Earth Day is Every Day at Delaware State University

By Harry L. Williams, President, Delaware State University
(This article appears in the June, 2011 issue of The ACUPCC Implementer)

In Delaware State University’s climate neutrality and sustainability pursuits, engagement has been a key concept. It is not a process in which we simply tell people what we want to do regarding sustainability initiatives at DSU, but it is critically important to engage them intellectually and actively in the process. There are many jobs to do in such an endeavor, and we would be neglectfully remiss and not very effective if we did not fully engage members of the DSU community in this work. From the very beginning, we have understood that the significant reduction of the carbon footprint of DSU could not be effectively done without the participation of all segments of the DSU campus and community at-large.

Dr. Harry L. Williams, President, and Amir Mohammadi, Vice President of Finance and Administration, receive a recyclable mug from Chanel Paul, a DSU Green Ambassador

That is why upon committing to be a part of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in August 2009, we immediately embarked on the establishment of a campus-wide Go Green Sustainability Committee.

Our 14-member steering committee encourages the involvement of others through the example set by our top leadership. All of the University’s vice presidents and deans are a part of the steering committee, as well as the president of the Student Government Association. Through that leadership group, seven subcommittees were created that include more than 80 active members from the University’s business and administration personnel, as well as students, faculty and staff from all walks of DSU academic life.

Read Full Post »

Targeting Campus Efficiency, EDF expands Climate Corps to the Public Sector

By Jill Logeman, Energy Program Coordinator, Environmental Defense Fund

(This article appears in the August, 2010 issue of The ACUPCC Implementer)

If improving building energy efficiency were as simple as flipping a switch, universities could easily cash in on big cost savings and emission reductions. Instead, limited resources, information gaps, and organizational barriers prevent universities from taking advantage of smart energy investments.  Environmental Defense Fund’s new summer fellowship program can help colleges and universities overcome these obstacles.

Climate Corps Public Sector trains talented graduate students from top schools in energy efficiency and places them in public organizations, such as colleges and universities.  Working with facilities management or sustainability staff, each fellow or pair of fellows develops a customized energy plan designed to meet the host’s needs.

Fellows work across host departments to:

• Inventory the host’s energy use through the review and analysis of professional energy audits, interviews with key employees, and direct observation;
• Model the financial impact of upgrades to lighting, office equipment, and heating & cooling systems, factoring in available rebates and incentives;
• Facilitate collaboration among multiple energy efficiency stakeholders; and
• Map a strategy for energy efficiency investments and present the business case to key decision-makers.

Read Full Post »