Sustainability

Michael Lizotte, University sustainability officer, was appointed a technical advisor by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).

A nonprofit membership organization, AASHE empowers higher education faculty, administrators, staff and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables its more than 900 members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders.

UNC Charlotte is ranked 24th among the best government green motor fleets in the United States, according to the website 100 Best Fleets, which recognizes peak-performing fleet operations in North America.

Chris Facente, automotive supervisor in the Facilities Management Department, said creating a sustainable motor fleet supports the University’s commitment to be an excellent steward of the environment and saves money on fuel costs.

UNC Charlotte has been selected to host the United States leg of a competition for one of the world’s most prestigious awards in water-related research. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is presented to one high school student annually for research in water and sustainability issues. In an effort led by the Center for STEM Education, UNC Charlotte bested proposals from universities across the country to host the competition through 2018.

The biannual campus cleanup, tree banding, a transportation fair and a social are among the events planned for the University’s Sustainability Week Oct. 5-9.

The UNC Charlotte Staff Community Garden, an initiative of the Advisory Committee to the Chancellor for Employee Health and Wellness, was relocated from behind the Facilities Management/PPS Building to the backyard of the Niner House, near the Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts.

With funding from facilities management, and a little sweat equity from staff and student employees, the 14 new, raised-bed plots were constructed and readied for planting. After some initial setup, plants at the new location are taking off.

UNC Charlotte is committed to becoming a regional model of sustainable stewardship, and toward that goal, the University recently earned two Clean Fuel Advanced Technology Project grants totaling $64,000. 

Before leaving for holiday break, employees are encouraged by facilities management to take these energy conservation steps:

Lights – Lighting is the second-largest use of energy in most commercial spaces. Turning them off is a simple and effective way to conserve resources. Don’t forget about desk lamps, overhead lights and those in common spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms and hallways.

The UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture will receive a $10,000 National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) Challenge America grant to support programming by the Projective Eye Gallery for the “KEEPING WATCH on WATER: City of Creeks” project. The NEA received 347 eligible Challenge America applications and will award 163 grants for a total of $1.63 million.

UNC Charlotte’s “Zero Waste Initiative” for Richardson Stadium was named the 2014 Wells Fargo Green Award winner at the annual Charlotte Chamber Energy Summit. The University was recognized in the large business category for “its impressive efforts” to eliminate waste in the 16,000-seat stadium.

The 2014 Wells Fargo Green Awards are presented to “member companies who have incorporated innovative, sustainable practices in the products they produce, the services they provide and within the culture of their company.”

Faculty, staff and students can enjoy the fall weather while assisting with this semester’s campus cleanup, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22. As part of this effort, tree banding to protect against canker worms will be from 10 a.m. to noon.