2012 Sustainability Yearbook

Transcription

2012-2013 Sustainability Yearbook
Appalachian State University
find out more at sustain.appstate.edu
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Letter from the Chancellor
Dear Friends:
Thank you for taking time to learn more about Sustainability at Appalachian. Sustain
Appalachian is an essential part of who we are, and while we know there is much
work to do, we do our best each day to walk the walk. Truly a community effort,
our students, faculty, staff and administration all continue to take the leadership
roles necessary to transform our campus and to educate our students with the skills
necessary to become the leaders of tomorrow.
In this past year there have been numerous “points of pride” related to
sustainability on our campus:
• In October 2011, Appalachian’s entry into the prestigious U. S. Department of
Energy Solar Decathlon 2011, the Solar Homestead, competed and won the
coveted People’s Choice Award;
• In April 2012, a group of talented students won Appalachian’s fourth Phase
II Award in the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s People, Planet and
Prosperity Grant program for designing and building a community-based “living machine” for water filtration;
• This past June, Appalachian received a Gold rating from the AASHE’s STARS program, signaling excellence in sustainable practices throughout our
University’s curriculum, operations, and administration; and
• The Appalachian Energy Summit, a system-wide transformational initiative
guiding The University of North Carolina, was held on our campus in July and
featured world-renowned author, physicist and environmental scientist Amory
Lovins of The Rocky Mountain Institute. Because we are located in one of the most beautiful places on earth, our focus on
sustainability comes naturally as we strive to be good stewards of our 3,333 foot-high
home in the Appalachian Mountains. The rich cultural heritage and the abundant
biodiversity of the region are resources we celebrate and seek to preserve on a daily
basis.
Our advances in sustainability have been transformational both to our campus
and to me personally. I see more clearly the resources saved when we install
renewable energy on our buildings, as we increase the local food content in our
dining facilities, and as we aspire to become a zero-waste University. These campus
actions and commitments impact all of us in our daily lives, as they certainly have in
my own day-to-day living.
I invite you to continue to learn more about our efforts and to take part in the
educational and leadership endeavor we are proud to call Sustain Appalachian.
Sincerely,
Kenneth E. Peacock
Chancellor
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Mission Statement & Table of Contents
S us tain ab i l i t y: Mission S t at ement
Appalachian State University leads in creating a world
where environmental, societal and economic qualities
exist in balance to meet the resource needs of today
and of future generations. Our community of students,
faculty and staff continually advance our understanding,
capabilities and practices in this vital journey. As an
institution of higher learning, we lead and educate by
example, inspiring new generations prepared to share
this knowledge, ingenuity and passion.
On the Cover: Appalachian’s Solar Homestead won the People’s
Choice Award at the 2012 Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C.
See pages 20-21 for details.
Table of Contents
Commitment and History...................6-7
Academics....................................... 8-13
Engaged Students.......................... 14-23
Campus Initiatives.........................24-35
Tomorrow and Beyond..................36-39
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Letter from Ged Moody, Director of Sustainabil
“Sustainability at Appalachian is
a story with a rich past and an
exciting future.”
- Ged Moody
Director, Office of Sustainability
S us ta in a b i l i t y:
Essential Character
Appalachian has a decades-long
commitment to sustainability, offering
multiple degree programs and
engaging our community through
innovative initiatives. We honor this
history, and boldly move forward,
inspired by our unique mountain
setting and with a genuine respect for
the natural environment. We recognize
sustainability is a journey, and “sustain
Appalachian” is our commitment
to advance our knowledge, to
demonstrate innovative practices and
to lead by example.
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Greetings,
This year’s Sustainability Report is a celebration of leadership. We
celebrate the many individuals who are making a difference on
our campus and in our world. Our philosophy is that sustainability
has to be ingrained in our actions for it to have a true lasting
effect. It is not the job of an individual department, or even a
group as diverse as our 50+ member Sustainability Council,
but rather it is an opportunity that exists for each member of our
campus community.
As you flip through the pages you will meet many of our
leaders - the students, faculty, staff and administrators who lead
by example. Behind every accomplishment is an individual or a
team, and my sense is that when they apply their efforts towards
these sustainability solutions, they are following a passion, and
therefore, creating a deeper sense of satisfaction in their work.
Colleges and universities are at the forefront of the
sustainability movement, and today there are many ratings systems
allowing us to benchmark our progress with our peers. In these
exercises, we are very proud that Appalachian continues to achieve
high levels of recognition. However, we remain keenly aware that
sustainability is a collaborative effort and not a competition, and
thus across higher education we share the challenge to build the
future in which we wish to live and learn. On our sustainability
journey, we have much continued work to do and we embrace the
opportunity to educate our students, the leaders of tomorrow.
From our classrooms and our research labs to virtually every
aspect of our campus operations, sustainability as a concept and
as a practice continues to be woven into the fabric of Appalachian.
These advances are the product of people like you who take the
time to learn more and to participate in our campus’ efforts, and
for that we are genuinely grateful.
Very best regards,
Ged Moody
Director, Office of Sustainability
S us t a i n a b i l i t y : V i s i o n
• Engage faculty, students and staff in ongoing
dialogue, inquiry and discovery of more
sustainable practices through curriculum,
degree programs and scholarly research.
• Empower students across the curriculum with
an awareness in sustainability issues and a
capacity to contribute to the construction of
sustainable societies.
• Integrate sustainable practices into all aspects
of university planning and operations, focusing
both on the current and future implications.
• Design, build and operate a campus
environment that minimizes its ecological
footprint, contributing to the goal of climate
neutrality.
• Create new paradigms for energy,
transportation, water, waste and food systems
that contribute to best practices in higher
education.
• Participate in research initiatives and outreach
activities that educate our communities, nourish
our natural ecosystems and enrich our cultural
experiences.
• Embrace health, diversity, tolerance and
human rights as principles by which policy and
process are designed.
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Commitment and History
S us t a i n a b i l i t y : Values
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is more than an initiative at Appalachian
State University – it is a way of life that is becoming
increasingly ingrained in the campus community’s
individual and institutional decision-making.
Appalachian is located in an aesthetically pleasing
ecological setting that is culturally and recreationally
rich. Together, the setting and the people create a
strong sense of place that binds community members
to each other and to the natural world. This foundation
provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate how to
build and maintain a sustainable community.
Appalachian has a rich history of commitment to
sustainable practices. Besides having the nation’s oldest,
recognized Sustainable Development and Appropriate
Technology academic programs, Appalachian rethinks
common practices and implements state-of-the-art
technologies related to energy production and energy
conservation on campus. This offers considerable
cost-savings and exceptional research opportunities for
faculty and students.
Engaged Leadership
Appalachian’s adherence to sustainability principles
exists through all levels of the organization. The actions
taken demonstrate the university administration’s
commitment to sustainability and its desire to be a
positive role model for progressive change for students
as well as the community as a whole. The commitments
listed below are symbolic statements and also contain
specific measurable benchmarks to guide a wide range
of campus initiatives:
• Signing of the 1990 Talloires Declaration – our
first, official commitment of higher education to
environmental sustainability symbolizing Appalachian’s
commitment to incorporating sustainability and
environmental literacy into its teaching, research,
operations and outreach.
• Signing of the American College and University
Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), which
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• Focused on our roles as educators and researchers, instilling the knowledge and values of sustainability into our entire community.
• Understand that decisions throughout the university have sustainability implications which must be considered and addressed.
• Realize that sustainability must focus on interrelated environmental, societal and economic issues and resources at both the local and global levels.
• Open to continually educate ourselves on the principles and possibilities of sustainability and willing to pursue innovative solutions.
• Committed to transparent reporting of our sustainability goals, initiatives and progress to the Appalachian community and beyond.
• Respect the planet’s natural environment and our unique mountain setting, embracing our interconnectedness with these ecosystems.
provides a framework and support system for colleges
and universities to implement comprehensive plans in
pursuit of climate neutrality.
• Appalachian was one of 86 pilot institutions in the
Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System
(STARS) and is a STARS Charter Participant in this
comprehensive, industry-standard scorecard developed
by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability
in Higher Education (AASHE). Appalachian received
a Gold STARS rating in its first submission, one of
only 18 schools to receive a Gold rating at the time of
submission.
• Establishment of the Sustainability Council, which
includes representatives from all academic and
operational areas across the university.
Commitment and History
Recognized Leadership
Every year, the Princeton Review designates a “Green Rating” evaluation of colleges and universities based on
their environmentally related policies, practices and academic offerings. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, Appalachian
State University scored an impressive 98 out of 99 possible points.
In 2010, Sierra Club Magazine included Appalachian in its list of “Cool Schools,”
an annual list of schools doing the most for the planet. In 2011, Appalachian made the
magazine’s list of “Coolest Schools.” These recognitions can be traced to Appalachian’s
holistic approach to pursuing sustainability as demonstrated by our:
• rich commitment and history
• comprehensive academics and research
• actively engaged students
• exemplary campus initiatives
• progressive future direction
“We are proud of our heritage and history of environmentalism and we are pleased to
celebrate the diverse efforts that our dedicated students, staff and faculty have made through
the years to show their commitment to sustainability at Appalachian State University. It will
continue to be a top priority for this institution.” - Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock
Guiding Commitments
These documents and organizations provide language and directives that guide
Appalachian in creating a roadmap toward sustainability:
• State of North Carolina; Executive Order 156 (1996, Gov. Hunt)
• Signatory of the Talloires Declaration (1997)
• Created Appalachian State University Sustainability Council (2007)
• UNC Tomorrow Commission Final Report (2007)
• “Reach Greater Heights,” Appalachian State University Strategic Plan (2008)
• Created Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (2008)
• Signatory of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment (2008)
• AASHE STARS Sustainability Reporting (2008, ongoing)
• Office of University Sustainability (2009)
• UNC System-Wide Sustainability Policy (2009)
• Appalachian 2020 Campus Master Plan (2010)
• Climate Action Plan (2010)
• Appalachian Energy Summit (2012)
• Waste Reduction Strategic Plan (2012)
Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock, center, joins Sustainability Director
Ged Moody and graduate student Sean Hayes in recognizing Earth Day
on campus.
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Decades of Commitment
Appalachian’s leadership in sustainability education
can be traced back more than 25 years. The
university houses the nation’s longest running
Sustainable Development Program (est. 1991) and
has offered Appropriate Technology programs since
1984.
More than 115 faculty members representing
all 7 colleges conduct research as it relates to
sustainability. Topics include food production, land
use, climate change, gender issues, renewable energy
and sustainable business. A survey conducted in
the fall of 2011 revealed that 27 percent of course
offerings are sustainability focused or related.
C H amp i o n : D r e w B a s i n g e r
Academics & Research
“I am grateful for the
fortunate opportunity to
study at a university that
is deeply committed to
sustainability. Learning
about sustainability
in the classroom
has taught me the
importance of making
sustainability conscious
decisions outside of the
classroom.”
- Drew Basinger, ’09, ’12
Technology graduate now
working in the Office of
Sustainability as a web
developer
Sustainability-Focused Majors/Programs
BS, MS in Appropriate Technology
BS, MS in Building Science
BS, Environmental Science
MS, Renewable Energy Engineering
BS, BA, MA Sustainable Development
Biology graduate student Jason Harkey conducts a tree
inventory of all campus trees in partnership with the Physical
Plant and New River Light & Power.
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Sustainability-Related Majors/Programs
MA in Appalachian Studies
BS in Anthropology (Sustainability)
BS in Biology (Ecology, Evolution, & Environmental)
MS in Biology (Ecology Research Focus)
MBA- Business Administration (Sustainable Business
Concentration)
BS in Community & Regional Planning
MA in Geography (Planning Concentration)
BA, BS in Geology (Environmental Geology)
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Environmental Policy & Planning)
MS in Physics (Environmental Physics)
MA- Political Science (Environmental Politics & Policy Analysis)
BS in Recreation Management
CHampion: Heather Kinsey
First Year Seminar
The First Year Seminar is an interdisciplinary introduction
to Appalachian’s General Education program. Freshmen
“The way I think of my part
select a seminar from a variety of topics ranging from
in this world has evolved
Appalachian Music to Youth Culture. The most popular
because of Appalachian.
First Year Seminar, with more selections than any
I applaud and thank the
other, is “Contemporary Green Living: Life Choices for
school for the opportunity to
Sustainability.” In addition, this course is taken by all
commit to sustainability and
the residents of the Living Green Community, who live
for providing the tools
and learn together on the “green floor” of Frank Hall,
necessary to challenge
Appalachian’s first Gold Certified LEED residence hall.
myself and further societal
The seminar emphasizes the importance of individual
consciousness.”
choices in everyday life, as we work towards our goal of
sustainable living. Students explore the diverse realms of
- Heather Kinsey, ‘11
energy, transportation, manufacturing, buildings, food
Appropriate Technology and
production, and more. The three pillars of sustainability
Building Science graduate
(environment, equity and economy) are addressed and
and alumna of the 2012 Solar
students are encouraged to avoid “green washing”
Decathlon Team
and instead, develop feasible solutions to current
sustainability issues. This course includes field trips to
local community-based sustainable technology projects, participation in service-learning activities such as “Recycle
at the Rock,” Habitat for Humanity green building projects, Kraut Creek river clean-ups, K-12 sustainability
education and more.
Sustainability-related Fall 2012 First Year Seminar offerings
• $45 Trillion Wealth Wipeout
• 21st Century Limited: Planet Earth
• About Our Trails
• Conflict and Peace
• Consciousness
• Fermented Foods
• Food, Culture and Sustainability
• Global Understandings
• Into the Wild
• Paying Tribute to Hunger
• Perspectives on Global Citizenship
• Sacred Spaces – B
• Social Change and Social Issues
• The Arts, Community, and Change
• The Beauty of the Earth
• Women’s Social and Environmental Activism
in Appalachia
• You and the Flat World
Appalachian’s academic programs prepare students to
live and work in a complex network of local, regional
and global communities.
For more information about Appalachian’s First Year Seminar program, visit firstyearseminar.appstate.edu
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Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (RIEEE)
“The research institute is intended to help Appalachian expand its research and develop
partnerships with other institutions, organizations and with business and industry. Together,
we can bring greater insight to energy and environment-related problems and help our
communities.” ‑ Dr. John Pine, RIEEE director
The Appalachian Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (RIEEE) was established in
November 2008 to enhance research opportunities for faculty and students whose interests are associated with
environmental science, energy and economics issues. Faculty members in disciplines across campus conduct
research in these areas. Their varied and innovative research projects also provide further research opportunities
for students such as:
• designing energy-efficient homes
• monitoring water quality and working with farmers • helping communities collect landfill gases to heat to identify environmentally viable crops for biofuels
and power buildings
For more information about RIEEE, visit rieee.appstate.edu
AppalAIR
The Appalachian Atmospheric Interdisciplinary
Research program (AppalAIR) monitors air quality
and atmospheric conditions and their impact on
ecosystems in the region.
The team is comprised of six faculty members
from the College of Arts and Sciences who conduct
research with students to help interpret air quality and
climate data from high elevations, which is essential
Faculty meet with students at
to
understanding a number of regional atmospheric
the AppalAIR facility.
issues.
Projects include the study of air pollution transport,
high-impact weather events, climate variability and climate change.
AppalAIR collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Grandfather Mountain, and the North Carolina Division of
Air Quality and Mountain Research Initiative (MRI).
The primary AppalAIR site is located behind the Broyhill Inn and Conference
Center near the highest point on campus, approximately 3,500 feet in elevation.
It is the only monitoring station east of Illinois that has been invited to collaborate
with NOAA’s global network of aerosol monitoring stations. Data from the station
is uploaded regularly to the United Nations’ database, and is available to scientists
worldwide.
For more information about AppalAIR, visit appalair.appstate.edu
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The Collaborative Biodiesel Project
The Appalachian Biodiesel Research, Development and Production Facility, located at the Catawba County
EcoComplex, provides valuable feedstock, fuel quality, and emissions data to the biodiesel industry in the North
Carolina. The site is modular in nature which allows for substitution of specific equipment in the production line
to determine optimal engineering design. The research purpose of the facility is to convert different feedstocks to
biofuels while maximizing positive fuel properties and minimizing the negative impact on air and water quality.
The facility allows experimentation with different processing elements to determine which components work
together to provide the best overall production performance, fuel quality, and combustion emissions. Fuel quality
and combustion emissions are analyzed well beyond ASTM and EPA standards using advanced chemical analysis
techniques.
The Appalachian Biodiesel Research, Development and Production Facility was established in partnership with
Catawba County with funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of
North Carolina General Administration, the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, Catawba County Government, and
the North Carolina Department of Commerce and State Energy Office. The facility represents a collaboration of the
faculty and staff of the Appalachian Energy Center and the Department of Technology and Environmental Design.
Building strong external partnerships with entities such as Catawba County enhances Appalachian’s research,
educational and outreach efforts by providing a vibrant learning environment within the state’s growing industries.
For more information about the EcoComplex, visit catawbacountync.gov/ecocomplex
Standing beside an algae research photo-bioreactor, Brian
Witmer ‘10, MS Building Science and Appropriate Technology
graduate and current staff member in the Appalachian Energy
Center, discusses potential to use algae as a biofuel feedstock in
North Carolina.
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EPA P3 Grants - National Awards
Appalachian’s Department of Technology has had huge
successes in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s annual
P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) Competition, winning
more projects than any other university in the state and ranking
among the top participating schools in the nation.
In the last six years, Appalachian has had nine Phase I
winners and four Phase II winners out of ten chosen winners.
Appalachian is one of the only non-Research 1 institutions with
multiple Phase II awards, which provide funding for continued
research and development.
The competition promotes innovative thinking for moving
the world toward sustainability. Projects must benefit people,
promote prosperity, and protect the planet through innovative
designs that address challenges to sustainability in both the
developed and developing world.
For more information about the EPA P3, visit epa.gov/P3/
Appalachian’s EPA P3 Winners
2009-2010
2011-2012
On-site Biological Graywater Treatment
System Suitable for a Small Business
Gasification for Agricultural Energy
Sources and Soil Enrichment
Phase II funding
Students develop an artificial wetland
suitable for recycling of graywater from
small businesses for immediate reuse.
Phase II funding
Students developed an affordable
gasification production that can
cogenerate electricity, heat and soil
amendment for agricultural production.
2010-2011
2008-2009
Sun, Bottles and Beeswax: Local solutions
for clean water using solar disinfection
Closing the Carbon Loop: Growing Algae
Using Sustainable CO2 from Bio-waste
Phase I funding
Students research the potential of using
solar UV and heat to disinfect water in
waste soda bottles to create clean water
for the developing world.
Linking Wastewater Purification and
Biofuel Production
Phase I funding
Students are researching the potential of
running animal manure waste lagoon
water through troughs in order to
efficiently grow and harvest algae which
can be used for biofuel production.
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Biology graduate student Jennifer Johnson, left, and Dr.
Jim Houser are assisting Bobbie Jo Swinson ‘12, right,
develop a miniature wetland system that could be used to
clean gray water for other uses.
Phase II Honorable Mention
Students designed and built a sustainable
algaculture facility for producing biofuels.
Fair Trade Ethanol: Fuel Production from
Coffee Wastes
Phase II Honorable Mention
Students designed and developed a
coffee wastewater treatment system
to improve the sustainability of coffee
production.
Phase I funding
Students developed and implemented a
community-based program to encourage
the use of bicycles for commuting. (This
became the Boone Bicycle Initiative.)
2006-2007
The Affordable Bioshelters Project:
Testing Technologies for Affordable
Bioshelters
Phase II Funding
Students designed and built affordable
greenhouses powered renewably to
conserve energy, reduce the demand
for fossil fuels, and allow more food to
be grown locally at lower economic and
ecological cost.
2005-2006
Closing the Biodiesel Loop: Self
Sustaining, community-based Biodiesel
Production
Phase II Funding
Students developed a sustainable
2007-2008
education facility to promote and
The Boone Bicycle Initiative: A Community demonstrate small-scale biodiesel
Based Project to Promote Bicycles as an
processing while providing hands-on
Alternative Mode of Transportation
research opportunities.
“Conserving our Earth’s fresh
water resources is one of the
most responsible and important
actions that we can all take to
create a healthier planet for
everyone. This research project
has been an amazing opportunity
to work with students, faculty,
local business owners, and
community members that
are devoted to developing
technologies that will
perpetuate sustainability for
generations to come.”
- Bobbie Jo Swinson, ‘12
Appropriate Technology graduate
“It is great to work in the
Appropriate Technology program
of the Department of Technology
and Environmental Design
because we have highly motivated
and committed students eager
to do research on solutions to
our resource management
problems.”
- Dr. James Houser
assistant professor in the
Department of Technology and
Environmental Design and the
faculty leader of the EPA P3
gray water treatment project
CHampion: Dr. James Houser
On-site Biological Graywater Treatment
System Suitable for a Small Business
In spring of 2012, Bobbi Jo Swinson, an
Appalachian State University appropriate
technology major, won phase 2 of the
EPA P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet)
student design competition. The award
is for $90,000 to continue researching
mini wetlands that treat wastewater from
businesses.
The project is titled, “On-site Biological
Graywater Treatment System Suitable for
a Small Business.” The award will support
work to combine biology, chemistry and
appropriate technologies to create an
on-site biological graywater treatment and
reprocessing system.
Drs. Jim Houser and Jack Martin,
from the Department of Technology and
Environmental Design, and Dr. Michael
Hambourger, Department of Chemistry,
serve as faculty advisors to Swinson.
Swinson’s inspiration for the project
came from her job as a hair stylist in
Boone. “I really began to notice how much
water we were using in the salon as well as
the chemicals and hair products we were
pouring down the drain,” Swinson said.
“This project is motivated by the fact
that maintaining freshwater is really
important,” Houser said. “One of the key
problems the world is starting to confront is
running out of fresh water and the price to
clean water.”
The research team will collect water
from the shampoo bowls in the salon and
analyze the chemicals and the amount
of water entering the waste stream.
They will then run the salon’s graywater
through a living system modified from a
system originally constructed as part of
the university’s biofuels project (20052006 EPA P3 Phase II winner “Closing the
Biodiesel Loop”).
CHampion: Bobbie Jo Swinson
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Engaged Students
The students at Appalachian State University have always
been, and continue to be, essential to the sustainability
movement on campus and beyond. Whether creating a
student-led committee to initiate and implement on-campus
renewable energy projects, developing a sustainable living
community, applying for grants or just joining a club,
Appalachian students always have been conscious and
motivated in leading the way.
Renewable Energy Initiative (REI)
In February 2004, a group of motivated students initiated
the arduous process of creating a student-led committee
to allocate student fees for renewable energy projects on
campus. In March 2004, a referendum was presented for
a campus-wide vote. It was approved, and in 2007 it was
reaffirmed by 92 percent of the student body.
Each year, more than $150,000 in student fees is
directed towards the implementation of renewable energy.
This money is managed by students and designated to
help offset the university’s dependence on fossil fuels.
REI provides outreach and education to students and
community members about the benefits of renewable
energy. Established as a student-run organization, the REI
relies upon faculty and staff members as advisors.
Each year, the REI recommends, manages and installs
multiple projects across campus. Appalachian’s “E3”
House is one of these projects. Designed to be an energy
efficient, economical and environmentally-responsible
alternative to typical FEMA trailers, the prototypical, selfsufficient dwelling is designed and constructed for use in
remote or disaster relief situations where electricity and
access to public sanitation are unavailable. The most visible of the REI projects is the 100 kW
wind turbine at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. Situated at the highest point on campus and standing more
than 153 feet tall, it was selected specifically to depict
an industry-scale wind turbine, thus educating the entire
region. As of May of 2012, the turbine had produced over
311,000 kilowatt hours, enough energy to sustain 336
homes for one month.
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REI Mission Statement
“Reduce the environmental impact of
Appalachian State University by replacing the
university’s existing sources of energy with
cleaner forms of renewable energy technology
on campus and serve as a resource for students
and faculty by identifying and investing in the
most appropriate energy projects.”
Major REI Projects and Funding
Broyhill Conference
Center Wind Turbine $319,000
Student Union
Solar Thermal $153,000
Summit Hall
Solar Thermal
$131,000
Raley Hall 4 kW
Photovoltaic Array $65,000
AppalCART Bus System
Biodiesel $62,500
Blackburn Farm
PV & Solar Thermal
$42,000
E3 House
Photovoltaic Array $30,000
Library
Photovoltaic$30,000
BigBelly Solar Trash
Compactors find out more at sustain.appstate.edu
$20,500
Engaged Students
The informational kiosk at Plemmons Student Union is an REI project
dedicated to education. This kiosk has two monitors that display data
and information about REI projects across campus. Although the REI has
meetings that the public can attend, the kiosk is a quick and convenient
way to get recent information about current and upcoming projects. Also
at the kiosk is a mini solar-powered wind turbine and a North Carolina
Leadership award from the NC State Energy Office. Most recently, the REI
funded BigBelly Solar trash compactors on campus. Current projects and
future ideas include a photovoltaic “A” on Athletics’ Sofield Indoor Practice
Facility, Summit Residence Hall solar thermal, a photovoltaic array on the
Belk Library bus shelter and photovoltaics and solar thermal systems at
the newly acquired Sustainable Development Agroecology Teaching and
Research Farm located at the Blackburn Vanoy property in Ashe County.
For more information about REI, visit rei.appstate.edu
A particularly photogenic REI project is
the Raley Photovoltaic (PV) installation,
a 4 kW system designed to look like the
mountain landscape and educate people
about the feasibility of harnessing the sun’s
energy to produce electricity. Installed by
Appalachian graduates, this picturesque
installation generates close to 6000 kWh
per year, which offsets 2.5 tons of coal.
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Engaged Students
DAISEE
The Delivering Appropriate Innovative Sustainability Energy Education
(DAISEE) trailer is on the move, bringing sustainable and green
technologies to events around the state. DAISEE is a mobile trailer
that showcases sustainable practices such as fully-functioning solar
photovoltaic panels, solar thermal panels, a wind generator and green
building techniques.
Originally designed by the Department of Technology, the local
green building industry and Appalachian State University chapter of
the American Solar Energy Society (ASUSES), DAISEE shows off green
technology and acts as a mobile outreach station. DAISEE’s hands-on
approach allows onlookers a chance to better understand renewable
energy and green building techniques. DAISEE continues to make
appearances at several regional events, including festivals, trade shows
and musical events. More than 150,000 people have visited the trailer
to learn about sustainable energy and green building.
As is evidenced by the forty clubs, organizations and groups that are sustainability focused or related,
Appalachian students care about sustainability. These clubs and organizations are dedicated to providing a
venue for discussion and activity around the health of our planet, fiscal responsibility and equity for all people.
AIESEC
Appalachian Geological Society
Appalachian Campus Antiwar Network
Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Habitat for Humanity
HEMP
Native American Council
Renewable Energy Initiative
Sustainable Energy Society
Sustainable Transportation Club
Trail Crew
UNICEF Campus Initiative
Wine to Water Campus Chapter
Biology Graduate Student Association
College Democrats
Do something
Edible Schoolyard
Face AIDS
GREEN
Growing Sustainable Futures
Habitat for Humanity
16
Highlands Biology Club
impACT Team
International Relations Associations
Invisible Children at Appalachian State
Multicultural Culinary Club
The Net Impact Club
The Order of the Black and Gold
People Fighting Poverty
Power vote
Student Builders Association
Student Planners Association
Student Wellness Peer Educators
Sustainable Development Student Alliance
Sustainable Transportation
Sexuality and Gender Alliance
Sustainability Council (faculty, staff and students)
TransAction
Watauga Animal Guardian Society
Women’s Club
For more information, visit sdr.appstate.edu/sdr/clubs
Appalachian & the Community
Together (ACT)
Appalachian & the Community Together
(ACT) is the campus clearinghouse for
community service, service-learning,
and community-based research
within the NC High Country, the state,
nation and world. ACT offers diverse
opportunities to get involved in human
services and environmental advocacy,
and assists faculty members and
community partners with integrating
service projects into their courses and
agencies. Collectively, ACT students
contribute more than 13,000 hours of
community service each year.
For Earth Day 2012,
ACT coordinated a
Sustainable Farm Day
of Service. Students
worked on one of four
sustainable farms located
in the High Country.
ACT’s Sustainability-related Programs
Don’t Throw it Away collections: Over the past four years,
more than 237 tons of material have been diverted from landfills
and sold at the BIG Sale in the fall. Local community partners
apply for Energy Efficiency Mini-Grants and supply food and
volunteers during collection days.
The BIG Sale: Items collected from Don’t Throw it Away are
sold at a yard sale on campus. Over the past four years, almost
$60,000 was raised from the sale to benefit the energy efficiency
initiatives of various local agencies including Mountain Alliance,
N.C. Cooperative Extension, The Farm at Mollie’s Branch, and
Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center. The sale also
supports a fund for international service-learning scholarships.
ACTs of Service: These one-time service opportunities target
students who have never been involved in service. Past projects
Instead of going on a routine vacation, lots of
Appalachian students engage in experiential
learning and join one of the Alternative Service
Experience programs hosted by the ACT Office
(Appalachian and Community Together).
Students explore and serve a community
different from their own.
include working with Wine to Water, Mountain Mission Farms,
Gardens for Humanity and other environmental organizations.
Window on Wales: This biennial trip is co-sponsored by ACT
and Outdoor Programs. The course explores sustainability in many
forms and engages in environmentally-based service-learning
projects. It also incorporates a plan to offset the carbon emissions
of the group’s travel.
Alternative Service Experience: Through Appalachian’s
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program, students forgo a
traditional spring break experience in favor of service. In 2012,
322 faculty, staff and students took carbon-neutral, spring break
trips to U.S. locations, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru and Jamaica.
For more information about ACT, visit act.appstate.edu
17
Engaged Students
The Goodnight Family Sustainable Development Program
is a 21-year-old interdisciplinary academic and outreach
program. The Sustainable Development major offers students
a unique opportunity to explore concepts from social and
natural sciences, as well as the humanities.
Students studying Sustainable Development utilize a
nearby Teaching and Research Farm and Agroecology
Laboratory to enhance their classroom lessons about
agroecology, agroforestry, environmental and resource
economics and sustainable farming practices. Instead of
lectures and assignments inside a laboratory, students spend
time working in the fields applying their studies to practice.
Students plant, maintain and harvest organic produce
nurtured by the compost that is created at the university.
They grow experimental crops of broccoli, garlic,
strawberries, lettuce and other vegetables and fruit trees.
Information about the suitability of various crops for the
area is shared with area farmers to encourage sustainable
agricultural practices in the region.
The farm is also home to livestock to give students insight
into production methods. The farm has a meat handler’s
license from the N.C. Department of Agriculture, and is
able to sell pork from the farm-raised pigs on occasion,
which is processed by a USDA-licensed meat processor in
Wilkesboro.
In addition, students learn about soil management,
farm business management and marketing, and
ecologically- based pest management.
18
18
CHampion: Brooke Kornegay
Goodnight Family Sustainable Development and
Teaching Research Farm
“The farm is a safe place
to practice the art of
growing food in an
ecologically responsible
way. It’s not just a
place for students
to get some
credit hours;
it is a place they
bring their friends, a
place where community
members gather to work
together and learn about
taking back some of the power
that our society has given up.
At the farm, we reclaim the power
to cultivate not just food, but also an
awareness of community and ecological
interconnectedness.”
- Farm Manager Brooke Kornegay
Sustainable Development instructor
Engaged Students
Farm Stand
Students in the Sustainable Development
program grow produce on the program’s
teaching and research farm. During the
spring and fall semesters, students hold an
on-campus market and also sell their wares
at the local farmers market. Proceeds help
support the farm’s operations. This process
provides learning benefits to students,
explains farm manager Brooke Kornegay
‘00, who honed her experience as a
Peace Corps volunteer and now teaches in
Sustainable Development. “The students learn
about business and farmer-consumer contact,
what customers like and how to market to
them. They also learn how to successfully
sell what they have put so much energy into
growing, and it’s a way for us to interact with
the community.”
Sustainable Development students sell in-season
produce, including tomatoes, squash, potatoes, garlic,
salad greens, onions, radishes and carrots.
Recycle at the Rock
Katie Cavert, former Recycle at the Rock volunteer
coordinator, pictured with Yosef before a football game.
Photo submitted by Katie Cavert.
Recycle at The Rock is Appalachian’s home football
and tailgate recycling program. Developed and
implemented during the 2008 football season, this
program is a two-fold program. Bottle and can recycle
containers in stadium concourses and cardboard
collection from the inside vendors captures part of the
game day waste. Student interns manage another part
of the process by distributing green recycling bags
and black trash bags to all tailgaters. The tailgate bag
distribution program is made successful through the
assistance of student volunteers. It is estimated that
over 200 students assist in this initiative every football
season. Over the last four years, Appalachian has
successfully diverted 36.87 tons (73,740 pounds)
of recyclable material from the landfill through the
Recycle at The Rock program.
For more information, visit recycle.appstate.edu
19
Engaged Students
Solar Decathlon
In December 2011, Appalachian received the Green School of
the Year Award from the N.C. Triangle Chapter of the U.S. Green
Building Council for its 2011 Solar Decathlon Team.
Appalachian was one of 19 schools that competed in the
biannual solar decathlon which charges schools with designing,
building and operating solar powered homes that are cost
effective, energy efficient and attractive. The homes were judged for
affordability, consumer appeal and design excellence with optimal
energy production and maximum efficiency. The international event
included entries from China, New Zealand, Belgium and from across
the United States.
Being green is nothing new at Appalachian, whose sustainable
development and appropriate technology programs date back to
the 1970s and are recognized as being among the nation’s oldest.
“Appalachian has been a leader in efficient building techniques and
renewable energy technologies for years,” stated Bret Sowers ’11, a
building science alumnus who was the team’s market coordinator.
“We are passionate about what we do, and use that passion to drive
innovation.”
Appalachian’s entry in the Department of Energy’s Solar
Decathlon 2011 competition, propelled the mountain homestead
into the 21st century with its bifacial solar panels, great porch and
outbuilding modules that can be reconfigured based on living needs.
Coined the “Solar Homestead,” the house’s design hearkens back to the cabins of early settlers of the North
Carolina mountains, employing photovoltaic outfitted sheds (reborn as OMs, or “outbuilding modules”) to
power the main house, arranged to bring the focus of
the space to a comfortable “great porch,” much like the
traditional architecture of the region. “Appalachia has
a rich tradition of self-sufficiency and pioneering spirit,”
said Katharine Lea ’11, who served as the architectural
project manager for the Solar Homestead team. “What
better place to draw inspiration from than that?”
The student-designed, student-built, net zero-energy
house won the People’s Choice Award, receiving the
majority of the nearly 93,000 total votes. It placed 12th
overall in the biannual competition that challenges
college teams to design, build and operate solarpowered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient,
attractive and affordable.
20
Engaged Students
Members of the Solar Decathlon Team represent Appalachian in
Washington, D.C.
In addition to winning the Solar Decathlon
People’s Choice Award, the Solar Homestead
placed in individual areas of the competition:
first place (seven-way tie), hot water; second
place, communications; third place, architecture;
third place tie (with the University of Maryland),
home entertainment and sixth place, market
appeal.
“The Solar Homestead is a shining example
of Appalachian’s academic excellence,
commitment to sustainability and entrepreneurial
spirit,” said Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock.
“Students from multiple disciplines formed a
cohesive and intellectually adventurous team
whose work will continue to showcase our
university as a place where the next great
generation of leaders are already creating
solutions that make a difference in the world.”
For more information about the Solar Homestead, visit thesolarhomestead.com
One of two bedrooms in the 995 square-foot Solar Homestead.
The multipurpose living and dining space transforms
between day and night.
21
Engaged Students
Nicaragua: Sustainable Development
2012 marks the 7th annual outreach program focusing on
sustainable development projects and the installation of renewable
energy systems at the Finca Esperanza Verde ecolodge and coffee
farm. Students live with Nicaraguan families, learn about the flora
and fauna, the culture of the region, and explore environmental
issues in Nicaragua. Several visits are made to renewable energy
projects and sustainable development programs in the region.
For more information about international opportunities, visit
international.appstate.edu
Photo: Jeremy Ferrel, Appalachian Energy Center
Sustainability and the Arts
The Arts Subcommittee of the Sustainability Council seeks to increase the
number of Appalachian community members that actively participate
in sustainable arts, thus creating awareness of sustainability efforts on
campus. To help achieve this vision, this active subcommittee developed
a Sustainability in the Arts Competitive Grant program. To date the
program has awarded $5000 to arts projects that communicate
sustainability.
One of the recipients was a Visiting Artist Residency by PearlDamour
with Shawn Hall, who created the performance installation “How to
Build a Forest.” PearlDamour is a collaborative team of Katie Pearl and
Lisa D’Amour. During their 10-day residency at Appalachian, the artists worked with students from classes in
theatre and dance, art and from the residential learning communities Living Green and Art Haus.
The installation piece was inspired by the loss of
100 trees on D’Amour’s family property outside of New
Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. They said of their
project, “We have been thinking about habitat loss and
the folly of thinking we humans can just put it all back
together again after it’s ruined. In building a fake forest
inside a theater, we want our audience to think about
the relationship of process to product, of what goes on
behind the scenes of our lives vs. what happens ‘on
stage’ in our lives.”
Photo: Angela Hensley, Student Programs
22
Engaged Students
Graduation Pledge:
“I pledge to explore and take into account the social and
environmental consequences, and the civic and community
responsibilities, of any job or career I consider and will try to
improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”
Appalachian recently joined the international movement among college graduates
to take part in the national Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental
Responsibility. This pledge is offered at more than 100 colleges and universities
around the world, and graduates who take the pledge at Appalachian wear
a green ribbon on their gowns during graduation. Appalachian began taking
this pledge in the 2009-2010 academic year, and since then, more than 300
students have participated.
Graduation is green in another way: the graduation gowns now offered by
the bookstore are made of renewable wood fiber from responsibly managed
forests. While the gown looks like the polyester version worn by past graduates,
the gown and its plastic packaging are designed to decompose in a landfill.
Sustainability Film Series
Brian Zimmer, Department of Geology adjunct faculty member, visited
the Office of Sustainability in 2009, after having watched “Food Inc.” and
remarked how it had changed his life. Having been personally so deeply
affected by the film, Zimmer wanted to begin a sustainability film series.
Spring 2012 marked the third spring semester of the
sustainability film series. The sustainability film series is
designed to raise awareness of current social, economic
and environmental issues and help provide solutions.
Each film is followed by a panel discussion with local
activists, community leaders, academics and students
who will answer questions and discuss ways of personally
getting involved on local, national and international
levels.
Some films previously screened include “Taking Root,”
“Addicted to Plastic,” “The Last Mountain,” and “Deep
Down.” The screenings are held in Greer Auditorium
holding 300 seats. Although these films are free, nearly
every film ‘sells out’ indicating how popular a film can
be for instigating thought-provoking dialogue and
discussion.
23
Campus Initiatives
Acting Locally
With more than 17,000 students and nearly 3,000 employees, Appalachian’s campus environment is a microcosm
of the larger world. Its campus environment showcases state-of-the-art technologies, processes and innovative
financing mechanisms. Community members and visitors alike are able to witness the efforts of Appalachian’s
hardworking staff as they explore our university’s grounds and operations. LEED® Certified Buildings
In 2007, Appalachian’s Board of Trustees decreed that all future campus construction should meet LEED
standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. These recognized standards for environmentally
friendly construction address human and environmental health, sustainable site development, materials selection
and indoor environmental quality. Jim Deal, chairman of the Board of Trustees at the time, noted that working
toward LEED standards was “the appropriate thing to do for the environment and the appropriate thing from an
educational perspective.” Appalachian State University has eight buildings that are either LEED certified, registered
or built to LEED standards.
•
•
•
•
•
2424
AppalCART Operations and
Maintenance Facility
Belk Library and Information Commons
Cone Residence Hall
Frank Residence Hall*
George G. Beasley Broadcasting Complex
•
•
•
•
Mountaineer Residence Hall*
Plemmons Student Union Addition
Reich College of Education
Summit Residence Hall
*Indicates LEED Gold certified
Campus Initiatives
Frank Hall - A Green Living Community
A group of 34 students embody sustainability in the popular Living
Green residential learning community (RLC) in Frank Residence Hall.
The students live together on one floor, and take a First Year Seminar
course, “Contemporary Green Living: Life Choices for Sustainability,”
which inspires them to make small lifestyle changes to reinforce their
sustainability goal. The TV and lights are off if no one is in the student
lounge, recycling and composting is available in a special area, every
other hall light is off to save energy, and residents consider it a point
of pride to walk to their floor instead of taking the elevator.
Components of LEED certification for Frank Residence Hall •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Energy efficient water source heat pumps
Low-flow shower heads and sink faucet aerators
Students in the Living Green RLC work
Energy efficient electric hand dryers
together to use existing resources
Dual flush toilet valves (which save up to 1/2 gallon
to create everyday items. Here they
of water per flush)
are turning polystyrene boxes into a
ENERGY STAR appliances
community beanbag chair.
T-8 and T-5 florescent lighting utilizing motion sensors in public areas
Non-PVC resilient floor tile
Recycled/repurposed lobby furniture
Pervious concrete outside
42 solar panels on the roof to preheat domestic hot water and assist heat
pumps with preheating
Information Technology and Sustainability
In 2011, Technology Support Services (TSS) was involved
with several sustainability efforts throughout campus in
public printing areas in order to conserve resources and
save money. Duplex printing was set as the default on
printers in all public printing areas. As a result, during
spring semester of 2012, 710 less reams of paper were
purchased than in same time period in 2011. Power-save
management tools are used to conserve energy during
down times and TSS will no longer be powering computers
up in the morning. The first user will now be responsible for
turning them on. Future initiatives include adoption of these
programs for faculty and staff and increased utilization of
electronic delivery mechanisms.
25
Campus Initiatives
Greening the Union
In 1986, before Appalachian had adopted recycling
procedures, students desired to start a recycling program. Dave
Robertson, director of student programs, was enthusiastic and
very supportive.
Later, Robertson would form a group dedicated to
making Plemmons Student Union more sustainable while
simultaneously saving money to be directed toward other
student activities.
“I have always been focused on our need as humans to
protect the earth for future generations, and to teach our
students their responsibility to do the same,” Robertson said.
The first initiative of the Greening of the Union group was to
hire SEO/Waste Reduction Partners from Asheville to conduct
a study targeting the building’s lighting and HVAC systems. A
subsequent bulb replacement project led to annual savings of
$18,000 a year, and also positioned Plemmons Student Union
to become one of the earliest sites in North Carolina to do a
wholesale experimental installation of dimmable LEDs.
Since then, more than 20 different sustainability actions
have been taken at Plemmons Student Union. Robertson’s
goal is to have the addition to the student union, now under
construction, to be LEED Gold certified.
Rendering of the new Plemmons Student Union
addition to be completed Jan 2013.
Yearly Savings from Plemmons
Electric lighting
retrofits (cost $20,000) $350
Removal of lights from vending machines per machine
Installation of aerators
on faucets
$450
Solar thermal panels
for water heating
$14,000
The Plemmons Student Union solar thermal system
was the first of the REI-funded projects. It serves as a
pilot commercial-scale domestic hot water (DHW) solar
thermal system for the area and the university.
The DHW solar thermal system consists of 42 flat
plate collectors, seven of which have experimental
glazing technology, three 400-gallon EPDM rubber
lined storage tanks, nine stainless steel perforated
heat exchangers, and 200-plus feet of copper pipe.
The total cost of the system was $153,000. The solarheated water produced by the system is utilized on
site, reducing the emissions and costs associated with
the use of the central steam system and is estimated
to generate annual energy savings of approximately
$11,000 to $14,000.
26
$22,000
Campus Initiatives
Greening the Union
CHampion: Dave Robertson
Director of Student Programs Dave Robertson cares about sustainability. On a recent tour of the University of
Kansas in Kansas City, he learned about a piece of software that interfaces with a building’s reservation system
software. When tied together, the software cuts off unnecessary heating and cooling when meeting spaces are
not in use. This software will substantially reduce the carbon footprint of the Plemmons addition, reduce energy
costs and will likely qualify for a LEED ‘Innovation’ point as well when the building is commissioned for LEED
certification.
The following are features of the new Plemmons Student Union addition that will contribute to the LEED
certification.
• Use of natural daylight
• Dimmable LED lighting technology
• Second and third floor common area flooring made from reused tires
• All wood is harvested from certified sustainable forests
• Fastest, most energy efficient hand dryers currently available
• High efficiency heating and cooling systems (30% more efficient than ASHRAE Standards)
• Concrete structures are made from sand, gravel and Portland cement, carrying a smaller carbon footprint than a “We all need to remember that
comparable steel structure
everything we can do to reduce,
• Utilizing building automation to control the heating, reuse and recycle leaves a little
ventilation and air conditioning system in meeting bit more of our precious and finite
and conference rooms when not in use
resources for future generations. The
• Solar hot water heating system
student union has
• Water bottle filling station with display to an obligation to set an
communicate how many bottle of water have been example for the campus
filled using reusable bottles
in many ways, not the
• All furnishings are certified sustainable in their least of which is to be
manufacturing process and methods
a leader in practicing
• Local granite for outdoor retaining walls
sustainability.”
• Carpet in signature large-scale meeting room is 100% wool
- Dave Robertson
• All offices have operable windows
director of
• Utilizing motion and light sensors to ensure student
programs
optimum efficiency of artificial lighting
• Low-emissions glass and argon gas-filled windows for increased retention of conditioned air
• Use of building materials are minimized, e.g., acoustical drop ceilings are only used in limited locations where overhead pipes, ducts, wiring, etc need to be hidden for aesthetic reasons
• All paints are VOC-free
27
Campus Initiatives
Campus-Built Environment
Appalachian has a strong focus on financial efficiency as well as environmental impact. Improving the
performance of our buildings is critical to these efforts, and emphasis is placed on continually improving building
planning, design and proactive maintenance.
Climate Action Plan
On Earth Day, April 22nd, 2008, Appalachian State University joined over 500 colleges and universities when
Chancellor Kenneth Peacock signed the American College and Universities Presidents’ Climate Commitment
(ACUPCC). In accordance with our commitment to the ACUPCC, the university’s 2010 climate action plan,
“Toward Climate Neutrality,” declares that Appalachian will be climate neutral in 2050 and defines an interim
goal to reduce the carbon footprint by 51 percent by 2025. The university will perform an annual greenhouse gas
inventory to track efforts toward climate neutrality.
The goal of carbon neutrality, given uncertainties such as climate-oriented policies, future fuel mix and costs,
technological advances and offset markets, is a challenging goal. Appalachian’s focus on greenhouse gas
reductions will come from the two largest contributors: electricity consumption and the production of hot water and
steam.
Strategic Energy Reduction Plan
28
British Thermal Units
Gross Square Footage
Appalachian is dedicated to reducing overall energy to meet sustainability commitments and to achieve increased
fiscal responsibility. To assist in this endeavor, the university has developed a strategic energy plan declaring
a 30 percent reduction on overall energy consumption by 2015. The plan outlines seven targeted areas of
focus – operations, policy,
source management, materials/
Energy Consumption per Gross Square Foot
equipment, education/outreach,
Energy Consumption per Gross Square Foot
transportation and water
5,000,000
180,000
management strategies.
Implementation of the strategic
4,500,000
160,000
plan requires the commitment
4,000,000
140,000
of the campus community and
3,500,000
dedication from the entire Physical
120,000
Gross Square
3,000,000
Plant team including the electrical
100,000
Foot
and HVAC group and the newly
2,500,000
BTU/GSF
80,000
established system controls group.
2,000,000
To date, as a result of the strategic
60,000
1,500,000
plan, Appalachian has succeeded
40,000
1,000,000
in reducing energy consumption by
28 percent based on the identified
20,000
500,000
key performance measure: British
‐
‐
Thermal Units (BTUs) per square
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
foot. (see graph)
Campus Initiatives
Financing
In fiscal year 2011, energy cost the university over $7 million.
Rising energy costs, budget reductions and Appalachian’s
leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions drive
the desire for energy conservation and efficiency. Grants and
performance contracts are fundamental to Appalachian’s energy
conservation and efficiency programs. These types of financing
enable the university’s ability to retrofit buildings’ lighting and
heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
In the last four years, Appalachian obtained over $600,000
in grants and completed an energy savings performance
contract for $5.3 million. Energy performance savings contracts
(ESPCs) allow the university to accomplish energy savings
projects without up-front costs. These financing methods are
currently saving the university close to $1 million per year in
avoided energy costs (difference between current cost and precompleted project cost).
Most recently, the university is undertaking another ESPC for
$16 million. The current phase of the ESPC is expected to take
6-8 months during which time the contractor will investigate
approximately 24 buildings on campus to determine how to get
the most energy and financial savings for the upfront costs.
By utilizing building automation to control
lighting and HVAC, Walker, Sanford and
John E. Thomas Halls are achieving up to 50
percent reductions in energy.
Electricity
Consumption and Cost
Electricity Consumption and Cost
Appalachian State University
Fuel Mix
72,000,000
$5,100,000
$4,900,000
70,000,000
$4,500,000
66,000,000
$4,300,000
$4,100,000
64,000,000
Cost ($)
Electricity (kWh)
$4,700,000
68,000,000
Electricity
Consumption
Cost
$3,900,000
62,000,000
$3,700,000
$3,500,000
60,000,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
29
Campus Initiatives
Landscape Services
CHampion: Jim Bryan
Landscaping Services has a practice of using native plants to emulate the natural environment, but Appalachian’s
lush, green campus and beautiful grounds are green in another way: no “restricted use” pesticides are used
anywhere on campus. In fact, Appalachian’s Landscape Services department uses all organic fertilizers (most of
which come from the nearby Boone Waste Treatment Plant)
and all on-campus compost from autumn leaves, wood
chips and food waste collected on campus. Instead of toxic
pesticides, the staff uses horticultural oils, which are safer
for everyone on campus, including the grounds crew.
“Other than people, the
Landscape Services Superintendent Jim Bryan’s
most valuable resources
priorities also include the use of native plants. Most of
we have are our soil and
the landscaping on campus utilizes native perennials, a
water, and we need
practice called xeriscaping, which reduces the need for
to do all we can to
flower bed irrigation. Other than what is necessary to
protect them.”
maintain the soccer and softball fields, landscape watering
is used only while getting new plants established. The
- Jim Bryan
use of native plants also helps manage the challenge of
landscape
landscaping the sloped topography. In the past, many
services
of these slopes were maintained with handheld weedsuperintendent
trimmers, which create greenhouse gas emissions and
are labor-intensive for the crew to operate. Bryan’s latest
project is to re-landscape these slopes with native plants
and grasses, which maintain the stability of the slopes, and
provide added benefits of increasing the efficiency of state
resources while also reducing carbon emissions.
30
30
Campus Initiatives
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Diverting waste from landfills through reuse,
composting, and recycling are fundamental to
sustainability. Through planning, community education
and targeted programs, Appalachian’s faculty, staff and
students diverted 38 percent of campus waste (1,228
tons) during the 2010-2011 academic year.
The waste diversion rate is increasing every year.
Our diversion efforts are successful due to recycling and
composting in all areas of campus operations. In all
academic and residential buildings, recycling bins exist
for common recyclable items like all types of paper,
plastic, aluminum and steel bottles and cans, all glass,
and cardboard. A few recycling areas are staged for
special items like electronic waste (e-waste), compact
fluorescents, and rigid plastics. The university recycles
confidential paper items through Foothills Sanitation and
Recycling Inc. The campus also features a new compost
facility which opened in October 2011. The first of its
kind in North Carolina, this new composting facility
allows the university to expand operations to postconsumer food waste. Pre-consumer collections began
in 1999.
In order to take a more responsible approach
to waste management on campus, Appalachian is
committed to becoming a zero waste campus. Zero
waste seeks to rethink the way resources and materials
flow through the university by taking a whole system
approach. The university’s goal of 90 percent diversion
by 2022 is a high one, but achievable. Over the next
10 years, Appalachian will work toward zero waste
through initiatives identified as part of a strategic plan
involving various key stakeholders from across campus.
This approach will strive to reduce overall consumption,
return material goods for reuse, compost all applicable
organic matter and recycle goods and materials at the
end of their useful lifespan.
For more information, visit recycle.appstate.edu
Opened in October 2011, the new composting facility
allows for expansion of food waste composting (275 tons
annually compared to 100 tons previously), increased
research potential for students, and ongoing collaborative
efforts across campus as Appalachian works toward the
goal of zero waste.
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31
Campus Initiatives
Appalachian takes its water consumption seriously, and
water usage is another area in which cost savings go handin-hand with resource conservation. The water used on
campus comes from a 360-million-gallon reservoir and a
state-of-the-art micro filtration plant owned and operated
by the university. Appalachian’s Physical Plant began
monitoring water use in 2006, largely in response to a
drought in the North Carolina mountains. While past average daily water consumption had
reached as high as 400,000 gallons per day in 2007,
the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures helped
reduce water consumption by 39 percent in 2011 from a
2004 baseline.
Appalachian State University has implemented many
water-efficient fixtures on campus. A few examples include:
• Dual-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads in restrooms
• Low-flow aerators in more than 800 sink faucets
• ENERGY STAR-rated, front load, water-saving washers that are standard in all campus laundry rooms.
CHampion: Lona Woodring
Water Usage
Cleaning
- Lona
Woodring
housekeeper,
Turchin Center for
the Visual Arts
Appalachian has implemented “green” cleaning in
all academic, support and administrative buildings
on campus. Cleaning using environmentally- and
people-friendly cleaners is also practiced in all
residence halls, the student union, bookstore, the
university’s Broyhill Events Center, and campus
dining facilities. Currently, most of the 4.5 million
square feet on Appalachian’s campus is cleaned
using Green Seal-certified standards.
Appalachian’s Building Services staff member
Lona Woodring has been with the university since
2003. She says the new cleaning system is not only
more environmentally-friendly, but it saves money
and is less damaging to the local surface water
ecosystem. The new system automatically mixes the
chemicals with water, allowing for more efficient use
of the chemicals and discourages overuse.
With micro-filtration technology, Appalachian’s water treatment
plant has a capacity of two million gallons a day.
32
“I welcome change that
is kind to the environment.
Anything we can do to make
it better for the ones
that come after us is
a plus. I like the
green cleaning for
myself as well as
others.”
“Leading sustainability and local food
sourcing initiatives for Appalachian
Food Services is very
rewarding. We are
committed to making
our operations more
sustainable by reducing,
reusing and recycling,
and we plan to continue
growing our
percentage of locally
sourced products.
I am proud of
what we have
accomplished and
look forward to
seeing what the
future holds.”
- Heather
Brandon
Food Services
At the end of 2011, Appalachian Food Services
reached their goal of purchasing 10 percent local. This would not have been possible without its local
partners, including Moretz Mountain Orchard
and Farm, North Fork Farm and The Pasta
Wench. These relationships were also invaluable
to the success of their monthly local meal series,
‘Carolina Chowdown: A Local Food Feast.’
Food Services
Appalachian Food Services practices environmental sustainability
while striving to serve healthy and nourishing meals. Additionally,
they are strengthening their commitment to locally grown food,
which benefits neighbors and the local economy.
Based on research by Sustainable Development graduate
student Cameron Farlow, Food Services has created an
operational model that emphasizes environmentally and socially
sustainable food choices grown and produced within a 250mile radius of campus. Identifying local products resulted in an
“Always Local” list. In 2011, a goal of procuring 10 percent local
food was surpassed. Currently, a 2014 target of 15 percent is
the new goal. Beginning in summer 2012, Food Services and
the Office of Sustainability are working together to define what
‘sustainable food’ means.
In the 2011-2012 academic year, Food Services held a
‘Carolina Chowdown’ on the first Wednesday of each month.
These events served meals replete with locally sourced food.
Food Services advocates the concepts of reduce, reuse and
recycle in all campus food services operations. According to Food
Services estimates, the amount of food-related garbage going to
the landfill has been reduced 70-80 percent since 2001.
CHampion: Meagan Brown
CHampion: Heather Brandon
Campus Initiatives
“Appalachian Food Services has
made a firm commitment to
increase local food purchases
every year. As a Sustainable
Development student it has been
an empowering experience to
apply my studies to practice in
working toward this goal of
creating a more sustainable
food system on campus.”
- Meagan Brown
Sustainable Development
major and Office of
Sustainability research
assistant
33
Campus Initiatives
Transportation
Appalachian State University is a national and regional leader in sustainability in both curriculum and operations. As students focus on sustainability, Appalachian rises to the challenge. Parking and Traffic in conjunction with the
Office of Sustainability proudly offers ridesharing, car sharing, and local and regional mass transit options. All of
these alternative transportation services help alleviate parking and driving issues on campus and around town for
students, faculty and staff, decrease the university’s carbon footprint and help community members save money.
Ridesharing
Appalachian offers Zimride as its ridesharing service to students, faculty, and staff. Zimride is an online social
network that helps students find friends, classmates, and co-workers who are interested in carpooling. In its first
year, nearly 1,500 users registered to use the system, posting over 1,000 rides.
Mass Transit
Appalachian is serviced by AppalCART, the local bus transit system for Watauga County. The campus community
is able to use this service free of charge. Each year the ridership is increasing as AppalCART sees an everincreasing number of passengers using the bus service.
Carsharing
UHaulCarShare is a car checkout service available to the campus community. Three vehicles are permanently
placed on campus with community members having 24/7 access to these low emission vehicles. Carsharing is
an incentive for the campus community to carpool knowing that in emergency situations they will have quick and
reliable transportation.
Non-motorized
Transportation
The Transportation
Subcommittee of the
Sustainability Council is
evaluating our culture of
biking and skateboarding on
campus. Due to high interest,
the subcommittee is examining
the potential of becoming a
‘Bike Friendly University’ and
legalizing skateboarding in the
town and on campus.
For more information, visit
sustain.appstate.edu/transit
34
Campus Initiatives
AASHE Stars
Appalachian State University is a Pilot and Charter participant in STARS®. The
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is a transparent, selfreporting tool for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability progress. STARS
was developed by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
(AASHE) with broad participation from the higher education community and other
stakeholders.
The rating system includes environmental, economic, and social indicators, which
are divided into four categories related to campus activities: Education & Research;
Operations; Planning, Administration & Engagement; and Innovation. All of the
requirements for evaluating and scoring institutions are transparent and made publicly available.
Appalachian views participation in STARS as a leadership opportunity. Most major universities that
have aggressive sustainability programs take part in this ever-expanding, collaborative platform. The ratings
methodology is robust, transparent and vetted. STARS supports Appalachian and other institutions of higher
education as they push the boundaries of sustainability.
Highlights
• All seven colleges at Appalachian are represented in research activities related to sustainability
• Over 27 percent of courses are sustainability focused or related
• Ten percent of food served on-campus is local within 250 miles of Boone
• Achieved all four Innovations points: student-funded wind turbine,
carbon neutral student break trips, mobile sustainable energy and building trailer and partnerships in
Food Services
For more information, visit sustain.appstate.edu/stars
35
Tomorrow and Beyond
Appalachian Energy Summit
In July 2012, Appalachian State University hosted the first annual Appalachian Energy Summit. To help reduce the
UNC system’s significant energy expenditure, Appalachian has taken a leadership role by hosting the Appalachian
Energy Summit July 9-11 for leaders from all 17 UNC institutions, as well as representatives from Catawba
College, Davidson College, Duke University, Wake Forest University, and Warren Wilson College.
The event, funded by private giving, featured experts from the Rocky Mountain Institute, including its Chairman
and Chief Scientist, Amory Lovins. The author of 29 books, Lovins has been named one of the 100 most influential
people in the world by Time magazine and one of the 100 top global thinkers
by Foreign Policy magazine. His 2011 book “Reinventing Fire” offers a detailed
strategic plan for eliminating U.S. oil and coal use by 2050.
The summit included keynote addresses, educational workshops and
planning discussions. It was the first event in a multi-year, system-wide initiative to
reduce energy costs and protect the environment, said Appalachian Sustainability
Director Ged Moody. “We have lots of expertise within the UNC system in
both academics and operations,” Moody said. “The energy summit offered
an opportunity to come together with an industry visionary to create common
educational goals and action plans to reduce our energy consumption. These
energy savings activities can then be measured over time.”
At current levels, Moody said, a 25 percent reduction in energy usage would
yield a 20-year savings in excess of $1 billion. This event is also in support of
the UNC system sustainability policy which includes a goal to achieve “Climate
Neutrality” by 2050.
Amory Lovins
The author of 29 books, including “Reinventing Fire,”
Lovins has been named one of the 100 most influential
people in the world by Time magazine and one of the
100 top global thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine.
Photos courtesy of RMI.
36
Tomorrow and Beyond
Appalachian Energy Summit
The Opportunity
The UNC system spends $226 million on energy each
year, according to the North Carolina State Energy
Office – or about $1,000 per student per year. That
amount is likely to increase over time with rising costs of
fossil fuels and growth within the university system. Our
hope is to arrest this rising cost to create significant value
by reducing future energy bills.
Our Goals
The Summit has many goals associated with the
successful staging of the event; however, its true success
will be measured over the years with the following longterm goals in mind:
• Educate our students to be the leaders of
tomorrow through our active and demonstrative
pursuit of the initiative’s goals.
• Reduce the university’s average annual energy expenditures equaling $1,000 per student. Target costs associated with the University’s rising annual $226 million expenditure on energy. Focus on
initiatives that will cumulatively save the university system in excess of $1 billion over 20 years.
• Transform and stimulate the North Carolina
economy through the support of Green Energy
business infrastructure, creating jobs in the new energy economy.
• Position the University of North Carolina system and our Private University colleagues as national leaders in sustainability education and for reducing reliance on environmentally damaging fossil fuels.
• Create a culture of environmental and economic
sustainability across the UNC system through
administrative leadership, student involvement, curricula development, campus operations, and new partnerships between the university, its benefactors, and industry.
Leadership
The 200+ participants in the 2012 Summit were each
assigned to various breakout groups meant to serve as
collaborative leadership areas in the coming years.
These seven breakout groups are as follows.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Leadership Opportunities
Financial and Regulatory Considerations
Academic Integration
Building Efficiency
Transportation
Energy: Operations and Management
Energy: Planning and Systems Integration
Energy efficiency through lighting upgrades and
building design will assist with Appalachian’s
energy and financial goal to save $1 billion over
20 years. File photo.
37
Tomorrow and Beyond - The Sustainability Council
The Sustainability Council at Appalachian State University seeks to position the university as a national leader
in sustainability by ensuring that sustainability principles and policies are integrated throughout the campus’
facilities, outreach efforts, programming, educational programs, research initiatives and other activities.
Ten subcommittees, staffed with experts within their disciplines, comprise the Council. These subcommittees
are Climate Action Planning & Energy, Curriculum, Grants & Funding, Housing & Dining, Natural Resources,
Purchasing & Waste, Reporting & Institutional Data, Transportation, Outreach and The Arts. It is a point of pride
and commitment to Appalachian sustainability that this Council has the largest and most diverse representation
of any council or committee on campus.
SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL
Dr. James Houser, Co-Chair
Ged Moody, Co-Chair
Faculty Positions
College of Arts & Sciences: Brett Taubman
College of Arts & Sciences: Shea Tuberty
College of Business: Alan Singer
College of Business: Eva Hyatt
College of Education: Vachel Miller
College of Education: Lisa Gross
College of Fine & Applied Arts: James Houser
College of Fine & Applied Arts: Lisa Stinson
College of Music: Liz Rose
College of Music: Melody Schwantes
College of Health Sciences: Eric Frauman
College of Health Sciences: Mandy Harrison
University College: Sandra Lubarsky
University College: Kristan Cockerill
Student Positions
SGA Environmental Affairs Officer: Jake Cox
Graduate Student Assn.: Jacob Florence
Renewable Energy Initiative: Matt Allenbaugh
Green Living Community: Mallory Harrell
Solar Club: Tess Scanlon
Permanent Positions
University Sustainability Director: Ged Moody
University Sustainability Specialist: Crystal Simmons
Director of the Physical Plant: Mike O’Connor
Director of Design and Construction: Carole Acquesta
University Resource Conservation Manager: Jennifer Maxwell
University Energy Manager: Jerry Marshall
General Manager, New River Light & Power: Ed Miller
University Purchasing Manager: Dwane Odvody
Director, Institute for Environmental, Energy, & Economic
Research: John Pine
Director of the Energy Center: Jeff Ramsdell
Director of the Center for Economic Research & Policy Analysis:
38
Todd Cherry
Director, Southern Appalachian Environmental Research &
Education Center: Howie Neufeld
Athletics Department: Doug Justice
Housing & Residence Life: Tom Kane
Food Services: Art Kessler
Equity Office: Susan King
Student Development: Dave Robertson
University Advancement: David Taylor
University Communications: Jane Nicholson
Information Technology Services: Laramie Combs
Faculty Senate: Jeanne Mercer-Ballard
Staff Council: Jenny Primm
Institutional Planning & Research: Bobby Sharp
Director of Parking & Traffic: Barry Sauls
Environmental Health, Safety & Emergency Management:
Seth Norris
Research & Sponsored Programs: Patricia Cornette
Info Technical Director: Tom Van Gilder
At-Large Positions
Chancellor’s Office Chief of Staff: John Earwood
Department of Theatre & Dance: Laurie Atkins
VC Business Affairs: Greg Lovins
Department of Technology: Lee Ball
Communication: Cindy Spurlock
Appalachian and the Community Together/Community Outreach:
Todd Mortenson
External Affairs & Community Relations: Susan McCracken
Office of Sustainability Staff: Crystal Simmons
General Education: Kristin Hyle
Faculty Member: Jeff Tiller
College of Arts & Sciences: Mike Madritch
University Recreation: Rich Campbell
Get Involved
We encourage you to participate in this exciting effort. If
something in this story touches you, we invite you to join us. We
greatly value your encouragement, ideas, efforts and support.
In a way, this is a path we all walk together, on a journey we
call “sustain Appalachian.”
JOURNEY WITH US: Visit our website where you will learn all
about our campus sustainability efforts including academics,
research, student and campus initiatives, and a helpful
resources section. sustain.appstate.edu/
VISIT US: Plan a visit to our Boone campus in the heart of the
Blue Ridge Mountains or take a virtual tour.
sustain.appstate.edu/strides
EDUCATE WITH US: Apply your interests, knowledge and
expertise as a complement to our classroom and research
efforts. Our students have a lot to gain from your experience.
PARTNER WITH US: Lend your or your company’s practical
experience to one of our campus projects such as energy,
buildings, waste, transportation and food.
SUPPORT US: Financial support enhances our educational
mission and helps our campus operate more responsibly.
For information on how to help advance sustainability
initiatives on campus, call 828-262-2090.
Find out more at sustain.appstate.edu
CHampion: Crystal Simmons
BE PRESENT WITH US: Each week there is a diverse set
of campus events in which you can come and experience
sustainability at Appalachian State University.
sustain.appstate.edu/calendar
“Our shared efforts have
combined to create a
beautiful story of our
commitment…to ourselves,
to sustainability, and to
the Appalachian Way. I
am inspired and motivated
by the passion of our
faculty, students and staff.
Together, we will create
a healthier,
life-affirming
world.”
- Crystal Simmons
university
sustainability
specialist
About This Publication
This publication is printed in limited quantities being
mindful of natural resources. The publication is
intended for widespread distribution. Please share this
electronic version with your colleagues, friends, family
and others interested in sustainability at Appalachian.
In the event a printed copy is needed, contact the
Office of Sustainability at 828-262-2659 or sustain.
appstate.edu. Thank you.
Photos by Marie Freeeman and Troy Tuttle, University
Communications, unless otherwise noted.
Design by Leila Jackson.
39
Office of Sustainability
PO Box 32161
Boone, NC 28608

2012 Sustainability Yearbook

Transcription

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