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Sustainability in the News
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Sustainability research grants focus on distributed energy, tree canopy conservation
 The Indiana University Office of Sustainability has announced the recipients of the Sustainability Research Development Grants for the 2011-12 academic year. Two teams of Indiana University faculty and graduate students will explore the conditions for successful implementation of low-carbon distributed energy programs in developing countries and the use of policy tools to promote protection, conservation and development of the urban tree canopy. The grant program, jointly sponsored by the University Graduate School, the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, the Center for Research on Energy & the Environment, the Center for Research in Environmental Sciences and the IU Office of Sustainability, provides opportunities for faculty members and students to develop externally funded research related to environmental sustainability. Read More >>
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IU Trustees approve plan for IUB residence hall, apartments designed with goal of receiving LEED certification
 | | An artist's rendering of the planned residence hall. |
The Indiana University Board of Trustees gave approval to the design of a new student residence hall and apartment complex near the east side of the IU Bloomington campus, setting the stage for construction of the facilities to begin later this year. The projects, to be built near the intersection of Third and Union streets, will incorporate design features that emphasize sustainability, flexibility, community and technology to build thriving communities of students.
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Geology journal addresses global water sustainability
 | | IU Professor Chen Zhu |
Water, water, everywhere, but not enough to drink -- at least not where it's needed. That's the dilemma that Indiana University geochemist Chen Zhu and colleagues explore in the current issue of Elements, a peer-reviewed publication sponsored by 16 geological societies.
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IU Researcher awarded NSF grant to study effect of forests on air pollution
 | | IU Professor Sara Pryor |
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $760,000 grant to Indiana University Bloomington atmospheric scientist Sara C. Pryor and a colleague for research to improve understanding of the relationship between forests and pollution.
Read More >>
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Participate in post-Fukushima energy and climate change policy survey
Former IUOS intern Madoka Yoshino, now a researcher at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), is studying the climate and energy policy implications of the recent Northeast Japan earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown. Click here to participate in a survey for the project that aims to inform a new development paradigm for Japan and global community towards a low-carbon, resource efficient and resilient society. Results of this survey will be presented at the International Forum for the Sustainable Asia and the Pacific 2011 (ISAP 2011) on 26-27 July in Yokohama, Japan: http://www.iges.or.jp/en/news/event/isap2011/index.html.
The survey takes 6-8 minutes and closes on July 24th.
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IU hopes for help from donors in quest to replace lost trees
 Indiana University Bloomington has begun the process of replacing some 300 trees lost during the severe storms that swept through the campus late last month, and a familiar face is contributing to speeding up the tree-restoration effort. University officials announced today (June 13) that former IU Trustee Stephen L. Ferguson and his wife, Connie, have donated 150 trees to IU Bloomington, which will enable the university to begin addressing those areas of campus most heavily impacted by storm damage. IU President Michael A. McRobbie said he hopes other friends and alumni of Indiana University will join with Ferguson in the effort to plant enough trees so that in a decade or two the natural beauty of the campus will be fully restored. Read More >> |
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Volunteers and donations needed for Hooiser to Hoosier Community Sale effort
Donate: If you have items you'd like to donate, you can contact us throughout the summer to arrange a pickup (email h2h@indiana.edu).
Volunteer: Interested in volunteering to pickup donations, sort items, or help with sale day? We need volunteers throughout the summer. Email h2h@indiana.edu for more info. Read More >>
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Support the Office of Sustainability
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View our archive of catalyst issues
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Comment Box
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Greening Existing Campus Buildings
by Bill Brown
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Even the most energy efficient new building adds to our campus consumption footprint. By improving existing buildings, we have the opportunity to both reduce our footprint and save money. Campus energy costs have risen by 74% percent since 2005 and that trend is set to accelerate. Water, sewer and stormwater costs are also set to rise dramatically in coming years.
Fortunately, there are a number of initiatives afoot to reduce consumption in existing buildings on campus:
- New state legislation allowed each IU campus to invest $15 million energy efficiency upgrades that pay for themselves over time with energy savings, a process that has commenced already at IU Bloomington. Here, in what IUB is calling our Qualified Energy Savings Project (QESP), candidate b
uildings are evaluated for possible energy savings projects by outside contractors and the most cost effective projects are selected for implementation. Jeff Kaden and Charlie Matson of the University Architect's Office are leading this effort that promises significant energy savings over time. - The physical plant has formed an internal "Green Team" to retrocommission existing buildings. This involves reconditioning and readjusting heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as replacing older lighting with more energy-efficient fixtures. Preliminary figures indicate dramatic savings of 25% to 30% in buildings where retrocomissioning has taken place.
 - An Integrated Energy Master Plan study, led by St. Louis firm 8760 Engineering, is examining campus infrastructure and buildings to determine how the Bloomington campus might feasibly accomplish the 30% reduction in energy and greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, as recommended in the Campus Master Plan. This report should be completed sometime this year.
- By September, the Utilities Information Group (UIG) will have the capacity to remotely read utility meters on all campus buildings. This new system will enable the UIG to create a feedback tool that would provide building occupants with up-to-date utility usage information. The Energy Challenge, a campus-wide energy and water competition that provides building occupants with weekly water and electricity consumption figures over a 5 week period, has saved over 3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and over 6 million gallons of water through behavior change alone. The success of Energy Challenge indicates the potential savings from year-round feedback offered by metering and dashboards that inform occupants.
- Lastly, we are delighted to announce our newest project: E-House. This project will convert a 1930 Dutch Colonial Revival historic residence at 704 East 10 Street into a new office and meeting space for the IU Office of Sustainability. Thanks to a $30,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation and $50,000 in additional gifts, E-House will be aiming for net zero on-site energy, utilizing a 4-kilowatt solar array, ground-source heat pump, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, enhanced insulation and an energy dashboard. E-House will provide a learning lab for energy efficient technologies and will be made available to classes physically and virtually. Stay tuned for more details about our grand opening later this fall.
While we have a long way to go, it is already abundantly clear that working together, we can begin to bend the arrow of consumption down. If we are successful, everyone will benefit.
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Summer 2011 Internship Program Update
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Each July, our summer sustainability interns hit the road to see examples of sustainability beyond the confines of campus. Our group of eighteen visited four locations near Indianapolis this summer.
Our first stop was Energy Solutions, located on the southeast corner of I-465. Energy solutions designs, constructs, installs and maintains solar photovoltaic arrays and is responsible for one of the largest solar installations in the state. Mike Gardner gave a brief introductory presentation about the company's design, construction and installation processes, as well as the political and financial feasibility of solar power in Indiana. We were then
 | IUOS interns tour the Republic Services' Materials Recovery Facility on the north side of Indianapolis.
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given a tour of their outdoor demonstration project: an impressive 100-kilowatt system that will pay for itself in less than six years. To learn more about Energy Solutions' work in Indiana, see their web site: http://energysolutionsbyjms.com/
Two hours later, we arrived at the Republic Services' Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and transfer station, near
96th St. and I-465, for a tour guided by Ron Howard. Here co-mingled materials come from the surrounding area, including curbside and city drop boxes from
Indianapolis, Bloomington and the IUB campus, for sorting and recycling. After a quick introduction to the MRF procedures, the interns suited up in hard hats, gloves, protective eyewear and reflective vests for a tour of the facility. Materials are separated by a combination of heavy machinery and fast handwork by teams of workers standing along elevated conveyor belts. To learn more about Republic's operations in Indianapolis, see their web site: http://www.indywaste.com/Pages/RecyclingForTheEnvironment.aspx
 | | Interns learn about the green roof technology employed at the Nature Conservancy in Indianapolis. |
After a delightful lunch in Broad Ripple, we headed to our last stop, the Indiana field office for the Nature Conservancy: the Efroymson Conservation Center. Constructed in an ultra-urban setting in downtown Indianapolis, this building should be the first of its kind to attain LEED Platinum certification in Indianapolis. Adam McLane graciously led a tour of their impressive facilities during which we learned much about the intricacies of their green building features, including landscaping representing four Indiana biospheres, building design that prioritizes daylight, and an extensive geothermal system. The Efroymson Conservation Center uses 40% less energy than a typical new building built to code. None of the stormwater from the site runs off or is piped away thanks to landscape design that allows for infiltration, a rainwater storage system that is used to flush toilets, and an extensive green roof. Due to integrated sustainable design, project costs for this high-performance building came in at market rate for Class A office space. For more on the Nature Conservancy's work in Indiana, visit their web site: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/indiana/index.htm
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What's the latest with IU's Green Teams Program? Beginning this summer, the program welcomes a new Coordinator, Amy Allen, an Environmental Management major in SPEA. Like many students at IU, Amy is a transplant from elsewhere. Amy grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where her appreciation for the natural environment first began. This appreciation has since developed into a dedication to the environmental field.
The Green Teams program is now entering its third year here at IU. For those not familiar with the Green Teams program, a Green Team is an informal group of faculty, staff, and students in a particular campus unit who work collectively to promote environmentally friendly practices within that unit. With an already strong foundation laid by pervious interns, Amy is looking forward to collaborating with the Office of Sustainability to strengthen and expand the presence of the Green Teams on campus. Some of the major focuses for this year are to increase the number of teams from 28 to 40, develop new resources for the teams, provide individualized services for each team, and promote collaborative efforts with other IU organizations in order to help establish campus wide sustainability.
Starting a Green Team, or getting involved with a current team, is a great way for individuals at IU to reduce the long-term and short-term environmental impacts of their office or building. To learn how to get involved, you can visit the Green Teams webpage on the Office of Sustainability website (http://www.indiana.edu/~sustain/Green_Teams/), or contact Amy directly at iugt@indiana.edu, and she will be more than happy to help get you started.
As we enter into the fall semester, look for continued updates with the latest news from Green Teams.
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Events, Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities
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If you are interested in having an event sent out over the listserv, please send an email with the title, time, date, location and description to susevent@indiana.edu by the Saturday evening before your event occurs.
Upcoming Events: Wednesday, July 27 Green Drinks Bloomington: Economics for Prosperity on a Finite Planet When: 5:30 - 7:30 pm Where: Upland Brewery Banquet Facility, 350 West 11th Street, Bloomington Description: Heather Reynolds, IU Biology Professor and member of the Speaker Network for the Center for the Advancement of Steady State Economy, will present a program entitled, "Economics for Prosperity on a Finite Planet" during the programmed portion of the evening from 6 - 6:30 pm. Reynolds will discuss the key ingredients for humans flourishing on a finite planet. The talk considers the most appropriate economic model to promote such flourishing, overviews economic policy initiatives, and discusses what cities and citizens can do to promote a rich quality of life within the biophysical limits of the Earth. $5 suggested donation, some food will be provided. Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 Solar Training Workshop for NABCEP Entry Level Exam When: Daily, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm NABCEP Test August 13 or by arrangement. Where: Brown County Career Resource Center, 246 E. Main St., P.O. Box 2087, Nashville, IN 47448 Description: The Brown County Career Resource Center, located in Nashville, IN is offering a week long solar electric workshop. The course is designed for people looking to gain basic knowledge with solar PV technology and provide participants to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) PV Entry Level Exam. Students attending the workshop will learn solar PV electricity basics, solar energy fundamentals, PV module fundamentals, PV site assessment, PV system components, PV system sizing, PV system design, working safely with PV and PV markets and applications. Participants will be given some hands-on training. Participants who have completed the workshop will be able to sit for the NABCEP PV Entry level exam. The last day 8/13, will be a 1/2 day review to help students prepare for the exam, then the exam will be administered that afternoon. The workshop is taught by NABCEP certified PV installer, Alex Jarvis. Cost is $650 and includes textbook, workshop materials and the NABCEP PV Entry Level Exam. This coursework is offered at easily twice the price from other training providers.
We have tried our best provide excellent training while at the same time keeping the enrollment cost down. Space is limited so don't wait too long to enroll.
Register by:
July 27th, 2011
Please contact: David Bartlett (812) 988-5880 or dbartlett@brownco.k12.in.us
or Shiela Roccia, sroccia@brownco.k12.in.us
Friday, September 16
3rd Annual Lugar Collegiate Energy Summit
Where: Indianapolis Museum of Art
Description: The Lugar Collegiate Energy Summit brings together students interested in energy issues with the goal of encouraging them in their current and future work. Among other things, there will be workshops on club development, outreach to businesses, and public policy, as well as time for students to network with businesses and organizations.
Ongoing Events and Opportunities: Student Leaders sought for IUBeginnings Trip, "Sustain-Ability" The IU Office of Sustainability and the Office of First Year Experience are teaming up this summer to create an IUBeginnings trip themed "Sustain-Ability." The trip will consist of a variety of events ranging from community service to movie screenings to hikes and tours. What the trip needs now is YOU! This exciting role is for any IUB student, undergraduate or graduate, that wants to directly engage with incoming freshmen on the topic of sustainability. This program is a great opportunity to impact incoming students, get to know new people, and gain valuable leadership experience all while having fun! Ideally, candidates for this role are already engaged in sustainability-whether through student groups, academic studies, work experience, and/or internships. Those selected for the role should be willing to share their experiences with others and be eager to assist new students to the IUB campus. To be selected, you must be enrolled full-time at IU Bloomington, be able to regularly check email throughout the summer, be available all day from Friday, 8/19 to Wednesday, 8/24 (arrangements can be made for early move-in to residence halls), be enthusiastic about orienting new students to IU and engaging in sustainability, and be periodically available for mentoring throughout the academic year. The position is not paid, but costs of the trip, including dining, lodging, and transportation are covered. For more information, please email Bridget Flynn, IU Office of Sustainability intern, at braflynn@indiana.edu. Take the Pledge - Go Phosphorus Free! Clear Choices for Clean Water is a campaign to increase awareness about lawn care and its impact on our streams and lakes. Water quality friendly lawn care includes practices such as using phosphorus-free fertilizer, landscaping with native plants, managing yard and pet wastes, and overall lawn reform. Click here to take the pledge: http://www.clearchoicescleanwater.org/ Bluegrass Bioneers 2011 - Call for Presenters & Proposals The 2011 Bluegrass Bioneers Conference will take place October 21-23 in Louisville, KY at the UofL. This is our third annual event, and we need YOUR help to make it the best one yet! - Are you or someone you know doing something visionary and interesting that people need to know about? - Do you have an innovative solution to the challenges facing the Louisville community and humanity at large? - Have you hit on a unique or entertaining way to move or inspire people to action? - Do you have something to share that will grab the attention of 50 people...and hold it for an hour? If you answered YES to any of these, we want to hear from you. The Bioneers Conference is the country's "leading-edge forum & environmental conference... (where) social & scientific innovators focus on solutions inspired by nature & human ingenuity." Among this year's renowned national keynote speakers are feminist icon Gloria Steinem; renewable energy guru Amory Lovins; and master mycologist Paul Stamets. In addition to these national luminaries, the conference will feature local/regional visionaries, innovators, and workshops. The larger Bioneers mission is to uncover and promote "practical environmental solutions and innovative strategies for restoring the Earth and communities." It is with this as a guide that the organizing committee will choose a select number of local workshops and presenters for the Bluegrass Bioneers Conference. SPROUTS Community Garden seeks volunteers to help grow organic food The SPROUTS garden is a community-organized garden located at the intersection of 8th St and Fess Ave on the IU-Bloomington campus. SPROUTS was founded in 2005 by several IU Permaculture Design Course graduates, but you don't have to be a student to pitch in!
SPROUTS uses permaculture principles and organic methods to grow fruits and vegetables. Most of our produce is donated to Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Pantry. The remaining produce is available for garden volunteers to take home.
There are currently two participation days per week: Tuesdays and Saturdays from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. For more information about SPROUTS events please email sprouts@indiana.edu or check out their facebook page.
Weekly Workdays at the Bryan House Garden
If you are looking for something to do this summer and want to show the IU community that we can sustain a garden over the summer, come out to the Bryan House Gardens for our weekly work days! Every WEDNESDAY from 6-8 PM, we'll be maintaining our vegetable and herb gardens. Plus, if you volunteer 10 hours over the summer, you will receive fresh produce from the garden!
If you would like to volunteer, or if you are enrolled in a course or work with an organization that you think might be interested in this garden initiative, please email garden intern Stephanie Hopkins at iugarden@indiana.edu.
The Bryan House Garden is located on the eastern lawn of the Bryan House, just to the west of the Musical Arts Center.
Help Indiana get more trees with just a few clicks It's quick, easy, and free to help get more trees for Indiana by voting online. Each vote results in a $1 donation from Odwalla to the Indiana DNR for planting trees in Hoosier state parks. Last year around $3,400 was raised through this program. With the Emerald Ash Borer killing trees throughout the state, more trees will be needed this year to offset the damage and grow our forests.
Visit http://www.odwalla.com/plantatree/ to vote. More information at the DNR site here: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2923.htm
Room available for rent in new Bloomington Ecovillage Walking distance to campus. Available starting August 1st.
If you are particularly interested in intentional community and sustainable living, contact Doug Hanvey (hanvey@gmail.com) for complete details.
GREEN Educational Adventure Programs in Costa Rica The Global Renewable Energy Education Network (GREEN) inspires university students to explore the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. The GREEN Educational Adventure Programs in Costa Rica offer a unique way to satisfy your intellectual curiosity while experiencing unforgettable adventures, gaining a cultural experience, and giving back to the community through socially responsible projects. The Programs in Costa Rica are focused on Renewable Energy Education, Adventure, Culture, and Social Responsibility. The 12-day trip gives students a chance to explore the topics of RENEWABLE ENERGY and SUSTAINABILITY through interactive lectures and exclusive hands-on site visits to functioning power plants, like wind farms and geothermal plants, and residential facilities, such as organic sustainable farms and green-centric housing developments.
Simply Living Fair seeking sponsors and exhibitors
The Center for Sustainable Living is pleased to announce that the 2011 Simply Living Fair will be held on Saturday, September 10th in Third Street Park (also known as the Waldron, Hill, and Buskirk Park). They are seeking sponsors and exhibitors, with a goal of raising $1,500 to cover expenses. This is a great chance to showcase your green business or organization to a crowd of eco-minded folks who are willing to spend their dollars where their values are. Booths are available for $25 for businesses and $15 for non-profits, with sponsorship opportunities starting at $80. Please visit http://www.simplylivingfair.org for more information or contact the Center for Sustainable Living at (812) 332-8796.
Show tornadoes that they aren't welcome here!! Donate to the City of Bloomington Tree Fund
During the storms last month, the campus and community lost an estimated 500-700 trees, some of which were 150 years old or more. Help replace these monuments in our green city! Contact dunbarb@bloomington.in.gov (or 349.3498) to make a donation. Anything you contribute will help send a signal to tornadoes to dissipate into refreshing spring breezes.
Student Conservation Association Internships
The SCA is one of the biggest partners for national parks and forests. Each year, they send thousands of youth across the country to get conservation experience in awesome places. Living expenses, housing, and round trip travel provided. Internships run from 3-12 months and are available in all 50 states. See http://thesca.org/serve/internships for more information and to apply.
Pick Up America Internships
Pick Up America seeks interns year-round. It's a great opportunity for young people to get nonprofit experience while getting the chance to travel slowly. Students work closely with the core PUA team. Travel with us, pick up trash, and focus your skills on a specific project thisyear. Our goal is to make it to Denver by November. If you're interested in this great opportunity to see the USA one step at a time, email Johnna Jackson [johnjackson113@gmail.com] with a brief letter to the Pick Up Artists, a resume, and references. At this time, we must ask interns to pay for room/board. $60/week. Or $45/week if you have a car. We'll pay for fuel while you're on the road with us. Visit http://pickupamerica.wordpress.com/help/ for more information.
Office space available in Bloomington Eco Center
Great downtown location. Shared meeting space. Fantastic deal, includes all utils. and internet. $350/mo., Contact harmony@indiana.edu for details.
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General comments and questions should be directed to sustain@indiana.edu.
Our address:
IU Office of Sustainability
1001 E. 10th St.
Geology 429
Bloomington, IN 47405
IUOS staff:
Bill Brown
Director of Sustainability
brownwm@indiana.edu
812-855-1822
Emilie Rex
Assistant Director of Sustainability
ekrex@indiana.edu
812-855-2678
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