Energy
Chancellor: University getting greener, needs to be less dependent on federal dollars
Aug. 26, 2011—by Jim Patterson Vanderbilt must continue to develop new revenue streams to ensure its financial health in the face of federal budget deficits that are likely to impact government grants and awards, said Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos at Fall Faculty Assembly. “We must, to the greatest extent possible, control our own destiny,” Zeppos said Aug....
Reduce pollution on Air Quality Alert days and everyday
Jul. 27, 2011—Throughout the hot summer days, air pollutant levels can rise contributing to reduced lung function, wheezing, coughing, and possibly triggering asthma attacks. One of the pollutants that is harmful to human health is ground-level ozone*. Ground-level ozone is created by chemical reactions between nitrous oxides and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight....
Heat advisory means time to conserve energy
Jul. 12, 2011—The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Middle Tennessee that will remain in effect this week. Increasing temperatures approaching 100 degrees combined with high levels of humidity are predicted to cause heat index readings to reach 105-120 degrees, conditions that may pose a direct threat to those who work or spend extended...
Incorporate sustainability into summer excursions
Jun. 23, 2011—As vacation season heats up, cars and planes rev up to meet the needs of eager travelers. By putting a little extra effort into the planning of your vacation, you can reduce the environmental impact of your trips with these handy and sustainable travel tips. Tourism’s Impact on the Environment Tourism takes a toll on...
Two Nashville juniors place third in national sustainability challenge
May. 26, 2011—By Missy Pankake, Vanderbilt News Service Two members of the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt, Catherine Caffey and Emily Alsentzer, finished third out of 24 finalists in the Siemens We Can Change The World Challenge, a national sustainability challenge. They will each receive a $5,000 scholarship and the School for Science and Math...
Rand Hall improvements win 2011 Energy Management Achievement award
May. 4, 2011—Vanderbilt University has been awarded the 2011 Energy Management Achievement award by the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers and the Center for Energy Efficiency at Middle Tennessee State University. The award recognized recent energy efficiency improvements to Rand Hall. Plant Operations improved the heating and cooling system and upgraded the building...
VUMC taking steps, both big and small, to cut energy use
Mar. 24, 2011—[Originally published by Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Office of News and Public Affairs in The Reporter] By: Leslie Hill 3/24/2011 – Vanderbilt University Medical Center spends about $38 million per year on energy. That breaks down to $26 million on electricity, almost $9 million on steam and $3 million on water. As such a large...
High school students partner with VU students to promote energy conservation on Commons campus
Feb. 24, 2011—[Originally published by Vanderbilt News Service] Each year, the different houses of The Commons compete for the “Commons Cup,” which is awarded at the end of the academic year to the House with the most points. This year, the energy conservation component of the competition has been given a twist with the help of Metro...
Incentives from TVA for energy-related retrofits are paying off for local businesses
Feb. 3, 2011—Businesses in middle Tennessee have saved enough energy to power 1,000 homes for a year due to the completion of lighting fixture retrofits and cooling system overhauls as part of an energy-efficiency rebate program. Vanderbilt University, one of the program’s participants, anticipates energy savings equivalent to $40,000 per year for just one of its projects....
Energy conservation urged as new semester begins
Jan. 11, 2011—[Originally published by Vanderbilt News Service in MyVU] While many of our faculty, staff and students have been away from campus enjoying the holidays, Nashville has seen extremely cold temperatures and several snow events. Temperatures are predicted to continue in the teens this week as we welcome back the entire campus community. VU’s energy consumption...