BINGHAMTON’S GREEN SCENE

Making Headlines

• New labs boost Binghamton University's electronics research capabilities: In May, the University celebrated the opening of two new laboratories at its Innovative Technologies Complex, read more
• Metal oxides hold the key to cheap, "green" energy: Harnessing the energy of sunlight can be as simple as tuning the optical and electronic properties of metal oxides at the atomic level by making an artificial crystal or super-lattice "sandwich," says a Binghamton University researcher, read more
• Energy Innovation Day focuses on alternative technologies: the April 17 event was held to highlight and promote new synergies between Binghamton University researchers, the business community, utilities and federal/state agencies in the commercialization of alternative energy products and services, read more
• Binghamton University home energy efficiency education campaign kicks off spring program, read more
• Binghamton University's SBDC and NYSERDA offer free energy audits to small business owners, read more
• Universities, industry team up for "greener" electronics: three of the nation's leading universities have joined with 15 U.S. companies to launch a first-of-its-kind collaborative research center whose holistic approach to energy efficiency development could mead savings of millions of dollars and a much "greener" electronics industry, read more
• Mechanical engineer recognized for leading the way in "green" manufacturing processes: Guangwen Zhou, a Binghamton mechanical engineer studying surface structure and chemstry, receives National Science Foundation award, read more
• New approach to programming may boost "green" computing: Yu David Liu, a Binghamton computer scientist with an interest in "green" software development, receives National Science Foundation award, read more

Recent/Upcoming Events

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 focused on creating a greener living environment. The Go Green Institute, led by Wayne Jones, professor of chemistry and interim dean of Harpur College, explores science, math and engineering as they relate to developing a more sustainable living environment. The program is aimed at piquing the curiosity of budding scientists and engineers. The 2012 session ran July 9 through 20. Read more about this year's institute.

Earth Day Celebration
On April 22, 2012, Binghamton University held a zero-waste festival in recognition of Earth Day. The event featured food, music, discussions, workshops and displays.

Dickinson Green Games
From January 30 to April 22, Binghamton University's Dickinson Community held its Green Games, an annual competition among the residential community's four buildings to increase awareness of and participation in sustainability efforts on campus and in the community. Digman Hall residents took the top honor once again, achieving 29,700 points.

RecycleMania '12
Binghamton University performed well against other SUNY schools in RecycleMania '12, held February 5 through April 6. RecycleMania is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste-reduction activities to their campus communities. Over an 8-week period each spring, colleges across the U.S. and Canada report the amount of recycling and trash collected each week and are ranked in various categories based on who recycles the most on a per capita basis, as well as who has the best recycling rate as a percentage of total waste and which schools generate the least amount of combined trash and recycling. Here is how Binghamton ranked among SUNY schools: Grand Champion: 4th place; Cardboard: 1st place; Compost: 1st place; Bottles and Cans: 2nd place; Gorilla: 3rd place; Paper: 3rd place. 

Ongoing Events

Biological Sciences Seminars
The department holds regular seminars during the academic year.

Geological Sciences and Environmental Studies Seminars
The department holds a weekly seminar series during the academic year.

Nature Preserve Events
The Friends of the Nature Preserve sponsor several activities and events throughout the year.