News
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...
Recycling available at July 2 U2 Concert
Jun. 30, 2011—With close to 45,000 tickets sold plus a small army of crew members, the U2 concert at Vanderbilt on July 2 will bring loads of people to campus, and with them will come loads of potential trash that can be recycled VU’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office will be going to extra lengths to recover...
Green Building Council lauds One Hundred Oaks project
Jun. 30, 2011—by Leslie Hill [Originally published by VUMC News and Communications in the VUMC Reporter.] Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks has received a Green Star Award from the Middle Tennessee chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. The Green Star Award recognizes sustainable projects designed or built in Middle Tennessee from these categories: new construction, existing...
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...
Take advantage of fresh foods from local farmers this growing season
May. 20, 2011—by Kendra Abkowitz, Sustainability and Environmental Management Office Tennessee’s summer growing season brings ample opportunities to enjoy fresh, locally and sustainably grown and produced vegetables, fruits, meats, flowers, herbs, cheeses, bread and much more! The best opportunities for finding these food items are conveniently available in the Middle Tennessee area: farmers’ markets community-supported agriculture (CSA)...
Nobel prize-winner tells seniors to be agents of change
May. 12, 2011—by Jim Patterson [Originally published by Vanderbilt News Service] Read a transcript of Maathai’s talk. A Vanderbilt University graduate is a “potential great change agent,” Nobel Peace Prize-winner Wangari Maathai told seniors the day before their Commencement ceremony. “You are ready,” Maathai exhorted students in Memorial Gymnasium. “Go forth then, the world is waiting.” Maathai...
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...
Have a clean Spring: Add some green to your cleaning routine
Apr. 28, 2011—Now that spring is well underway and the weather is warmer, thoughts turn to freshening up your surroundings. Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, and can result in simplifying and organizing your home and/or office without impacting the environment by following some simple strategies. “Spring cleaning is a great time to think about your environmental...