Acupcc school innovations (New Partnerships Continued) University of Maine, Orono, ME President: Robert A. Kennedy • Implementation Liaison: Misa Saros, Conservation & Energy Compliance Specialist The University of Maine has made significant strides in fulfilling its commitment to sustainability. Last summer, UMaine – leading a partnership involving numerous research, educational, and business partners statewide – received a $20 million National Science Foundation Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) grant for a new project called the Sustainability Solutions Initiative (SSI). SSI is an interdisciplinary research and outreach program, led by UMaine’s Senator George Mitchell Center, which will dramatically affect our state’s future. University researchers will work with diverse stakeholder groups from across the state to address problems related to urbanization, forest management, and climate change. This work will complement our internationally known research efforts in the areas of climate science and renewable energy, including work in wind energy technology and biofuels. At UMaine, we are also proud of our sustainability-focused campus master plan and ongoing outreach efforts through Cooperative Extension. With these exciting programs and initiatives in place, we are most enthusiastic about our future as a land-grant institution rising to the challenge of the <strong>ACUPCC</strong> in significant and innovative ways. Renewable Energy Ball State University, Muncie, IN President: Jo Ann M. Gora • Implementation Liaison: Robert Koester, Professor of Architecture Our first major step at Ball State University to meet our commitment to the <strong>ACUPCC</strong> is now under construction. Phase I of our geothermal district heating and cooling system – which will allow us to shut down at least two of our four coal-fired boilers and eliminate fifty percent of our 85,000 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions – will come on line in mid-2011. This is the largest project of its kind in the nation. Our investment of $42.5 million in Phase I will yield a net $1 million in annual savings at current fuel prices. Phase II of the program, which will allow us to shut down our remaining coal-fired boilers, will continue at a pace determined by available finances. This project has significantly shaped the development of our <strong>Climate</strong> Action Plan as we work to achieve climate neutrality. That Plan includes an academic integration of the <strong>ACUPCC</strong> commitment to be found in graduate and undergraduate courses throughout the university as well as what we call “immersive learning.” For example, students recently explored a new model for sustainable neighborhood renewal in Indianapolis. This Smart Growth Renewal District has been selected as one of five pilot projects in the nation to be supported by the Office of Sustainable Communities, a new collaboration among the federal Departments of Environmental Protection, Housing & Urban Development, and Transportation. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD President: Robert A. Wharton • Implementation Liaisons: Duane Hrncir, Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs and Jerilyn C. Roberts, Campus Environmental Health and Safety Manager The knowledge of renewable energy principles will be an increasingly important skill for students as they compete for technology jobs in the future. The best way to incorporate these principles is by practicing sustainability as a campus. In addition to our commitment to building LEED certified buildings, purchasing Energy Star appliances, and other recycling and green initiatives, we recently unveiled the Black Hills Power Renewable Energy Research Facility. The facility, funded through a $90,000 donation from Black Hills Power, consists of two wind turbines and three photovoltaic panels, providing modern technology for researching wind and solar energy opportunities. Through this partnership with Black Hills Power, there is an unprecedented opportunity to provide meaningful research experiences for our engineering and science students and to establish collaborative outreach activities for the community and K-12 teachers and students. <strong>ACUPCC</strong> <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 14
Success Stories Ball State University President Jo Ann Gora and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) stand behind one of the university’s six hybrid electric buses. Photo courtesy of Ball State University 15 <strong>ACUPCC</strong> <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>
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