Luther College 2012-13 Carbon Footprint
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Luther's carbon footprint has been calculated for the 2012-2013 fiscal year (FY). As of May 31, 2013, Luther College has reduced its campus carbon footprint 40% from its peak in FY 2003-04 via investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Wind energy offsets reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 4,156.3 MT eCO2 in FY 2012-13, representing 15% of Luther's total emission reductions.
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Electricity purchases are still the largest part of Luther's carbon footprint (52.3%), but electricity-related emissions have declined 28.5% due to investments in energy efficiency.
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The direct combustion of fossil fuel on campus is still the second largest part of Luther's carbon footprint (28.2%) but they have declined 19.3% due primarily to Luther's decision only to burn natural gas in the heating plant versus fuel oil.
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Gasoline-related emissions have declined 52.5% due primarily to Luther's investment in a fleet of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.
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The rest of Luther's carbon footprint (19%) is associated with solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment, air travel, and faculty and staff commuting.
A detailed account of Luther's full carbon footprint history is available on the ACUPCC website.
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Luther Hosts Successful Regional Conference
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Luther hosted the regional conference of the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability November 7th - 9th in Decorah. Forty-two colleges and universities from six different states were represented in the 200 individuals who participated.
 The conference included keynote presentations by sustainability leaders as well as concurrent session presentations and workshops on topics ranging from climate change and local foods to sustainability in the curriculum and community outreach. Beyond formal sessions, the conference allowed for extensive networking and sharing of best practices between students, staff, and faculty from campuses throughout the Midwest. This is the second time that Luther has hosted this gathering with the previous conference in April of 2008. For more on UMACS see www.umacs.org.
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Discovery Day: Connecting Luther Students and Decorah Youth
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Luther students in the Environmental Education class helped 70 area youth enjoy the wild side of Luther for Discovery Day on November 2nd. Youth gathered at Baker Commons for a morning filled with nature's music, ornithology, sensory awareness activities, food chain exploration and survival skills.
Discovery Day is open to all students in K - 6th grade interested in learning more about the natural world, while having fun and trying new skills. Each student participated in 3 short environmentally focused activities that inspired wonder and curiosity about the outdoors. "Discovery Day not only engages students in the outdoors, but allows a unique mentorship between college students and young people," says Emily Neal, who teaches the Environmental Education course.
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Sustainability Grant Fund
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Luther's Sustainability Grant Fund was created with the purpose of encouraging members of the Luther community to promote a multifaceted view of sustainability. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to apply for funding through the grant fund to implement environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable projects. Project proposals are reviewed by a student committee and recommended to the Sustainability Council for funding. Since the grant fund started, many projects have been funded across campus including implementation of composting in Baker Village, a bike fix-it station located near the library, a German class's garden project, composting in Baker Village, rain barrels, clothes drying racks and many more. The application and more information about the Sustainability Grant Fund can be found on the Sustainability website. |
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This newsletter is provided by the Center for Sustainable Communities, which coordinates all sustainability initiatives at Luther College. The mission of the Center is to promote sustainability and be a catalyst for change on campus and in the region. For more information on sustainability initiatives at Luther and the outreach work of the Center for Sustainable Communities, please visit: www.luther.edu/sustainability.
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| Thurs. Nov. 14: Student Learning Task Group meeting
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Thurs. Nov. 14: Rob Hogg Lecture
7 pm, Olin 102Rob Hogg, state senator from Iowa, will present a Luther College guest lecture, "A Call to Climate Action - America's New National Purpose." Read more.
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| Tues. Nov. 19: Food, Purchasing, and Waste Task Group meeting
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| Thurs. Nov. 21: Sustainability Council Meeting
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 | Emily Neal
Director of Outreach |
Emily Neal is the Director of School Outreach. She has over 18 years of experience teaching people of all ages about integrating concepts of wellness, sustainability and stewardship into their lives. Emily is responsible for supervising FoodCorps and AmeriCorps members that serve in over 18 districts throughout Northeast Iowa. Together, they help districts foster healthy environments for students, staff and the communities they serve. She has a Masters in Science Education and an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, both from the University of Iowa.
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Food Hub Intern
The NE Iowa Food Hub is looking for a motivated and detail oriented person to help grow their local food programs this winter. The application deadline is Nov. 25. Read more.
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Whole Earth Grocery General Manager, River Falls WI
Whole Earth Grocery, a member-owned store, is currently looking for applicants for a general manager position. Prior experience in coop or health foods store management is recommended. Read more.
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Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies, Luther College
A tenure-eligible position in Environmental Studies with a focus on sustainability or a related area beginning late August 2014. We invite applications from all disciplines but specifically encourage applications from graduates of economics, political science, business, or interdisciplinary programs with a social science emphasis. Read more.
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