Start saving for a summer vacation by reducing the cost and fuel consumption of your daily commute. Consider biking, carpooling, or taking public transportation to campus. Check out Zimride to find other UNC commuters going your way. Celebrate the effort to go gas-free on June 20, national “Dump the Pump” Day. Read more »
Monday, June 17, 2013
Enhanced Lighting, Energy Efficiency on Display at Ackland Art Museum
The Ackland Art Museum recently transitioned to 100 percent light-emitting diode (LED) lighting—a money-saving, energy-conscious move that also enhances spectators’ views of the exhibits. The Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC), a student organization that funds renewable and energy efficiency projects on campus, financed the installation of more than 400 LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption. The new LED lights will use 117,000 fewer kilowatt hours per year—an energy savings of 87 percent. Energy costs will decline by $13,000 annually and carbon dioxide emissions will fall by 73 tons. Visitors can view the new lighting at an Open House celebration on June 20, from 6-8pm. Read more »
City and Regional Planning Professor Receives Mentoring Award
Dr. Philip Berke, a professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning, received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring last month at the 2013 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony. Dr. Berke was recognized for encouraging students to establish scholarly activity while providing a supportive environment. Dr. Berke’s research projects address environmental impacts of urbanization, natural hazard mitigation, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Dr. Berke is the Deputy Director of the Institute for the Environment and co-chair of the Sustainability Advisory Committee. Read more »
June is Solar Energy Month in North Carolina
Governor Pat McCrory recently issued a proclamation establishing June 2013 as Solar Energy Month. He emphasized the solar industry’s role in creating jobs and in helping North Carolina become less dependent on fossil fuels. The solar energy sector is expanding throughout the state, with both equipment manufacturing and installations. North Carolina has more than 500 companies working in the solar industry, employing about 2,000 workers. More than 229 megawatts of solar energy are installed throughout the state, making North Carolina a national leader. Read more »
CCCC Offers Fall Sustainability Courses
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) is offering fall courses in sustainability-related topics, including an introduction to green building concepts, learning to grow organic vegetables, a field study on edible and medicinal plants, and more. The college will also host ecotourism seminars and guided field trips throughout the fall. Read more »
UCSF Medical Center Says "No" to Meat Raised with Antibiotics
The University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center recently approved a resolution to phase out the procurement of meat raised with non-therapeutic antibiotics. Independent health and science experts agree that the routine use of antibiotics in animal agriculture cultivates antibiotic-resistant bacteria. UCSF is one of over 440 hospitals across the country that have signed Health Care Without Harm’s Healthy Food in Health Care Pledge, which states that healthy food must come from a food system that is ecologically-sustainable, economically-viable, and socially-just. Read more »
NWF Graduate Fellowships Available
National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Fellows educate and engage the campus community on
climate action solutions. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to graduate students working with members of the faculty, staff, or administration on projects designed to help address climate change impacts and to protect wildlife and habitat. Applications are due by July 14. Read more »
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
Breathing easier: how Houston is working to clean up its air
National Public Radio
The Houston area produces about a quarter of the nation's gasoline, and about a third of the plastics that are in our cars, cupboards and just about everywhere else. So it is no surprise that this heavily industrial area has a problem with air pollution. But in the past decade, Houston's air has improved dramatically. Harvey Jeffries, Professor Emeritus with the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina, explains that Houston air pollution regulators were going all-in against one of the pollutants that create smog, while downplaying the role of other emissions from the petrochemical plants. …Beginning in 2005, when new standards went into effect, peak ozone concentrations started dropping sharply. And in 2009, Houston — for the first time in 35 years — met the federal air quality smog standard, Jeffries says. Read more »
1789 incubator fosters young entrepreneurs
WCHL-FM (Chapel Hill)
1789 is the newest business incubator to open in Chapel Hill. It’s geared towards Carolina students and recent graduates, with the goal of supporting the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Following in the footsteps of Launch Chapel Hill, 1789 aims to develop young entrepreneurs and assist them in the early stages of their business ventures. 1789 currently hosts 15 start-ups. Successful entrepreneurs may then proceed to Launch, which nurtures more advanced businesses ready to seek funding. Read more »
Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
How does your garden grow? It’s not too late to plant seed for the summer. Visit this regional gardening guide to learn when to plant and harvest a variety of vegetables. Or, consider volunteering at one of the local community gardens, such as the Carolina Campus Community Garden, HOPE Gardens, or the Carrboro Community Garden to learn new skills and make new friends.
Carolina North Generator Produces Electricity from Landfill Methane Gas
A new 1,000 kilowatt generator at Carolina North converts methane gas from the Orange County landfill into electricity for the grid. The University and Orange County started the Landfill Gas Recovery Agreement in 2009 as a way to reduce carbon emissions, provide a revenue stream to Orange County, and advance UNC’s carbon-neutrality goals. The University currently sells the electricity generated to the Duke Energy power grid, but plans to eventually use it to power buildings at Carolina North. Methane is a greenhouse gas with 25 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. By keeping methane out of the atmosphere, the University will receive carbon credits and move towards its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2050. The total emissions reduction as a result of the project is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 8,000 passenger vehicles. Read more »
Community Solid Waste Forum
Chapel Hill’s Sustainability Committee and Orange County’s Commission for the Environment will host a Community Solid Waste Forum on Thursday, May 30, from 6-8:30 pm at the Chapel Hill Public Library. Orange County residents interested in waste management practices are invited to attend and learn more about long-term regional goals. Please RSVP. Read more »
New Interactive Map of Raleigh Charging Stations
The City of Raleigh presents Periscope, a web-based dashboard system that allows the community to monitor and view electric vehicle charging stations in real time. The dashboard displays charging station availability and station usage figures. The dashboard will help inform future planning and placement of charging stations. Read more »
CO2 Concentrations Surpass 400 PPM Milestone
Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) recently surpassed a notable milestone, reaching above 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in human history. The new measurement came from analyzers atop Mauna Loa, the volcano on the big island of Hawaii that has long been ground zero for monitoring the worldwide trend on CO2. Carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere by fossil fuel burning and other human activities is the most significant greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Its concentration has increased every year since scientists started making measurements on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano more than five decades ago. The rate of increase has accelerated since the measurements started, from about 0.7 ppm per year in the late 1950s to 2.1 ppm per year during the last 10 years. Read more »
NC Bike Summit Call for Proposals
The North Carolina Bike Summit fosters collaboration between state bicycle initiatives, efforts, and endeavors; educates local government, bicycle advocates, and policy leaders; promotes cycling as a form of transportation; and highlights North Carolina’s dedication toward becoming a bicycle friendly state. The call for workshop and presentation ideas is now open for the Second Annual NC Bike Summit, to be held in Carrboro, North Carolina, October 18-20. Submit proposals by June 21. Read more »
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
N.C. coast ideal for wind farms, but logistics complicated
The Star News (Wilmington)
For years, chatter about the possibility of offshore wind power in North Carolina has hummed among state environmental groups. In the past year, that conversation intensified as concrete plans to develop the state's offshore resource moved forward through federal channels. ... The turbines could provide habitat for several threatened species, boosting their fledgling population numbers and allowing charter companies to ferry higher numbers of tourists on offshore excursions…."The base of the wind turbine that goes into the sea floor has, placed around it, something that engineers call a scour apron," said Pete Peterson, professor of marine sciences, biology and ecology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. "It's a huge pile of very large rocks that stands up to 6 feet tall off the bottom, and extends out a substantial distance around the entire pile. That is exactly what you would build if you wanted to do a restoration of the rocky habitat for fish, including the snapper-grouper complex." Read more »
Launch ready to give businesses a leg up
The News and Observer (Raleigh)
The Launch business incubator is one piece of an economic plan, but it shows what the town, county and university can do together, officials said at an open house Wednesday. ...Chancellor Holden Thorp said the venture has been a hugely successful partnership and reflects a lot of the town’s pent-up enthusiasm. He was especially proud to see a former student, Betty Cogdell, making a go of her dream to sell gluten- and dairy-free baked goods. Thorp’s advice to potential entrepreneurs: “It’s a lot harder to do than you think it’s going to be, and a lot of people who quit don’t realize how close they might be to the goal line. If you can find a way to keep going, it’s always worth it.” Read more »
Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Get in gear for the rest of the year! May is National Bike Month. Regional events include workshops, route mapping, inspections, and organized rides throughout the month of May. Go Chapel Hill-Carrboro presents the Annual Spring Roll Cruiser Ride on May 17. Check out the Bike Month calendar for a full list of events. Read more »
Carolina Places in Top 10 Percent in National Building Competition
The results are in for three Carolina buildings competing in the EPA’s 2012 ENERGY STAR “Battle of the Buildings,” a national building competition to improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and protect health and the environment. The NC Area Health Education Center reduced its energy use by more than 20 percent, placing 11th overall among 3,000 competitors. Tarrson Hall and Neurosciences Building were formally recognized for placing in the top 10 percent in energy reductions. Together, competitors have prevented nearly 290,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and saved more than $50 million on utility bills. Read more »
UNC Leads in Food Waste Composting
Carolina’s food waste composting program stands out as a regional and national leader among North American colleges and universities competing in the annual RecycleMania competition. UNC’s composting program ranked 1st in the ACC conference, 2nd in North Carolina (behind UNC-Asheville), 8th by campus population, and 37th overall in the 2013 RecycleMania Food Waste category. Carolina Dining Services collects food scraps for composting in Rams Head and Lenoir Dining Halls, the Beach Café, Alpine Bagel Café, Wendy’s, and the Friday Center. The Carolina Green Events program also collects compostables from special events and three event locations on campus. Read more »
Morrison Residence Hall Places in Top Five for Reducing Electricity
Morrison Residence Hall recently represented Carolina in LUCID’s Campus Conservation Nationals (CCN), the largest nationwide electricity and water reduction competition on college and university campuses. Morrison Residence Hall reduced electricity consumption by 18.6 percent, or 5,772 kWh, and placed in the top five schools with the greatest average percent reduction in electricity. Savings ranged from 16-19 percent reductions across all participating buildings. The Sustainability Living-Learning Community also participated in the competition and submitted a video to increase conservation awareness, encourage student behavior change, and document students taking positive actions on campus. Over 300,000 students competed in CCN, saving over 2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 1.6 million gallons of water. Read more »
Donate During Move-Out
As you pack for moving out of a residence hall or apartment, you may discover items you don’t want or need to take with you. Consider donating used, but still useful, items to local non-profits. Items deposited in residence hall donation stations will be used by TROSA in its substance abuse recovery programs. Sell your books to Student Stores for cash so that others can reuse them. Old or broken electronics and batteries will be recycled by American Greenz. Check out the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling’s “zero-waste” move-out guide for more information. Off-campus students can drop off many of these items and more at the Orange County Solid Waste Recycling Center on Eubanks Road, or take them to the Off-Campus Student Move-out ReUse Rodeo until May 10 at the Hargrave’s Center Mitchell Lane parking lot in Chapel Hill. Donate to support local non-profits, reduce your carbon footprint, strengthen the reuse economy, and preserve resources.
Tar Heel Bikes Reports Successful First Year
The Bike Share Task Force launched the University’s first bicycle share program, Tar Heel Bikes, last August. Tar Heel Bikes provides Kona AfricaBikes for short-term loan to Hinton James, Ehringhaus, and Craige residence hall communities. From August 27 through January 31, Tar Heel Bikes recorded 3400 check-outs, which demonstrates an enthusiastic response to the bike share program. The program encourages bicycle transportation as a cleaner, healthier, and more cost-effective alternative to motor vehicles. Read more »
CCCC Offers Summer Sustainability Courses
Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) is offering summer courses in sustainability-related topics, including LEED Green Associate Accreditation exam preparation, occupational safety and health, tree food and medicine, and more. The college will also host ecotourism seminars and guided field trips throughout the summer. Read more »
Environmental Leadership Program Launches New National Fellowship Program
The new National Fellowship Program offers intensive leadership and skills training, national networking opportunities, and guidance for personal and professional reflection. The Environmental Leadership program supports visionary, action-oriented, and diverse leadership for a just and sustainable future. Applications are due by July 1. Read more »
Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) – Public Information Internship – NC
Contact kgreen@renci.org if interested.
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
Energy efficiency means lower utility bills, less mortgage risk
The Christian Science Monitor
Here’s some new impetus for those sitting on the fence over household energy efficiency: the risk of mortgage default is one-third lower for people with energy efficient homes, according to a recent study. The study, released in March by the University of North Carolina’s Center for Community Capital, claims that energy efficiency can be the difference between mortgage repayment and foreclosure.
Read more »
New federal map rates wind turbine risks to birds
The Outer Banks Voice (Nags Head)
A new map developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would seem to put a damper on future development of land-based wind energy projects in eastern North Carolina. But Kathy Matthews, a service biologist who worked on the map, and Charles “Pete” Peterson said that shouldn’t be the case. Peterson is a professor and researcher at the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Marine Sciences in Morehead City. He helped lead a state-funded team several years ago that developed a similar tool for offshore wind. The maps are intended to minimize wind turbines’ effects on birds and other wildlife.
Read more »
Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Moving out? Cleaning up? Donate unwanted items instead of ditching them. When moving out of your residence hall or apartment, drop your gently used items off at the donation collection station in your residential community. Donation stations accept still-usable items such as clothes, books, appliances, household items, unopened food, school supplies, electronics, computer equipment, and furniture. Donation stations will open on Friday, April 26.
Read more »
Carolina Recognized as "Green College" by Princeton Review
"The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition" recognizes Carolina as a national leader in campus sustainability. This free downloadable guide, published in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), highlights colleges that scored at least 83 on its 99 point scale. Carolina’s Green Rating of 95 recognizes investments in high performance infrastructure, advancement towards climate neutrality, and student engagement in green initiatives. Twenty-one schools made the Green Rating Honor Roll by attaining perfect scores.
NC Botanical Garden Conservation Director Honored For Work With Imperiled Plants
Dr. Johnny Randall, assistant director for conservation at the North Carolina Botanical Garden at the University of North Carolina, recently won the 2013 Star Award from the Center for Plant Conservation. The award honored Randall’s work with rare and imperiled plants and his expertise in restoring plants in degraded habitats. His dedication to a science-based, considered, and pragmatic approach is clear in his guidance for local, regional and national plant conservation issues. Read more »
Piedmont Farm Tour
Learn about the Triangle’s local and organic farm and food scene from 1-5pm this Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28. Load up a car with friends and family and visit your favorite sustainable farms. Don’t forget to take a cooler so that you can take home some of the farm fresh products for sale! Read more »
Carbon Bubble May Cause Economic Crisis
The world could be heading for a major economic crisis as stock markets inflate an investment bubble in fossil fuels to the tune of trillions of dollars, according to leading economists. The so-called "carbon bubble" is the result of an over-valuation of oil, coal, and gas reserves held by fossil fuel companies. According to a recent report published by the London School of Economics and the think tank Carbon Tracker Initiative, at least two-thirds of these reserves will have to remain underground if the world is to meet existing internationally agreed targets to avoid the threshold for "dangerous" climate change. If the agreements hold, these reserves will be in effect unburnable and so worthless – leading to massive market losses. The stock markets are currently betting on countries' inaction on climate change. Read more »
Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture Offers Summer Training in Peru
The Certificate in Global Agroecology and Local Food Systems program equips a new generation of agrarians and food justice activists to rebuild the global food system through sustainable innovation and ancestral knowledge. Training is held in Peru, from June 24 to August 18. Applications are due May 17. Limited need-based scholarships are available. Read more »
Cherokee-McDonough Challenge Supports High Impact Environmental StartUps
The Cherokee-McDonough Challenge identifies, funds, and develops high-impact environmental business ventures. Ventures will receive $20,000 in seed funding and an invitation to participate in an intensive three month accelerator. Apply by April 30.
Read more »
Scholarships for Marine Sciences Students
The Marine Aquarium Societies of North America seek marine sciences students for their 2013-2014 scholarship program. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply by June 21. Read more »
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
New Orleans levee risk studies by Corps already outdated; new studies could guide future improvements, engineer says
The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, La.)
Complex risk studies developed by the Army Corps of Engineers to govern the rebuilding of the New Orleans area levee system in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina already are outdated, a civil engineer told the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East on Thursday. ...“It’s time to redo it,” said Rick Luettich, an authority member and a University of North Carolina marine sciences professor who helped design one of the surge models used by the corps. Read more »
Crabs, supersized by carbon pollution, may upset Chesapeake’s balance
The Washington Post
It is the dawn of the super crab. Crabs are bulking up on carbon pollution that pours out of power plants, factories and vehicles and settles in the oceans, turning the tough crustaceans into even more fearsome predators. ...“Higher levels of carbon in the ocean are causing oysters to grow slower, and their predators — such as blue crabs — to grow faster,” Justin Baker Ries, a marine geologist at the University of North Carolina’s Aquarium Research Center, said in an recent interview. Read more »
Greenbridge: A look back as the town looks ahead
The Chapel Hill News
Approved by the Chapel Hill Town Council in 2007, Greenbridge came to emblemize long-simmering tensions about race, growth and affordability in the community. ...“Timing was a disaster,” said Emil Malizia, a UNC professor of city and regional planning. “They built the project at the peak of the market and tried to sell it at the bottom of the market.” High-density, urban-style development is environmentally sound,… It is as “green” a concept as features like solar panels and locally sourced building materials. It prevents suburban sprawl and automotive commutes for things like groceries, Malizia said. Read more »
Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
Carolina Campus Community Garden – Summer Internship – NC
Contact clorch@email.unc.edu if interested.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle – Field Gleaning Internship – NC
Contact Lindsay@foodshuttle.org if interested.
University of North Carolina – Duke Forest Research Internship – NC
Contact paynec@live.unc.edu if interested.
Tar River Land Conservancy – Land Stewardship Internship – NC
Contact aedge@tarriver.org if interested.
Rice University – Tropical Forest Ecology Internship – Guam, Saipan, and Rota
Contact haldre@rice.edu if interested.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Earth Week Events at Carolina
Celebrate Earth Day with more than a week of activities! Earth “Week” events kick off Saturday, April 13, at the NC Science Expo on the UNC campus and continue through to a “Celebrating Earth Day” lecture on April 21 at the NC Botanical Garden. Activities include a HOPE Gardens Art Walk, a Quad Swap Shop, a Hard-to-Recycle Drive, a farmers’ market, multiple exhibits on the quad, and more. Carolina celebrates Earth Day, Friday, April 19, from 11am-3pm on Polk Place with live music, games, and snacks. Stop by to learn about the University’s many programs, student groups, and departments that advance sustainability. While you’re there, stop by the Sustainability Office table to take the Carolina Green pledge and pick-up one of the coveted Carolina Green water bottles, while supplies last. Take the pledge in advance to skip the line. Check out the full list of activities now to start planning! Read more »
It’s spring cleaning season! Consider keeping soil and water clean by choosing eco-friendly products when scrubbing down your home. Avoid cleaners with phosphates, bleaches, and other harmful chemicals and use concentrates whenever possible. You can also make your own green cleaners and polishes using do-it-yourself recipes. Happy cleaning!
Campus Sustainability Scavenger Hunt
You won’t need to look far for sustainability features at Carolina - they’re all around you! Learn about sustainability programs and operations in an interactive scavenger hunt hosted by the Sustainability Office, Tuesday, April 16, at 5:30pm. Navigate campus locations and visit as many checkpoints as you can in one hour. Then return to Polk Place for food and prizes! The event is free and open to the public. Registration requested. Read more »
UNC Genome Sciences Building Awarded LEED® Gold Certification
Established by the U.S. Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction, and operation of high performance, green buildings. The Genome Sciences Building achieved LEED Gold certification for incorporating a variety of sustainable strategies to reduce energy use, conserve and reuse water, and source sustainable materials. The Genome Sciences Building is the first on campus to receive Gold certification. LEED certified buildings save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier environment. View the Genome Sciences LEED Scorecard to learn about the high performance building features.
Sludge-Based Fertilizer May be Causing Human Illnesses
Treated municipal sewage sludge—the solids from sewage treatment—may be causing illness in people up to a mile from where it is spread on land, according to findings from researchers at the Department of Epidemiology at UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. The study involved residents from Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina who live near fields where sludge is applied as a soil amendment. More than half of the people interviewed reported acute symptoms such as burning eyes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after sludge had been sprayed or spread. Read more »
Watershed-Based Environmental Education Mini-Grants Available
Projects that engage students in outdoor watershed environmental education in the Southeast US region are eligible for mini-grants funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Education. Proposals are due April 30 at 2:30 pm ET. Read more »
Apply Now for the Natural Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Program
The National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Program is currently accepting applications for Campus Ecology Fellows. Fellows engage and educate their campus community on climate action solutions. Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to students working with faculty, staff, or administration on projects that help address climate change impacts and protect wildlife and habitat. Applications are due April 14. Read more »
Sustainability and Energy Workshop and Lecture Series
The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy (SISE) is a two-week intensive workshop and lecture series on sustainability and energy. Participants will engage these issues through lectures, panel discussions, collaborative research projects, networking opportunities, and tours of sustainability and energy related sites in the Chicago area. The program runs from August 5-16. Applications are due by 5pm on July 1. Read more »
ReCharge Retreat Now Accepting Applications
Each summer, Focus the Nation selects and funds 20 clean energy leaders from across the country to spend one week, from August 11-17, on Mt. Hood, OR. Retreat participants collaborate and develop skills that enable commitment to clean energy through the entirety of their careers. Students with a passion for clean energy may apply by April 15. Read more »
Scholarships Available for Unique Summer Study Abroad Opportunity
The 2013 Sullivan Foundation Summer Overseas Programs in Prague and Panama foster social entrepreneurship initiatives and teach change agent and leadership skills. Students who submit scholarship applications by April 15 will be given priority. Read more »
Apply Now for Student Training for Environmental Protection (STEP)
Students learn essential skills in environmental advocacy and organization at the STEP program. Two training sessions will be held this summer, in Prince William Forest, Virginia, from June 2-7, and in central Wisconsin, from June 20-29. Participants will learn how to coordinate effective environmental campaigns. Applications will be accepted until program is full. Read more »
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
Can a divestment campaign move the fossil fuel industry?
The Guardian (United Kingdom)
US climate activists have launched a movement to persuade universities, cities, and other groups to sell off their investments in fossil fuel companies. But while the financial impact of such divestment may be limited, the campaign could harm the companies in a critical sphere — public opinion. ...But enthusiasm for divestment, already high on college campuses — student referenda at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, for example, showed 72 and 77 percent support for divestment, respectively — is leaking into the outside world.
Read more »
Creatures in Alabama coastal marshes mostly unaffected by BP spill, according to study (Blog)
Al.com (Alabama)
A three-year study of an Alabama marsh suggests the 2010 BP spill had little effect on the number of juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs living there before and after the disaster. ...The marsh work bolsters research conducted in the grass beds of the Mississippi Sound by Ken Heck, who is one of the coauthors of this study, and Joel Fodrie, a University of North Carolina researcher. They conduct trawl surveys of seagrass meadows along the Gulf Coast. Recruitment of snapper, speckled trout, cobia and other offshore species appeared to be about normal during the year of the BP spill, according to that work.
Read more »
Fracking health study results likely years off
The Associated Press
The Geisinger health study cited by leading environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as pivotal in helping persuade Gov. Andrew Cuomo to hold off on plans for limited gas drilling is likely years away from conclusions about whether the technology involved is safe, according to the project's leaders.... Cuomo's health commissioner, Dr. Nirav Shah, mentioned the Geisinger study among three health reviews that could influence Cuomo's decision. The others are an Environmental Protection Agency study, due for completion in 2014, of potential effects of fracking on drinking water, and a study recently announced by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania in collaboration with scientists from Columbia, Johns Hopkins and the University of North Carolina. Read more »
“Animal Factory” forum to examine river water quality issues
The Sun Journal
The continued negative impacts of industrial meat-producing facilities such as hog and chicken farms on the quality of the Neuse River are among the topics for an environmental forum in New Bern. ...UNC-Chapel Hill Epidemiology professor Steve Wing will talk about the public health effects of air and water emissions outside the communities where animal production facilities are located.
Read more »
Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
Environmental Protection Agency – Office of Sustainable Communities – Sustainable Communities and Communications Internships – DC
Contact kackar.adhir@epa.gov if interested.
Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit – Summer Field Technician Internships – PA
Contact mmcdill@psu.edu if interested.
Purdue University – Department of Forestry and Natural Resources – Summer Field Technician Internships – IN
Contact jenkinma@purdue.edu if interested.
University of Minnesota Duluth – Project Baseline Seed Collection – Summer Field Technician Internships – MN
Contact sope0007@d.umn.edu if interested.
Boston University – Flight Behaviors of Bats – Summer Field Technician Internships – TX
Contact nwfuller@bu.edu if interested.
Michigan State University –Tropical Ecology Field Assistant Internship – Puerto Rico
Contact umanamar@msu.edu if interested.
Stony Brook University – Tropical Botany Field Assistant Internship – Ecuador
Contact bweinste@life.bio.sunysb.edu if interested.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Still planning for Spring Break? Consider planning a camping trip with friends. Camping options in the Triangle include Eno River State Park and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. While you’re outdoors, do a day of service and join volunteers for the annual Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon, Saturday, March 16. Remember: pack-in, pack-out; take only photos; and safety first!
Green Energy Fee Reauthorized by Student Vote
A $4.00 per semester student fee that funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects on campus was reauthorized and converted to a permanent fee following the recent student body president runoff election. The referendum passed with 83% approval from voting students, paving the way for many energy projects at UNC. The Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC), a student-led organization, appropriates the funds, and has financed over $1 million worth of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, and energy education projects since its inception in 2004. Read more »
University Equipment Exchange Made Easy
The Asset Management Trading Post is an informal online marketplace that allows University employees to find or make available both office and lab equipment. By extending the life of functional equipment, the program helps University departments save money and promotes sustainability and re-use.
Read more »
Kenan-Flagler Ranked 3rd for Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School was ranked 3rd globally for corporate social responsibility and ethics in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2013, in which 155 business schools from 28 countries participated. The annual Financial Times ranking is based on surveys of alumni who graduated in 2009 and data provided by the business schools. Read more »
"Work Well, Live Well" Expo Just Around the Corner
The annual Wellness Expo will be held on March 13 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Rams Head Recreation Center. Organized by the University Wellness Committee, the event will feature interactive exhibits on nutrition, fitness, recreation, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Stop by the Sustainability Office table to learn about choices you can make to sustain health and wellness! Take the Carolina Green Pledge in advance to pick up one of the coveted Carolina Green water bottles, while supplies last. Read more »
Melting Permafrost Could Double Amount of Greenhouse Gas
For the past decade, much of the focus in the Arctic has centered on the rate at which ice is melting and the ecological, social, and economic impacts of that melting. In a new study, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveal that carbon that has been stored in the frozen tundra for thousands of years is creeping up to the surface. This newly exposed carbon could double the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere – and profoundly change the trajectory of the climate change debate.
Read more »
Volunteers Needed for Art Installation Featuring Recycled Materials
Volunteers are needed to participate in the creation of a large, collaborative installation with Nigerian artist Bright Ugochukwu Eke, UNC’s Hanes Visiting Artist-in-Residence. In conjunction with the “Water in our World” theme, this work will utilize recycled and reassembled materials to explore the political, ethical, and ecological issues of water. This work will be one of three components in the FedEx Global Education Center’s exhibit entitled “The Water of Life: Artistic Expressions,” which opens at 6pm on March 21. Read more »
Fifteen New Hybrid Buses Join Chapel Hill Transit Fleet
More than a third of Chapel Hill Transit’s large buses are now hybrids thanks to a recent acquisition of 15 new hybrid vehicles. The new, diesel-electric buses are powered by an internal combustion, clean diesel engine paired with a generator, electric motor, and electric storage system. The hybrid buses will reduce emissions and save money on fuel. The acquisition was made possible through a $7.47 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration and $1.53 million from the NC Department of Transportation and Chapel Hill Transit Partners (UNC-Chapel Hill, Town of Chapel Hill, and Town of Carrboro). Read more »
UNC Science Expo Features Sustainability Center
The Town of Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Department is collaborating with the NC Science Festival to feature a Sustainability Center at the UNC Science Expo, Saturday, April 13. Organizations committed to sustainable living and education will provide information, demonstrations, and entertainment from 10am-3pm. Exhibitors may apply for space to Stephanie Yeatts.
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Cherokee-McDonough Challenge Supports High Impact Environmental StartUps
The Cherokee-McDonough Challenge identifies, funds, and develops high-impact environmental business ventures. Ventures will receive $20,000 in seed funding and an invitation to participate in an intensive three month accelerator. Apply by April 30. Read more »
Solar Energy Division Graduate Student Award
The Solar Energy Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recognizes outstanding graduate work in solar energy. Graduate students may apply for recognition, $1000, and registration at the ASME 7th Energy Sustainability Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 14-19. Apply by April 15. Read more »
Social Entrepreneurs Program
The Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur Program provides financial and business support for entrepreneurs who create quality jobs, produce new products, or devise management strategies to improve the lives of low-wealth individuals. Successful applicants will receive $40,000 over two years, mentoring, and technical assistance to strengthen their business. Apply by March 28. Read more »
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC
Referendum on coal a success at UNC
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
Seventy-seven percent of UNC students who voted in a recent referendum agreed with the UNC Sierra Student Coalition that the university should divest its $2.1 billion endowment from the coal industry. More than 4,200 of the students who voted supported the non-binding referendum. The coalition wanted to give university officials a clear picture about how students feel about the university’s investments in the coal industry, which the student coalition places at about $100 million.
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Thorp honored with first Nourish International Impact Award
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
Over the group’s signature Hunger Lunch of beans, rice and cornbread on Tuesday, Nourish International presented its first Impact Award to Chancellor Holden Thorp of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The group honored Thorp, and co-founder Sindhura Citineni, as part of the celebration of its 10th anniversary. Thorp was recognized for his work with innovation and student entrepreneurs. Nourish International began at UNC as Hunger Lunch, founded by students Citenini and Joel Thomas in 2003. The students sold an inexpensive meal of rice, beans and cornbread and used the profits to fund a nutrition initiative in Hyderabad, India.
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Christie won't consider climate change in rebuilding after Sandy; scientists say he should (Blog)
The Philadelphia Inquirer
While scientists acknowledge that evidence doesn't yet exist to say climate change caused Sandy, they do know that sea levels are rising - maybe an additional four feet in New Jersey by 2100, according to a Rutgers University estimate. Research also shows that climate change may be making storms more intense. That means that, if there's another storm surge of the kind that swept houses off foundations during Sandy, even more water may rush ashore. All of this must be evaluated before the state rebuilds, scientists say. "How do you balance those issues, when there's intensive pressure to show that you're taking decisive action to help alleviate community suffering?" asked Gavin Smith, who runs the Center for the Study of Natural Hazards and Disasters at the University of North Carolina. "It's very difficult, but it happens routinely." Smith has worked on storm recovery for two governors and is sympathetic to Christie's plight. He knows that making "hazard mitigation" part of disaster recovery is "not as sexy" as repaving roads, reopening schools, and restarting electricity.
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Harnett County farmer uses hog waste to create renewable energy
News 14
Carolina
Farmer Tom Butler of Butler Farms, located an hour southeast of Raleigh, traps methane gas, a byproduct of hog waste, in order to create renewable energy. ...Most hog farmers keep the waste in open pits called lagoons, where the methane escapes. UNC professor Mike Aitken says the farm industry has not adopted technology to deal with this pollution. “We still manage most waste, including hog waste, in a way that we were dealing with human waste over a century ago. We have never entered the 20th century with animal waste management, never mind the 21st century," said Aitken.
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Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
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