waste management structures (WM) at universities. In this work, the role of the aforementioned factors in implementing an efficient sustainable WM program at higher education institutions was investigated, using Western Kentucky University (WKU) as a case study. The objectives of this study were to identify and assess what type of WM strategies should be priorities for a university that may lack stringent WM infrastructure. …

The Role Of Sister Cities’ Staff Exchanges In Developing “Learning Cities”: Exploring Necessary And Sufficient Conditions In Social Capital Development Utilizing Proportional Odds Modeling, Patrick H. Buckley, Akio Takahashi, Amy D. Anderson

Mathematics Faculty Publications

In the last half century former international adversaries have become cooperators through networking and knowledge sharing for decision making aimed at improving quality of life and sustainability; nowhere has this been more striking then at the urban level where such activity is seen as a key component in building “learning cities” through the development of social capital. Although mega-cities have been leaders in such efforts, mid-sized cities with lesser resource endowments have striven to follow by focusing on more frugal sister city type exchanges. The underlying thesis of our research is that great value can be derived from city-to-city exchanges …

Sustainability Analysis Of Domestic Rainwater Harvesting Systems For Current And Future Water Security In Rural Mexico, Elena E. Neibaur

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rainwater harvesting, the act of capturing and storing rain, is an ancient practice that is increasingly utilized today by communities to address water supply needs. This thesis examines whether domestic rainwater harvesting systems (DRWHS) can be a sustainable solution as defined by social, water quality, and technical feasibility for water security in semi-arid, rural environments. For this study, 50 surveys and 17 stored rainwater analyses were conducted in San Jose Xacxamayo, Mexico, in conjunction with my Peace Corps work of implementing 82 DRWHS. Results showed that all DRWHS were socially feasible because of cultural acceptance and local capacity. Water quality …

Slides: The Colorado River: Innovation In The Face Of Scarcity, Anne J. Castle

Innovations in Managing Western Water: New Approaches for Balancing Environmental, Social and Economic Outcomes (Martz Summer Conference, June 11-12)

Presenter: Anne J. Castle, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment

40 slides

Slides: Perspectives On Water Management In Arizona, Kathy Jacobs

Innovations in Managing Western Water: New Approaches for Balancing Environmental, Social and Economic Outcomes (Martz Summer Conference, June 11-12)

Presenter: Kathy Jacobs, Director, Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions (CCASS), Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona

25 slides

Senator George J. Mitchell Lecture On Sustainability, Senator George J. Mitchell Center For Sustainability Solutions

Cultural Affairs Distinguished Lecture Series

On Thursday, October 15, 2015 the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions will host the 2015 Senator George J. Mitchell Lecture on Sustainability. This event is free and open to all. It will take place at 1pm at Wells Conference Center on the University of Maine campus. Roger A. Pielke, Jr., a key thought leader on effective roles for scientists in political debates and the formulation of public policy, will be the keynote speaker. Senator Mitchell will provide remarks.

The central mission of the Mitchell Center is to serve as a leader and valued partner in understanding and …

Slides: Practicing Sustainability In Natural Resource Industries, Gary D. Libecap

Natural Resource Industries and the Sustainability Challenge (Martz Winter Symposium, February 27-28)

Presenter: Gary D. Libecap, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management and Economics Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

10 slides

Agenda: Seeds Of Change: Responding To Global Change In A Bottom-Up World, University Of Colorado Boulder. Getches-Wilkinson Center For Natural Resources, Energy, And The Environment, University Of Colorado Boulder. School Of Law, Posner Center For International Development, Resolve (Firm), Newmont Mining Corporation

Seeds of Change: Responding to Global Change in a Bottom-Up World (Martz Winter Symposium, February 12-13)

Sponsors: Posner Center for International Development, RESOLVE, Inc., Newmont Mining Corporation, and Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment.

Conference moderators, panelists and speakers included University of Colorado Law School professors Phil Weiser, Sarah Krakoff, Britt Banks, and Lakshman Guruswamy.

This conference is made possible through the generous support of donors who sponsored this year’s Martz Sustainability Symposium (including Newmont Mining Corporation) and those who have invested in our Clyde O. Martz Endowed Fund for Natural Resources Management (including Brian Dolan and Davis Graham and Stubbs LLP). The Martz Natural Resources Management Fund was established in the memory …

Does Material Choice Drive Sustainability Of 3d Printing?, Jeremy Faludi, Zhongyin Hu, Shahd Alrashed, Christopher Braunholz, Suneesh Kaul, Leulekal Kassaye

Dartmouth Scholarship

Environmental impacts of six 3D printers using various materials were compared to determine if material choice drove sustainability, or if other factors such as machine type, machine size, or machine utilization dominate. Cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessments were performed, comparing a commercial-scale FDM machine printing in ABS plastic, a desktop FDM machine printing in ABS, a desktop FDM machine printing in PET and PLA plastics, a polyjet machine printing in its proprietary polymer, an SLA machine printing in its polymer, and an inkjet machine hacked to print in salt and dextrose. All scenarios were scored using ReCiPe Endpoint H methodology to combine …

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.

Umass Amherst Energy Consumption, Ghg Emissions, Energy Intensity From 2002-2014, Ezra Small

Campus Data

Data spreadsheet of GHG emissions, fuel consumption, and energy intensity for UMass Amherst between Fiscal Years 2002 to 2014.

Fy 2015 Umass Amherst Electricity Data By Building, Ezra Small

Campus Data

Each year, UMass Amherst Utilities publishes this spreadsheet which has the monthly and annual building energy consumption of each metered building on campus. Cost data and production vs. purchased electricity data are also provided.

Fy 2015 Umass Amherst Water & Steam Data By Building, Ezra Small

Campus Data

Each year, UMass Amherst Utilities publishes this spreadsheet which has the monthly and annual building water and steam consumption of each metered building on campus.

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

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

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

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

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

NECSC Conference 2015

Penn State's Sustainability Institute Director Denice Wardrop's keynote address.

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

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

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 …

The Student-Led Zero Waste Movement, Alex Freid

NECSC Conference 2015

In this workshop, we have participants envision what a zero waste campus would look like. We break the room into groups and give them a limited amount of time to draw or map out how they would prevent specific forms of waste from entering campus, how they would control the collection, logistics, and flow of waste through campus, and how they would manage the process of removing waste (if any) from campus.

If time allows, we also tack on an additional step of designing innovative ideas for how students can cut down on the amount of waste produced within a …

Upenn Green Living Certification, Bailey Rowland, Julian Goresko, Daniel Garofalo

NECSC Conference 2015

In 2013, the University of Pennsylvania launched a new sustainability certification for on-campus residents called “Green Living.” The program offers students the opportunity to receive a certification and earn rewards for making choices that reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to Penn’s Climate Action Plan goals. In order to become certified, students are asked to fill out an online survey about their habits, which gives them a gold, silver, or bronze score based on their responses. The point values assigned to each of the habits in the survey vary, similar to USGBC’s LEED certification for buildings. The certification includes actions …

Innovative Procurement Models For Renewable Electricity, Anthony Amato

NECSC Conference 2015

Colleges and universities are committing to aggressive emission reduction goals as part of their efforts to reduce their carbon footprints and meet their commitments under the ACUPCC. Electricity use commonly accounts for 40 percent of a higher education institution’s emissions, and as such the purchase of renewable electricity is a common and effective means of reducing indirect (scope 2) emissions and achieving sustainability goals. To date, the vast majority of college and universities purchasing renewable electricity have been through short-term contracts (1 – 3 years) for utility products or renewable energy certificates (RECs). Only recently have a few leading institutions …