Student volunteers plant flowers on the grounds of a local retirement community
Cornell's leading faculty and students are collaborating with the university's operations and facilities to further the study of sustainability and mitigate the environmental impacts of the Cornell campus. A sustainable campus would be a mere vision without the inspiration of the dedicated staff, faculty, and students working together to make Cornell a true leader in sustainable development.
ALS 477: Environmental Stewardship in the Cornell Community
Each student undertakes an original project to improve the environment at Cornell while working with a faculty adviser and the Cornell infrastructure (generally campus life and/or facilities). Through class discussions, students learn how to be more effective at developing environmental programs in the future, both during and after college. The final written project report is also presented orally at a public forum. The following are a few selected reports from the Spring 2005 semester, for more information contact Joe Regenstein, jmr9@cornell.edu.
- Shedding Light on Sustainable Safety: Installation of Energy Efficient Blue Lights
By Jennifer Pronto, Biological and Environmental Engineering '07
This study explores the energy savings, lifecycle advantages, and environmental benefits of replacing the university's mercury vapor "Blue light" safety lamps with LED bulbs.
full paper (pdf)
powerpoint presentation (pdf) - Improving Water Conservation in Campus Restrooms
By Joshua Hunn, Natural Resources '07
Waterless urinals, an innovation that eliminates the need for water in these fixtures, are being installed in restrooms throughout the United States. The goal of this project is to assess the economic and environmental benefits of no-flush urinals, and to install a model urinal in a campus restroom.
full paper (pdf)
powerpoint presentation (pdf)
- Biodegradable Plastics
By Danielle Wedral, Food Science '07
This study seeks to create a more sustainable dining program by exploring the challenges and feasibility of replacing conventional plastic materials with compostable plastics. Specifically, four different on-campus dining halls were considered as possible locations where recycling and composting could be improved.
powerpoint presentation (pdf) - Second Side Copying to Reduce Paper Use in Libraries
By Rory Mauro, Animal Science and Natural Resources '05
This study seeks to reduce virgin paper use and encourage scrap paper reuse in library copiers by testing the practicality of a designated "clean scrap" photocopier. A photocopier at Mann Library was provided with a scrap paper drawer and data was collected to determine its popularity and feasibility.
full paper (pdf)
powerpoint presentation (pdf)
For more information, please check out the websites in the sidebar above.
Related Articles:
CU students take solar approach to Sustainable Technology Showcase
02/03/05 Source: Cornell University News Service/Cornell Chronicle
Organic food research at Cornell boosted by $1.99 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grants
12/21/04 Source: Cornell University News Service
