Exploring the Psychology of Behavior Change

By on May 20, 2013 in Sustainability General, Sustainability Resources

by Beth Gray

Behavior change can be one of the most difficult elements of any initiative but particularly for one like sustainability which has only in the last decade or so come to the forefront of strategic planning initiatives for businesses and universities.  In 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency commissioned a report titled, “The Psychology of Sustainable Behavior: Tips for Empowering People to Take Environmentally Positive Action.”  Author Christie Manning explores ways in which we can “make sustainability the social default” in order to make significant progress in our sustainability efforts. … Read the rest

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Hydro-Fracturing News

By on May 8, 2013 in Current Events

by Dr. Molly Whitworth
Faculty Member, Environmental Science at American Public University

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just recently announced that it believes the methane found in drinking water in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale communities is not from the controversial practice of hydraulic  fracturing, or “fracking”.  In this region, famous for complaints of methane- tainted drinking water, the EPA reports that the methane contamination is likely from naturally high levels in the soils and underground aquifers, not from nearby fracking activities.… Read the rest

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Hazardous Waste Management and Liability

By on May 3, 2013 in Environmental Protection, Sustainability General

by Krystle McClain
Faculty Member, Environmental Science at American Public University

In the wake of tragic accidents such as the recent West Fertilizer Plant explosion in Texas, the media initiated conversations about the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) community. News stories use key phrases such as risk management, hazard and safety violations, and environmental compliance, thereby enabling the public to become familiar with EHS topics.

When one mentions hazardous waste management and liability, what are the first images that come to mind?… Read the rest

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APUS Celebrates Earth Day and Wellness

By on April 26, 2013 in American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day, Sustainability in Higher Education

In the last five or six years, the prevalence of workplace wellness programs and sustainability initiatives has increased tremendously.  A 2012 RAND report sponsored by the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Health and Human Services notes that “92 percent of employers with 200 or more employees reported offering [health and wellness programs] in 2009.”  A 2011 KPMG report notes that “sustainability has moved up the corporate agenda over the past three years.”  According to the report, “sixty-two percent of companies surveyed have a strategy for corporate sustainability, up from just over half in February 2008…”  The American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) now has nearly 700 signatories (including APUS), indicating the increasing environmental consciousness within the educational community. … Read the rest

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College Campuses Celebrate Earth Day

By on April 26, 2013 in American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day, Sustainability in Higher Education

By Kelly Wenner

As we celebrate Earth Day 2013 this week, it is only natural (no pun intended!) to showcase how college campuses are participating in the festivities. Here are some highlights from campus celebrations around the nation:

• At Baylor University in Waco, TX, students use the Earth Day holiday to promote how spirituality impacts activities such as organic farming and recycling;
• Bellevue College in Washington State offers a farmer’s market and a fashion show using garments made from only second-hand materials;
• Elmhurst College in Illinois offers its “Recycling Extravaganza” where students can donate electronics, clothing and appliances to local non-profit organizations;
• A Sustainability Carnival is held at Fordham University in New York City.  … Read the rest

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Voices of Sustainability at APUS: Green Living in Everyday Life

By on April 25, 2013 in American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day, Environmental Protection, Sustainability General, Sustainability in Higher Education

APUS Sustainability Committee member and German native, Gabi Gimbel, shares practical information to help us be more sustainable in our everyday lives in the podcast below.  From composting to recycling and beyond, Gabi lives sustainably everyday!  There is great information here – check it out!

Green Living in Everyday Life by APUS… Read the rest

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A Special Earth Day Project: Maintaining Green Roofs

By on April 24, 2013 in APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day

by Dr. Carol Pollio
Program Director, Environmental Science at American Public University

Earth Day-groupEarth Day in Washington, D.C. this year started out a chilly 41 degrees. But the weather did not stop eighteen motivated folks from doing a service project to recognize the significance of the day. At 9 a.m., recent APU graduate Laura (Stopper) Batts led a team of National Park Service staff members, including APU student Tonya Watts, and me in weeding the Office of Natural Resources and Science’s green roof. … Read the rest

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Images of Sustainability at APUS – Telecommuting

By on April 24, 2013 in American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day

telecommutingAs a fully online university, American Public University System (APUS) is able to keep its carbon footprint comparatively low.  Because students are able to study from anywhere around the world, they are never required to travel to our campus in Charles Town, West Virginia.  By the same token, APUS has a telecommuting program for most employees.  Many of our employees work from home at least once a week and some, depending on their job functions, work exclusively from home.  Just as our 100,000 students are studying in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, our faculty are also working remotely. … Read the rest

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Images of Sustainability at APUS – Porous Pavers

By on April 23, 2013 in American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day, parking, Sustainability in Higher Education

porous paver1At American Public University System (APUS), environmental consciousness can be seen across our campus buildings.  From recycling bins in every building to green cleaning products and from solar power to parking lots, our dedication to sustainable practices is evident.  Because most of our campus buildings are historic and most were previously used as private residences, there was a general lack of parking available.  Asphalt parking lots are not very environmentally friendly particularly because of the process required to refine it to a usable state. … Read the rest

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Images of Sustainability at APUS – Solar Array

By on April 22, 2013 in APUS Sustainability Efforts, Earth Day, Green Building, Renewable Energy, Sustainability in Higher Education

In celebration of Earth Day, this week we will share a series of images representative of tangible sustainability efforts at American Public University System.  Happy Earth Day…everyday!

 

Solar ArrayThe American Public University System (APUS) solar array is the largest solar array in West Virginia.  The array contains 1,660 solar panels and doubles as a covered parking lot for staff.  Situated next to the university’s Finance Center (a 105,000 square-foot structure built to LEED Gold standards and currently in the certification process), the array provides approximately 50% of the total energy needed for that building. … Read the rest

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