Get the latest news about our green initiatives, find out what projects are making headlines or learn about upcoming events taking place on campus.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Binghamton University has joined the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a membership-based organization of colleges and universities working to advance sustainability in higher education. Membership includes benefits available to individual faculty, staff and students. To take advantage of discounts on events, an online resource center, networking opportunities, professional development and news updates on sustainability issues, log onto the member website at www.aashe.org/members/memberlogin.php with your campus e-mail address and follow the prompts.
Industrial Solar Power Day
Solar-energy companies joined Binghamton University faculty and students on October 15 to discuss the industry at the University's first "Industrial Solar Power Day." The day, which featured presentations from local and regional companies, brought together industry leaders and faculty who are performing cutting-edge research at the University's Center for Autonomous Solar Power (CASP). Established in 2008, CASP focuses on tapping into the sun's supply of renewable energy and making it more accessible as a flexible, large-area and low-cost power source.
Go Green Institute
In July, 50 seventh-graders from across the Southern Tier gathered at Binghamton University to participate in an intensive, 10-day summer science program that centered on the theme of a greener living environment. The Go Green Institute, lead by Wayne Jones, professor of chemistry, explored issues of science, math and engineering as they relate to creating a sustainable living environment. The program, offered each summer, is aimed at piquing the curiosity of budding scientists and engineers.
Earth Day 2009 Celebration
To celebrate Earth Day, on April 22 the University held a zero-waste festival that featured food, music and environmental activities. Along with discussions on the environment and an urban sustainability workshop, participants visited environmental displays, checked out two Honda Green Cars, and took advantage of free bicycle repairs. There was also a “Take It or Leave It” table, where attendees exchanged unwanted items for those they can use. Leftover items were donated to charity. Student volunteers also led children on tours of the Nature Preserve as part of Turn it Off Week, an effort to cut down on the amount of time children spend in front of the television and computer.
RecycleMania ’09
Binghamton University captured the New York State Grand Champion title for RecycleMania ’09, sweeping both the Cardboard Collection and Bottles and Cans categories. Nationally, Binghamton placed third out of 210 colleges and universities for Bottles and Cans and hit the top 10 percent for all other categories. RecycleMania is a 10-week competition among 500+ colleges and universities across the nation to see who can recycle, reduce waste and compost the most. This was the University’s fifth year competing in the event, held January 18-March 28.
Dickinson Green Games
Dickinson Community held a Green Games competition among its six residence halls to increase awareness of and participation in sustainable efforts. From January 22 through April 22, teams were challenged to gain as many points as possible by creating programs and participating in sustainable efforts on campus and in the community. The community’s Johnson Hall was crowned champion, achieving 4,005 points to take the $200 cash prize and flat panel television.
Energy Conservation Contest
Each spring Binghamton’s residential communities compete to see which can use the least amount of electricity. In 2009, the Hillside Community took top honors, reducing its energy consumption by 11.2 percent and claiming the $10,000 prize. Hillside students reduced consumption by installing more energy-efficient light bulbs and encouraging each other to be aware of energy consumption throughout the nine-week contest.
