News
Private incentives for carbon emissions reductions needed to fill gaps until public measures created
Dec. 9, 2009—As the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit continues, two Vanderbilt researchers suggest that regardless of whether or not the meeting is successful in bringing public governance measures to bear, significant carbon reductions can be achieved by creating private incentives to reduce carbon emissions. In a forthcoming NYU Environmental Law Journal article, the researchers outline a method...
Vanderbilt Univ. saves water with new toilet technology
Nov. 19, 2009—[Originally published by News 2 WKRN] The World Toilet Organization declared November 19 as World Toilet Day when the organization, committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions world wide, was founded in 2001. Vanderbilt University used World Toilet Day to remind people to save water. Vanderbilt is using innovative technology on campus to save money...
Toilet technology at VU in celebration of World Toilet Day
Nov. 17, 2009—[Originally published in MyVU] Vanderbilt is on the cutting edge in medical technology and academic research, but did you know the university is also on the cutting edge of toilet technology? In celebration of World Toilet Day on Thursday, Nov. 19, here’s some information to think about the next time you have to take a...
VU neighborhood aiming for 5 percent energy reduction
Nov. 2, 2009—Go Green, District 18 is an initiative to reduce District 18’s energy consumption by 5 percent. Because Vanderbilt is located in District 18 and many faculty and staff members live there, the university is encouraging people to participate. Homeowners and businesses in District 18 are encouraged to sign up for an NES In-Home Energy Evaluation...
Chef James Bistro receives LEED-CI Certification and design awards
Oct. 27, 2009—The Chef James Bistro, a 2,000-square-foot student dining facility located within Rand Hall, has received certification by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Commercial Interiors (CI) program of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In order to receive LEED-CI certification, the design team incorporated several sustainable and environmentally-friendly elements including the specification of...
What can you do to affect climate change? Small changes at home make a big difference
Oct. 26, 2009—[Originally published in MyVU] While longer-term options are being developed, individual households can reduce overall carbon emissions by implementing a series of small changes, such as lowering the temperature on water heaters and regularly performing maintenance on cars and air-conditioners, according to an article published today. Jonathan Gilligan, associate professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences,...
VU supply chain has strong history of ‘buying green’
Jul. 24, 2009—By Leslie Hast [Originally published in The Reporter] In the last fiscal year, Procurement Services processed 452,000 transactions totaling more than $600 million for items ranging from cars and office furniture to toilet paper and floor cleaner. With so many products making their way onto Vanderbilt’s campus every day, there are numerous opportunities to “go...
The Commons wins state Environmental Stewardship Award for Green Buildings
May. 21, 2009—Vanderbilt University’s campus area The Commons recently received the 2009 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for the “Building Green” category. Vanderbilt University was one of 14 winners announced by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Jim Fyke. “These award winners truly have taken environmental stewardship to a new and innovative level, setting an example for...
Vanderbilt University to create mountain of trash on Earth Day April 22
Apr. 20, 2009—[Originally published by Vanderbilt News Services in MyVU] The Vanderbilt University SustainVU office, in conjunction with Plant Operations and Housekeeping staff, will construct a one-day exhibit – Mt. Trashmore – for Earth Day Wednesday, April 22, on Alumni Lawn near the flagpole. Housekeeping crews who work in buildings surrounding Alumni Lawn will take their trash...
How will Vanderbilt’s carbon footprint be calculated?
Apr. 4, 2009—[Originally published 4/2/2009 on myVU] Several weeks ago, Vanderbilt announced its plans to calculate the university’s carbon footprint. The inventory will determine the amount of the six greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere that make up Vanderbilt’s carbon footprint in an average year. This article is the fourth in a series discussing Vanderbilt’s carbon footprint....