American Public University System (APUS) has been taking measures to reduce its carbon footprint for years. Recently, we’ve also undertaken a comprehensive wellness campaign for our staff. Environmental consciousness and wellness often (arguably even always) go hand-in-hand. In combining these two initiatives, it seems like the perfect time to talk about how we can change our behaviors to benefit our own health as well as that of our environment.
May is National Bike Month which means it’s a great time to dust off those handle bars and get back in the saddle. But really, why bike? Sensation seekers bike because they love that “wind in the hair” feeling, adrenaline junkies bike because it gets the heart pumping, urbanites can beat congested traffic, penny-pinchers save gas money, and environmentalists flat-out save gas. Biking has even been touted by the Union of Concerned Scientists as an effective action you can take to help mitigate climate change. It’s a no-brainer: Drive less, pollute less.
Your carbon footprint, defined as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere due to the consumption of fossil fuels, can be greatly reduced by biking. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports for every mile that you do not drive, you will lessen carbon dioxide emissions by one pound. This also means that other harmful pollutants—volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide—won’t be emitted into your community making it a healthier place for you, your kids, and your neighbors.
A study by the League of American Bicyclists estimates that 50% of all vehicular trips are three miles long or less. Short trips are known to release more pollutants into the atmosphere, especially when started without properly warming up a car engine. In fact a “cold start” can contribute up to 60% more carbon dioxide to be emitted into the atmosphere. Luckily, it is these short automobile trips that can be replaced with a fifteen minute bike ride.
The convenience of ebooks and ereaders has made them a popular choice for both leisure and educational reading. From 2009 to 2010 alone, ebook sales increased by almost 165%! As demand for such digital books increases, so does the debate over which books are more environmentally friendly – ebooks or paper books? The answer to this question is important especially for online universities that offer a large number of etextbooks to students, such as American Public University System (APUS). Ray Uzwyshyn, Director of Libraries at APUS, recently published a work on etextbooks in higher education. To see his in depth review of this trend, click here.
At first glance, it would seem that reducing the amount of ink and paper is the greenest option. In order to truly capture the carbon footprint of both types of books, however, it is also vital to consider the method by which they are read. Apple has estimated that an iPad emits 287 pounds of carbon dioxide and the Kindle is thought to emit 370 pounds of carbon dioxide. Printed books, on the other hand, are typically estimated at almost 9 pounds of carbon dioxide. Part of the trouble with ereaders is that they need to be recharged, whereas physical books do not require additional energy sources to be reused. Paper copies may also be given to friends or charities for reuse and tend to last longer than their technological counterparts.
This is not to say that ebooks cannot be the greener alternative! A person can read 30 – 40 ebooks on an ereader in order to match the lower emissions of a print book. Another great option is reading books on a computer that you already own (or have access to) instead of purchasing a new ereader. APUS offers thousands of etextbooks in the online library that can be accessed by students 24/7. This electronic option also saves students and universities a significant amount of money as etextbooks are approximately half the cost of a physical version.
American Public University System (APUS) is celebrating another milestone in its journey toward achieving greater sustainability – the official opening of its 1,660 panel solar array. The array is the largest in West Virginia and is a testament to the school’s commitment to sustainability. Providing more than 480,000 kWh of electricity, the array will provide approximately 50 percent of the total energy needed to power the university’s newest addition to its Charles Town campus, a 105,000-square-foot green building still under construction. To provide some perspective, that is enough energy to power 30 average size homes for a year. The array doubles as a covered parking lot and will include 15 universal electric car charging stations.
Experts note that every hour the sun beams enough energy to Earth to satisfy the world’s energy needs for a full year. Solar energy is an inexhaustible source and is touted as being non-polluting. Despite these facts, solar power represents a meager one-tenth of one percent of the world’s energy sources. In the United States, where 5 percent of the world’s population uses 20 percent of the world’s total energy, solar energy currently provides less than 1 percent of our energy. Many other countries are leading the solar charge, however, and global demand for solar energy has increased more than 30 percent over the last 20 years. Germany and Japan, for example, have developed extensive incentive programs and are leading the way in use of solar energy. Despite the relatively low use of solar energy in the United States, the nation is beginning to slowly see use of solar power increase.
Located in historic downtown Charles Town, West Virginia, APUS has always been mindful of its geographic location and the community’s long history. In designing their campus, the school has used an innovative strategy mixing historical preservation with energy efficiency and sustainability. The school’s adaptive reusepractices have reclaimed many historic buildings in the downtown Charles Town area which otherwise were vacant and often neglected. The school’s solar array, on the other hand, embodies the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of this fully online university. With more than 100,000 students located in and studying from all 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world, APUS has been a cutting-edge leader in the education industry. It is fitting for that reason that it also plays a leading role in the innovation of the American energy landscape.
The APUS solar array clearly represents the school’s commitment to the environment. In addition, it is also representative of the school’s commitment to its more than 100,000 students, its local community, and the nation. Nearly all of APUS’ students are adult learners, most juggling fulltime jobs, families, and often military deployments as well. The APUS solar array is evidence of the school’s “lead by example” mentality. In developing such a project, the school’s students will have a tangible learning tool that will serve them well as they take their degrees into the workforce to create additional positive change toward promoting sustainability. The array is also a benefit to the community and APUS will continue as it has been to educate the local community about the array, solar power in general, and how others can invest in such technologies. On a national level, the APUS solar array is another step in the right direction toward promoting more sustainable energy sources and breaking the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Check out this timelapse video showing the panel installation.
In Part 2 of our series, Tatiana Sehring, Strategic Manager Environmental Leadership and Sustainability, gives us 5 quick, easy ways that we can minimize our environmental impact in the office. As we celebrate Earth Day tomorrow, the world will turn its focus to issues related to the state of our environment. With Tatiana’s suggestions, however, we can carry the spirit of Earth Day past tomorrow and integrate sustainable practices into our daily lives throughout the year. Happy Earth Day!
As a signatory to the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), American Public University System (APUS) is committed to developing methods to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint. Additionally, APUS is dedicated to sharing information and best practices with others who may be interested in developing “greener” practices for their own organizations or in their personal lives. This blog will provide a forum to discuss topics related to sustainability in higher education and in general. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
