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The following news resources provide higher education stories related to green building efforts and sustainability initiatives as well as updates from Second Nature about our green building and climate neutrality programs. There are also news stories focusing on funding and community related topics.

NEWS RELEASES

Title
Information
Date
New Financial Opportunity for Education on Energy

The 2011 Constellation E2 Energy to Educate grant awards program is now accepting proposals that will reach and inspire students to think differently about energy. 

Proposed projects must align with at least one of the following three energy knowledge and innovation focus areas:

  • Energy Science: Building Blocks
  • Energy Technology: Intelligent Applications
  • Energy Education: The Conscious Consumer

The deadline to submit a proposal is October 1, 2011.  Please click here to learn more about this financial opportunity  and its eligibility critera for applying.
 

08/31/2011
Second Nature is Hiring! (8/15)

Second Nature seeks the services of a Program Associate for a 6‐month contract. Under the leadership of the President and the Vice President, and reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Development, the Program Associate will actively work towards Second Nature’s mission to advance sustainability in higher education across the United States with a special focus on the Education for Sustainability (EfS) Innovation Program.  For the full job description, please click here.

This position requires working presence at Second Nature office in downtown Boston, with some telecommuting and occasional travel. This posting is available immediately and will remain open until September 16, 2011. Application received after the deadline will not be reviewed.

Candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to careers@secondnature.org.

 

08/15/2011
DOE Announced New Financial Opportunity for Colleges and Universities (6/28)

Energy Secretary Steven Chu recently announced a funding opportunity of more than $30 million to help colleges and universities prepare their undergraduate- and graduate-level engineering students in becoming the nation’s next generation of industrial energy efficiency experts.

"Through this industrial efficiency training program, students will gain hands-on experience and training for jobs in a growing global sector, while at the same time, reducing energy waste for American businesses and helping to make our manufacturing facilities more competitive," said Secretary Chu.  "This program will make sure that the next-generation of American workers has the education and skills they need to further our transition to a clean energy economy."

This competitive funding opportunity will designate 20 to 30 institutions across the country as Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs), where at least 10 to 15 students will receive training and perform extensive energy assessment and management activities.  Students will also be placed in small and medium-sized industrial and manufacturing facilities around their communities to gain hands-on experience.  Each IAC will be eligible to receive $200,000 to $300,000 per year up to five years for their training and energy audit programs.

All colleges and universities across the country are invited to apply for this opportunity by August 2, 2011.  Institutions are encouraged to propose innovative methods and approach that will “better ground students in core engineering, energy, and business principles and increase their understanding of management systems, industrial technologies, supply chains, energy efficiency, and sustainability.”

For more information on this financial opportunity and application requirements, click here.
 

06/28/2011
UNCF Released a Green Report on Sustainability Efforts at Minority-Serving Institutions

In celebrating 2011 Earth Day, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) released a report titled “Minority-Serving Institutions Green Report – 2010 Campus Sustainability Survey.”  The report is based on survey responses received from 52 institutions that had participated in UNCF’s Building Green Learning Institutes in Atlanta, Minneapolis, and San Antonio.  The survey explores sustainability initiatives in seven categories: Administration, Climate Change and Energy, Green Buildings, Recycling, Dining, Student Involvement and Transportation.  Overall, the report highlights Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) on sustainability efforts, revealing significant progress and the potential for even more.

“The UNCF Institute for Capacity Building’s Building Green Initiative spreads the message that environmental sustainability is not only the right thing to do, but the economically smart thing,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF President and CEO.  “Building green helps colleges cut operating costs, reduce waste and pollution and expand environmental sustainability practices.  MSI budgets are always tight.  But building green is not an expense; it is an investment in a better campus and a better world.”

The report was developed the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building (UNCF ICB) and the Sustainable Endowments Institute (SEI).  For a complete press release, please read here.
 

04/20/2011
Opportunities for Community Colleges to Develop Green Career Programs, 3/08

The Greenforce Initiative

 

The Greenforce Initiative is an effort by National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and Jobs for the Future (JFF) to strengthen the capacity of community colleges in six regions of the U.S. to develop, enhance or refine green career pathway programs that: 

  • lead to postsecondary credentials and employment in family-sustaining green careers;
  • are designed for lower-skilled adults/non-traditional students who cannot currently access such programs;
  • and utilize campus sustainability or "greening" efforts as a "learning laboratory" for education and training activities.

 

The initiative provides resources, summits and free webinars to To read more about this initiative, click here.

 

03/08/2011
New Resources Update, 2/24

New resources have been added to Campus Green Builder: 

Technical

Educational

Organizations

Financial

  • Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program
    This grant supports projects that aim at strengthening the abiliy of HSIs to enhance their Hispanic-serving capacity and attract, retain, and increase the number of Hispanics that graduate and prepare for the food, agriculture, and natural resources scientific and professional work force.

 

02/24/2011
New Technical Resources Update, 1/26

New technical and educational resources have been added to Campus Green Builder:

Technical

Educational

  • GreenBuilding Talk
    This is an active forum on green building topics (design & planning, energy efficiency, building & construction, building products, etc.).

 

Click here to share your resources with the rest of the higher education community

01/26/2011
New Financial Resources Update, 1/26

New financial resources have been added to Campus Green Builder:

Energy:

  • Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Storage System Cost Analyses Funding Opportunity
    The DOE’s Fuel Cell Technologies Program is seeking to fund fuel cell system analyses for transportation and stationary applications to envision, define and determine the cost of reference state-of-the-art or conceptual fuel cell systems for various sizes, applications and manufacturing volumes that are optimized for lifecycle cost. Closing date for applications is February 11, 2011.
  • Vehicle Technologies Program Funding Opportunity
    The DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Program is funding to accelerate the development and deployment of new energy efficient vehicle technologies. Closing date for applications is February 28, 2011.
  • Existing Facilities Program Incentive
    The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Existing Facilities Program offers incentives for a variety of energy projects including Pre-Qualified Measures and Performance-Based Incentives.

Financial Guides, Reports:

  • Renewable Energy Cost Database
    This database by the EPA is a compilation of existing cost data for wind, solar photovoltaic (solar PV), solar thermal (CSP), and geothermal energy technologies, including historical costs and projected costs for each.
  • U.S. Green Power Marketing Status Report
    The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released the annual “Green Power Marketing in the United State: A Status Report. This report documents U.S. green power marketing activities, trends and current issues, including trends in the voluntary market and the treatment of renewable energy purchases in greenhouse gas inventories.

NSF Grant:

  • Climate Change Education Partnership Program Funding
    The Climate Change Education Partnership (CCEP) program is seeking proposals for the development of Phase I Partnerships as part of its efforts establish a coordinated national network of regionally or thematically based partnerships devoted to increasing the adoption of effective, high quality education programs and resources related to the science of climate change and its impact. Grantees will receive up to two years of funding to support synthesis, network building, and strategic planning activities. Proposal deadline is March 15, 2011.

Private:

  • STEM Leadership Fellowship
    The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is funding the STEM Leadership Fellowship for faculty at a Tribal College or University (TCU). This fellowship will provide $36,000 in funds for a TCU faculty member who is ABD in their Ph.D program in a STEM discipline. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2011.

Click here to share your resources with the rest of the higher education community.

01/26/2011
New Opportunities for Students!

New opportunities for students to get involved in sustainability projects:

Second Nature's 2011 Paid Sustainability in Higher Education Internships
All students are invited to apply to Second Nature's 2011 Paid Sustainability in Higher Education Internships. The student interns will be working on multiple projects involving sustainability in higher education. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2011.

Campus Green Scene Competition
Create a 2-minute video about an initiative that can help green your campus! A prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the winners' schools for implementation. The documentaries will also be screened at the National Energy Efficiency Forum in June 2011. Deadline for submission is April 27, 2011.
 

01/10/2011
New Resources Update, Nov. 29

New resources have been added to Campus Green Builder:

Financial

Federal

  • Financial Assistance to Reduce Diesel Emissions
    The EPA's National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program is requesting proposals nationwide for projects that achieve significant reducations is diesel emissions in terms of tons of pollution produced and diesel emissions exposure. Deadline for applications is January 13, 2011.
  • Advancing the Assessment of Greenhouse Gases and Climate Impacts
    The EPA is requesting proposals to advance comprehensive, integrated modeling and assessment of multiple greenhouse gases and air pollutants, and to also enhance understanding of climate change impacts and their economic implications to assist decision-makers and the public to effectively respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. An informal notice of Intent to Apply must be submitted by December 17, 2011.
  • Stormwater Management Research Center Grant
    The EPA is seeking proposals for integrated, transdisciplinary research centers that will advance scientific understanding of how to influence human and institutional behavior to prevent pollution from entering Chesapeake Bay, and explore sustainable urban stormwater management. Closing date for applications is January 31, 2011

Private

  • DuPont Higher Education Partnerships
    DuPont supports programs and initiatives with the potential to demonstrate improved and sustainable outcomes, primarily in mathematics, science, and technology education. Higher Education Partnerships operate at both the undergraduate and graduate level, with many initiatives focused on increased participation of underrepresented populations.
  • Intel Corporation: U.S. Community Grants
    Intel provides education and environmental grants to maintain and enhance the quality of life in the U.S. communities where the company has a major presence.

Reports

Technical

11/29/2010

GREEN BUILDING

These websites contain green building and sustainability news stories and articles.

  • U.S.G.B.C. News and Announcements

    News from the U.S. Green Building Council on green building topics

  • SECO News

    Sustainable building news from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office

  • GREEN LEDE

    News from CoStar, the commercial real estate research company

  • Grist

    News stories from the popular online environmental news magazine

  • Oikos

    News for professionals promoting sustainable design and construction

  • BuildingGreen

    News for professionals and policy makers promoting improved environmental performance

  • FMLink
    This is a comprehensive facilities management publication that blends information from its own sources with those from other magazines and associations in the field.

  • iGreenBuild.com
    iGreenBuild.com is an online resource for information about green building and environmentally responsible facility management. The web site provides informative video clips, Podcasts, reports, newsletters and articles about cutting edge green building and sustainable living topics.

FUNDING

These websites provide news related to resources such as funding and financing opportunities and mechanisms for campus sustainability projects.

  • Campus ERC News

    News stories from the Campus Environmental Resource Center for Higher Education, a library of resources to support campus environmental performance improvement

  • Campaign for Environmental Literacy Headlines

    Policy and funding headlines from the Campaign for Environmental Literacy, an advocate for increased federal investment in environmental education

  • TEEIC News

    News from the Tribal Energy and Environmental Information Clearinghouse, which provides resources relevant to all energy development activities on tribal lands

  • Kresge News

    News from the Kresge foundation, a philanthropic foundation supporting campus green building initiatives

  • Wege Foundation News

    News from the Wege Foundation, a philanthropic foundation supporting green building projects

  • Joyce Foundation News

    News from the Joyce Foundation, a foundation offering grants to protect the natural environment of the Great Lakes Region

  • John Merck Fund News

    News from the John Merck Fund, a foundation offering grants that support efforts to protect the environment

  • EERE Network News

    Network that addresses national and international energy efficiency and renewable energy news and events, as well as funding opportunities

  • National Clearinghouse of Education Facilities
    The National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) provides information on planning, designing, funding, building, improving, and maintaining safe, healthy, high performance education facilities

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY

The following websites provide news from the higher education community.

  • ACUPCC News

    News from the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment

  • APPA News

    News from the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers

  • NAICU News

    Sustainability news from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

  • HACU News and Alerts

    News and alerts from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

  • NEBHE News Releases

    News releases from the New England Board of Higher Education

  • FIHE News

    News from the Foundation for Independent Higher Education

  • UNCF News and Media

    News from the United Negro College Fund

  • CASE News

    News updates from the Center for the Advancement and Support of Education

  • Inside Higher Ed News

    A source of information, news stories, opinions, and career services for professionals in higher education

PERIODICALS AND NEWSLETTERS

The following is a list of newsletters from organizations that work with green building and other sustainability related projects and initiatives in higher education.

Green Building, Sustainability and Higher Education

  • USGBC Update Newsletters
    Articles and news from the U.S. Green Building Council on advocacy and policy, real estate, higher education, and K-12 efforts
  • ACHUO-I Talking Stick
    A professional development tool by the Association of College and University Housing Officers -International
  • ACUPCC Implementer
    A monthly email newsletter that is sent to the higher education professionals looking for resources and information regarding campus climate action planning and activities

  • HEASC News Digests and Newsletters
    News updates from Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium
  • AASHE Bulletin
    A weekly compilation of news, resources, and events related to sustainability in higher education
  • APPA Facilities Manager Magazine
    A bi-monthly newsletter for higher education facilities officers promoting leadership in educational facilities
  • Climate Neutral Campus Report
    This website contains articles that share the latest strategies, challenges and solutions for higher education institutions that are striving for climate neutrality
  • International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
    A subscription-only journal providing information on sustainability related issues and stories at higher education institutions
  • SCUP Publications
    Newsletters, journals, and articles for higher education institutions' campus planners
  • NACUBO Business Officer Magazine
    The flagship magazine for  business officers of colleges and universities
  • NACUBO Online Publications
    Other publications by the National Association of College and University Business Officers
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
    A source of news, information, and jobs for college and university faculty members and administrators
  • American School and University Magazine
    Information resource for education facilities and business professionals responsible for the management of education facilities
  • RMI Solutions
    A newsletter published by the Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit that works extensively with the private sector, as well as with the civil society and government, to create abundance by design and to apply the framework of natural capitalism
  • Climate Neutral Campus Report
    A report produced by Kyoto Publishing in co-operation with Second Nature and the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) containing articles on the latest strategies, challenges and solutions for higher education institutions that are striving for climate neutrality

Green and Sustainable Building and Design

  • EcoIQ Magazine
    EcoIQ Magazine is an online journal which includes features, opinion, news and events, resources, and reviews of interest to those working on green design and building issues. Click here to read articles dealing with green design and building.

  • Environmental Building News

    Editorials from a magazine promoting improved environmental performance

  • Environment Magazine

    Editorials with international perspectives on science and policy for sustainable development

  • Green Energy News

    News and commentary on issues, policy, and technology related to clean, efficient and/or renewable energy in business

  • Green Source Magazine

    A joint publication by BuildingGreen, McGraw-Hill Construction, and Architectural Record dealing with sustainable planning and design

  • Remodeling Magazine

    Remodeling Magazine’s articles on green and sustainable remodeling issues

  • Green Building Pages - Web Literature List

    A collection of web resources by Green Building Pages, a resource on sustainable design for building industry professionals and consumers

  • Whole Building Design Guide News

    A gateway to information on techniques and technologies for sustainable high performance building design

  • Sustainable Building Newsletter

    A subscription-only newsletter with updates on the subject of energy efficient design

  • Green Technology Magazine

    Articles educating readers on the technology used to create clean and sustainable communities

  • Environmental Design and Construction Magazine

    A source of information dedicated to efficient and sustainable design and construction

  • JLC Online

    The online version of the Journal of Light Construction serving residential and light-commercial builders, remodelers, designers, and other trade professionals

  • CBIA Publications

    Publications by the California Building Industry Association

  • Home Energy Magazine

    A source of information on residential energy efficiency, performance, comfort, and affordability

  • Eco-Structure Magazine

    A source of information on improving the environmental performance of buildings and their surroundings

  • Metropolis Magazine

    A study of the economic, environmental, social, cultural, political, and technological context of contemporary life through design

  • Building Science Digests

    Articles on specific building science topics written for a broad range of users

  • Native American Wind Interest Group Newsletter

    Native American wind information, including projects, interviews with pioneers, issues, Wind Powering America activities, and related events

  • Sustainable Industries Magazine
    A magazine catering to sustainable business leaders

  • SOLAR TODAY
    An award-winning magazine published by the American Solar Energy Society

  • Energy Design Update
    A leading resource for news and developments related to energy-efficient residential design and construction that offers news and advice about developments in technology and regulation, product reviews, design and building tips, practical research reports, and tutorials

  • Harvard Design Magazine
    A resource providing news and articles on sustainable architecture, landscaping, design, urban design and planning