September 2015
Sustainability Bulletin
4
Energy Campaign
8 Sustainable Leadership Summit 12 Faith and the Environment Series
14 Scaling Up: Farm to SUNY 18 Waste Not 20 Around Town
For a full event calendar, go here.
Caring for the Earth: Faith Communities Respond to the Pope’s Encyclical Thursday, September 17th 7PM PAC Recital Hall Tom Porter, Mohawk Leader Wednesday, October 7th 7PM CC 375
Kale Day Wednesday, October 7th 11AM-2PM Campus Center
Farm to Table Dinner Thursday, October 15th 6:30PM Interfaith Center
What’s Happening on Campus
Famers’ Market Wednesday, September 16th 11AM-2PM Small Fountain
USGBC Speaker Series: Eco Machine – Living without Wasting Tuesday, October 13th 5:30PM BB 217
Sex in the Dark Monday, October 19th 7PM CC 375
Purple Danes Going Green
Ninth Annual Energy Campaign
Campaign aims for decrease of electricity use across campus By Grant Zelin, originally printed in the Albany Student Press on 9/1/15 With climate change already affecting the world, the University at Albany is attempting to make a difference.
UAlbany introduced the Energy Campaign in 2007 as an electricity-saving competition among six uptown residence halls. No in its ninth year, the campaign has been expanded to include the Academic Podium and residential living areas. Mary Ellen Mallia, the Director for Environmental Sustainability, and Mary Alexis Leciejewski, the Program Assistant for the Office of Environmental Sustainability, hope to reduce electricity use in the buildings the campaign is monitoring by 10 percent compared to a previous year’s baseline.
While Mallia did admit that the goal is aggressive, she also said it is “completely realistic.” Last year, the Energy Campaign attained an 8 percent reduction on campus.
Eight percent might not sound like much, but each year the Energy Campaign saves around a million kilowatt-hours, or between $70,00 and $100,000 in electricity costs per year.
This year the Energy Campaign is pushing for a joint action of students and staff to
foster a more sustainable community at UAlbany Residential Life has been increasing awareness of electrical waste, and it’s showing in the data. For example, Empire Commons and Freedom Apartments have show 30 percent reductions in electricity use over recent years. “It really is a focus on collective action,” Leciejewski said. “If you have faculty and staff setting the right example, the students who are working will carrying those conservation habits with them for the rest of their life.”
Developing partnerships on the Academic Podium has proven more difficult, but it is important.
“We thought two things: First of all, we’re all in this together as a campus, so that doesn’t mean just harass the students and the residence halls. And only a third of our electricity is used there– most of our electricity is used on the Academic Podium,” Mallia said.
This year, the Energy Campaign hopes to increase competitiveness among the academic buildings. Continued on page 6
To kick off the Energy Campaign, the Office of Environmental Sustainability teamed up with the Campus Programming Board for a specialty Podium Series on September 2nd. Over 300 students stopped by the small fountain and pledged a specific action that they would integrate into their daily habits during the ten-week challenge. Students then signed an eight-foot lightning bolt made from recycled cardboard that will be displayed on campus as a visual reminder about our campus conservation efforts.
“It is true that the residents earn back a portion and we do try to fund green different amenities,” Mallia said. “We want to try to make it something that can be purchased fairly quickly and can be used by students in the spring, because they’re the students in the fall who did the saving.”
The Office of Environmental Sustainability also takes a portion of the savings to fund their annual programs, like the Give and Go Program, the Bike Share Program, and Document Shredding Day, Mallia said.
There are many ways to get involved in the Energy Campaign. Starting September 2, every two weeks the Energy Campaign will sponsor a new theme focusing on specific energy actions. One is “Think Outside the Bulb,” which students and staff can join in by replacing their old light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs or by using daylight rather than flipping on a switch. Another theme is “Pledge to Conserve,” where students and staff can sign a lightning bolt containing a method of energy saving that they pledge to practice this fall.
Any student who posts a picture engaging in something related to the Energy Campaign with the hashtag #UAlbanyEnergy will be entered into a lottery for a $100 gift card. Every picture posted with the hashtag will count as an entry. For more information about the Energy Campaign, or to report a misuse of energy on campus, email gogreen@albany.edu.
Join in the Conversation on Social Media Staff and faculty can upload photos of their energy saving habits in the workplace to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #UAlbanyEnergy to enter to win a free breakfast for the entire office. One winner will be chosen every two weeks. Students can also upload photos of their energy saving habits on campus to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #UAlbanyEnergy to enter to win a $100 gift card during the campaign.
Energy Campaign Themes Pledge to Conserve September 2-September 15 Students, staff, and faculty choose one energy saving habit to adopt during the 10 week Campaign.
Think Outside the Bulb September 16– September 29 Students switch out incandescent bulbs for energy efficient CFLs. Staff and faculty practice daylighting in their offices.
Give it a Rest September 30– October 13 Student, staff, and faculty change the sleep settings on their electronics.
Watts on? Turn it off! October 14– October 27 Everyone turns off electronics when not in use.
Slay Energy Vampires October 28– November 8 Everyone unplugs electronics, which still draw energy even when turned off.
Sustainable Leadership Summit By Erin Sanderson From August 3rd through the 5th, UAlbany hosted the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students’ (NAGPS) 4th annual Leadership Summit. This year’s focus was Sustainable Leadership and included speakers from the Capital District and UAlbany, informative and interactive breakout sessions, group activities, and enjoyable networking and receptions. Students from all over the nation attended, as well as many of the NAGPS national board members, who are graduate students themselves. All those who attended participate in graduate student government at their own colleges and universities. These student leaders came to Albany to learn about the three pillars of sustainability and how that ideology could be used within their own organizations to create effective leadership, stable organizations, and smooth transitions in student government.
highest tower that withstands the weight of 1 marshmallow, out of spaghetti, tape, and string.
The speakers from the Capital District included Will Malcolm of Capital Roots in Troy, Joe Citek of Tierra Farm in Albany, Carmen Rau of Holding Our Own in Albany, Kay Olan a Mohawk Storyteller, Laura Ten Eyck of American Farmland Trust in Saratoga, and Sandy Steubing of People of Albany United for Safe Energy (PAUSE). Each speaker recalled their leadership experiences through the lens of sustainability. For example, Will Malcolm discussed the importance of taking a holistic approach to visions and goals by considering all the various aspects involved in that mission. In Capital Roots, this holistic approach means not only considering the location of community gardens and prices for vegetables, but how to better serve and engage the community around them by making a lasting impact.
Two receptions allowed attendees to network and enjoy some down time with colleagues and newfound friends. Mohawk Storyteller, Kay Olan, opened the reception by performing a traditional greeting. The summit ended with a breakout session that allowed each attendee to identify tools that are already available to them that they can use in their organization to create sustainability, a Graduate Student Toolbox for Change. One of the attendees, Tara Salehpour from Arizona State University said after the summit, “This was such a great opportunity to connect, learn and grow! The knowledge and tools I acquired during the Sustainable Leadership Summit have already been extremely useful. It was great to connect with fellow leaders and engage in collaborative learning! It has been a catalyst for group cohesion and a national knowledge-sharing network.”
The keynote address was given by our very own Dr. Mary Ellen Mallia, Director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability, who spoke about the varying nature of sustainability and the impact our actions can have on the world around us. Dr. Mallia also spoke with Dr. John Gowdy of R.P.I. about the intersection of market forces and sustainability. To illustrate the main point of the talk, that individual skills do not matter as much as the composition of a group, Dr. Mallia led the group in the Marshmallow Challenge. Groups of four attempted to build the
Other speakers from UAlbany included Dr. Bret Benjamin and Dr. Aaron Major, both from United University Professions, who spoke about justice, equity, and economic stability. Dr. Gary Kleppel of the Biology Department here at UAlbany gave a very informative and dynamic talk entitled “56 Men in a Room, and other stories of determined underdogs”. Dr. Kleppel’s talk illustrated the main points any movement needs to succeed, including those that occur at the University level. President Jones also gave a very interesting talk at the summit highlighting the importance of the University’s role in public engagement, Collective Impact and coalition building.
The summit was envisioned by Caitlin Janiszewski, former UAlbany GSA president and NAGPS Employment Concerns chair, and was put into motion by The Summit Director Cassidy Drasser, and the help of the planning committee formed by UAlbany Students Lisa Cassidy, Robin Brennan, Kat Slye, Erin Sanderson and the Sustainability Office staff assistant Mary Alexis Leciejewski.
Sustainable Leadership Summit Photos!
Faith and the Environment Series This June, Pope Francis issued a groundbreaking encyclical On Care for Our Common Home, in which he warns of ‘serious consequences’ if the world does not act on climate change. An encyclical is an authoritative Catholic document, though the vision he has laid out is global, interfaith, and intergenerational. As a response to this profound moment, The Office of Environmental Sustainability and the Interfaith Center has teamed up to bring a three part series on Faith and the Environment. We invite members of our community to take part in one or more of the events. The Albany community is invited to the events on September 17th and October 7th (free parking in the State Student lot).
September 17 at 7:00 PM in PAC Recital Hall Caring for the Earth: Faith Communities Respond to the Pope’s Encyclical Panelists
Following Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, On Care for Our Common Home, the interfaith community has been energized to confront the reality of climate change from the standpoint of faith. Join us as five local faith leaders share from their own traditions the relationship between people, their communities, and the environment. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is free in State Quad Student Lot. Reception with light refreshments to follow.
Buddhist: Monshin Paul Naamon, Abbot of Tendai Buddhist Institute and Secretary General of Tendaishu North America Division Catholic: Bishop Howar d Hubbar d, Bishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany Hindu: Dr . J yoti Swaminathan, Hindu Philosophy Lecturer/Teacher Jewish: Rabbi Nomi Manon, Pr es. Capital Distr ict Bd. of Rabbis and Ex. Dir. UAlbany Hillel Muslim: Imam Rahman Yaki, Imam at the Islamic Center of the Capital District
October 7th at 7:00 PM in Campus Center 375 Tom Porter on Native Spirituality and Environmental Justice Tom Porter (Sakokwenionkwas) is a spiritual leader of the Mohawk Bear Clan and the director of the traditional Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his dedication to educating Native and non-Native people about the true history, culture and spirituality of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). His book And Grandma Said . . . Iroquois Teachings: as passed down through the oral tradition will be on sale for $24 after the talk, cash and check only. The event is free and open to the public.
October 15th at 6:30 PM at the Interfaith Center Student Farm to Table Dinner All UAlbany students, staff, and faulty are welcome to a fall Farm to Table dinner. We’ll share a meal of seasonal items, some harvested from the Heritage Garden. All those with dietary restrictions will be able to enjoy the supper.
Waste Not In order to make an impact on society and project the ideologies of what sustainability is and how to do it, a group of those who want the community to participate By Nadia Rodriguez is needed. I applied to the Sustainability Council as a sophomore because I wanted to be part of a group of people who care enough to make a difference in the community, directly and indirectly. I applied for the Recycling Chair position—a position that requires the
coordination of student engagement in university wide recycling events and programs. Such events include organizing student recycling ambassadors at the home football and basketball games. I served as team captain which involved recruiting student volunteers from campus organizations. I also set up activities for America Recycles Day during Sustainability Week, provided input on promotional events surrounding Recyclemania, took a leadership role in organizing and running Trashion Fashion, and created any additional educational awareness events to promote the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).
Nia and I came up with three ways to make recycling more accessible in the main library:
Educate everyone about recycling. This included creating a guidance document for janitorial staff and discussing waste disposal procedures with the library personnel. The bins that were chosen to inhabit the first floor of the library included improved signage so users would better understand what items could go in what bin.
The co-Recycling Chair, Nia Sanders, and I, Nadia Rodriguez, felt we still needed to do more. We wanted to start with an enclosed location that is used often by students at the university—the University Library. The increase of garbage in the library concerned us As Recycling Chairs for the Sustainability Council at the University at Albany, we predicted the increase in waste was partially due to the lack of recycling bins in the library. In response to this crisis, we initiated a recycling audit to understand how effective our current recycling program in the University Library is in terms of actual waste recapture. In total, we conducted four recycling audits from November 2014 to April 2015. Each audit took place between 6PM to 9PM. This time period was chosen because it is when many students occupied the library, according to our observations. It is important to note that the first and third floors were under construction during this time period. In the audits, we recorded where recycling bins and trash bins were placed on each floor, and counted the amount of items that were misplaced into a trash or recycling bins.
Install distinct bins in designated locations that are easy for students and janitors to locate and identify on each floor. This would make recycling accessible, keep waste disposal constricted, and help students sort their waste properly. Key spots were identified and waste and recycling bins were paired together.
Keep communication open between the janitorial and library staff and the sustainability council to make sure the new recycling plan is executed effectively. The staff should feel free to express their views to the council regarding the program’s efficiency based on their participation in observing, collecting and disposing library waste. Likewise, the council will monitor the effectiveness of the program through future recycling audits and periodic meetings with staff.
With these changes, along with the outreach that we plan to execute, we can help students become aware of recycling and increase their participation in making the library a sustainable place—and eventually the rest of the University at Albany.
Summer Intern Summary
Audubon Dinner and a Movie
Prescription Takeback
Meet the Executive Producer of the “Ordinary Extraordinary Junco”, Distinguished Professor at Indiana University Ellen Ketterson, Ph.D , and the producer, writer, researcher, and the film’s director Jonathan Atwell, Ph.D. Also on hand for the post-movie discussion is the Huyck Preserve’s Executive Director, Dawn O’Neal, Ph.D.
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will conduct a nationwide prescription drug collection on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. Collections will be held at many locations around New York and are the best way to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Collection locations in New York can be found on DEA’s National Take Back Initiative webpage.
Begin the evening sharing in some delicious food from Jake Moon Restaurant and Café starting promptly at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 26th before taking in a film on the junco! Take a journey from the boreal forests of Canada, down to the Rockies, through the deserts of the Southwest and to the year round junco residents of Guatemala and Costa Rica. Register here!
Bike Share
NY Solar Energy Society Meeting Wondering about the technology behind renewable energy? Please join us at the monthly noontime Capital Region meeting of the New York Solar Energy Society. They tackle solar cooking, solar heating, solar hot water, wind, ground source heat transfer (“geothermal”) and tidal and wave technology. And, they’ll discuss the deep energy retrofits for homes and the importance of mass transportation and electric vehicles. On Friday, September 18th, Kevin Bailey of High Peaks Solar will give a tour of the Solar Store and talk about commercial, residential solar and the benefits of owning vs leasing. Meet at noon at 180 Main Avenue , Wynantskill, NY 12198. For more information: coonjoan@gmail.com
Birds Take Flight It’s that time of year when birds are on the move. Come along on an early morning adventure to observe some of the amazing birds here and see our science team in action as they capture and band birds! Meet at the Albany Pine Bush on Saturday, September 19th at 7:30AM. They are working together to learn more about birds migrating through the Pine Bush. After a short outside observation period, an indoor hands-on presentation will take place. Register online here.
This semester is all about you Being on campus without a car isn’t always convenient. You can grab a bus, ride your bike, or get a lift from a friend. But sometimes you just need access to a car. That’s why we’ve brought Zipcar to campus. Zipcar is an 18+ service that gives students access to shared cars – gas and insurance included! To celebrate the new school year, you can now join Zipcar for $25, and get $35 in free driving credit. Sign up today at Zipcar.com to take advantage of this great deal in 2015.