Global Institute of Sustainability News
Low-Carbon Fuels from Sunlight and Waste Carbon Dioxide: It is Possible, is it Practical?
Thought Leader SeriesApril 30, 2013
A Thought Leader Series Piece
By Ellen B. Stechel
Note: Ellen B. Stechel is the Deputy Director of ASU’s LightWorks and Managing Director of LightSpeed Solutions, communicating global efforts of leading scientists and researchers working towards sustainable transportation energy based on liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the sun.
A network of issues buried beneath the strategic and economic importance of petroleum and the increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide is complex; however, until addressed, no measure of global sustainability will be obtainable.
If we accept that, any solution to such issues yield lower net carbon emissions by 50-80 percent, then despite obvious advantages, alternative fossil fuel pathways cannot be the ultimate solution for transportation.
Sustainability student, lifelong learner awarded Fulbright
April 29, 2013
Outstanding graduate and Fulbright winner Jill Brumand is an honors student and a double major in sustainability and geography. She started her academic career at Arizona State University in 2009 and will begin her graduate career as a Fulbright master’s student at Lancaster University in Northwest England.
During her sophomore year, Brumand partnered with Sustainability Scientist Kelli Larson to do some undergraduate research work on people’s landscape choices in Phoenix and the sustainability implications. Throughout the rest of her undergraduate career, Brumand worked with Dell and Maricopa County. She was also a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) student with the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) program. Brumand credits her success to the School of Sustainability.
“The School of Sustainability has a network of people who care and check up on you,” she says. “The support and encouragement of the faculty and staff at the school has been invaluable.”
ASU named one of nation’s greenest schools
April 26, 2013
For the fifth consecutive year, Arizona State University made The Princeton Review’s “Green Honor Roll,” a list that includes universities across the nation that promote sustainability in education, practices, and partnerships.
ASU has the largest collection of solar panels of any public university and numerous LEED-certified buildings. Sustainability is a core goal across departmental curriculum. The university is also pursuing carbon neutrality by 2035.
As part of the recognition, ASU will appear in The Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges: 2013 Edition, the only free publication that offers information on the top colleges focusing on sustainability.
ASU Sustainability Operations officer Ray Jensen retires after 27 years of leadership
April 26, 2013
Ray Jensen began working at Arizona State University in 1985. Since then, he has led about 90 employees, leading programs for people with physical and mental disabilities, improving the University Business Services’ efficiency, and creating ASU’s Sun Card.
In 2009, ASU President Michael Crow appointed Jensen as the University Sustainability Operations Officer. Jensen formed the Sustainability Practices Network to assist the university’s climate neutrality goal by 2035. He then helped initiate the The Carbon (Climate) Neutrality Action Plan and the Strategic Plan for Sustainability Practices and Operations.
Jensen has won two President’s Awards for Innovation, two Governor’s Recognition Awards, Supervisor of the Year by the ASU Classified Staff Council, the NAEP (National Association of Educational Procurement) Bert C. Ahrens Award, and others.
AZ Central: Valley solar company makes bid for closing Goodyear Suntech plant
April 26, 2013
Joseph Hui, a professor in Arizona State University’s Department of Electrical Engineering, is CEO of Monarch Power, the company that recently offered to buy equipment and employ workers from the Suntech plant. The Suntech plant is planned to shut its doors the end of this month, leaving 43 people without jobs. However, Hui’s company is one of three bidding on equipment and manpower.
Monarch Power manufactures solar panels in the shape of a lotus flower to be easily transported and adapted in homes or businesses. AZ Central.com reports:
“In a statement released Monday, Hui said the plant is a good fit to manufacture the company’s Lotus Mobile ‘flower power’ solar units. The product launched three weeks ago.”
ASU students provide sustainable solutions in K-12 schools
April 24, 2013
As part of Arizona State University’s Sustainability Science for Sustainable Schools program, engineering graduate student Shawn Fink organized Mountain Pointe High School’s Earth Day celebrations. He also partnered with the high school’s teachers to create sustainability lesson plans and student projects.
The Sustainability Science for Sustainable Schools program, part of ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability, recently won the 2013 President’s Award for Sustainability. Since the program’s inception, ASU has partnered with more than ten local K-12 schools. Graduate students at ASU can learn how to interact with students, plan lessons, and gain real-world experience in teaching.
“High school students will face real, complex sustainability challenges in their lifetimes,” says Monica Elser, a principal investigator for the Sustainable Schools program. When students learn about sustainability in their classrooms and through real projects implemented in their schools, she says, “it helps them see how sustainability applies to them, and how they can make a difference in the future.”
New social networking site helps users make more sustainable decisions
April 24, 2013
A recent School of Sustainability alum, Andrew Krause, and his mentor, Sustainability Scientist George Basile, and two former classmates have launched the website, eEcosphere in an effort to make sustainability actions easier to adopt among everyday people.
The website is based on years of research done by Basile and other sustainability scientists. The research they compiled outlines how people and corporations have undertaken sustainability efforts. This research is now on eEcosphere in an easy-to-read, interactive format with social capabilities.
“A person may already be saving energy but might need help with water conservation; someone else might need help with both,” Krause elaborates. “eEcosphere helps people identify and adopt ideas that match their personal sustainability goals. It embeds a scientific approach in the decision-making process and encourages people to take action as a group using the social web.”
Energy Efficiency Guide inspires action, sustainability
April 24, 2013
A team of researchers and managers from ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability has released Arizona’s first energy efficiency guide that collects workable, applicable programs across the state and nation.
The publication is called the “Energy Efficiency Idea Guide for Arizona.” The author, Mick Dalrymple, indirectly started the guide when he was trying to comprehend and organize the multitude of energy efficiency programs.
“There was not one location that consolidated all the different barriers and opportunities to promoting energy efficiency, particularly in Arizona,” he says. “This can be a national guide, but it is tailored to our economic and regulatory environment and how we operate in a hot, arid climate.”
Developing plant-based sustainable sources of rubber, biofuel
April 23, 2013
Amy Landis, a senior sustainability scientist at ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability and an engineer at ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, will lead the sustainability assessment of a $6.9 million project funded by the Biomass Research and Development Initiative of the USDA and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Landis is researching a way to use biomaterial as a source for rubber and fuel. Using the guayule plant, Landis says latex can be extracted to use in rubber instead of petroleum-based synthetics that are harmful to the environment. The guayule plant could also be a local source of biofuels, lessening U.S. dependency on foreign suppliers.
“Our contribution to the sustainability assessment includes a complete life cycle assessment of natural rubber tires,” Landis says. “We don’t want to ignore or overlook any short-term or long-term impact.”
Pavement advances have led to safer, ‘greener,’ more durable roads
April 23, 2013
For his research in asphalt rubber technology, Senior Sustainability Scientist Kamil Kaloush was honored with the Outstanding Research Award from the Rubber Pavements Association.
For the past 12 years, Kaloush has been working with his research group at Arizona State University to provide performance testing and innovative pavement designs using rubber. Their team has found ways to reduce traffic noise, improved safety, and lowering tire particle emissions. Kaloush is also working on ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions during asphalt manufacturing and road construction.
Kaloush is the director of the National Center of Excellence on Sustainable Materials and Renewable Technologies (SMART) Innovations at ASU.
Algae testbed leaders look to solve national energy needs
April 22, 2013
Algae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3) members from across the nation visited the ASU Polytechnic campus April 15-18 to collaborate on research and projects and to advance algae-based technologies.
The U.S. Department of Energy and Arizona State University’s ATP3 initiative brings algae researchers together to maximize efforts and streamline research to effectively advance sustainable technologies like biofuels.
Gary Dirks, the Global Institute of Sustainability’s new director and director of ATP3 says, “The ATP3 kickoff meeting gave all of the partners of ATP3 a chance to discuss how we will support public and private institutions in finding solutions to the nation’s energy challenges.”
2013 winners of President’s Award for Sustainability
April 21, 2013
For their demonstrated excellence in fostering the successful development, implementation and promotion of sustainability, three programs at ASU were awarded the President’s Award for Sustainability:
Facilities Management Grounds Services – Grounds for Grounds
The program recycles coffee grounds into fertilizer, working towards Arizona State University’s zero waste goal.
Materials Management Recycling
The recyclable items list has grown thanks to ASU’s Materials Management, which also helps ASU Recycling staff.
Sustainability Science for Sustainable Schools
Graduate students, professors, high school students and teachers, and researchers team up to work on a project to make a local Arizona school more sustainable.
Professor helps National Academies promote sustainable urban development
April 20, 2013
Arizona State University engineer and Senior Sustainability Scientist Samuel Ariaratnam is among contributors to a new book published by the National Academies aimed at providing communities some of the best strategies for sustainable urban development.
Underground construction is a rapidly expanding field, fueled by the growing needs of cities to replace aging infrastructure or build new infrastructure using methods that will increase the efficiency, resiliency and safety of such facilities and utility systems.
“I’m certain this book is going to have a big impact. It’s already gotten a lot of attention internationally,” he says. “Everyone is looking for better ways to build infrastructure, both the public sector and private sector.”
ASU’s School of Sustainability receives grant from Women & Philanthropy
April 19, 2013
Women & Philanthropy, a group committed to supporting and investing in Arizona State University, awarded $286,541 to six promising programs this year, the highest amount of total annual funding in its 10-year history.
While this year’s grants recognize ASU’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM), they also include programs that support ASU’s commitment to connect with communities through mutually beneficial partnerships.
The School of Sustainability, part of the Global Institute of Sustainability, received $30,200 to work with the journal, “The Sustainability Review,” to produce public videos highlighting current research in an easy-to-understand format.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Tempe campus Farmers Market
April 16, 2013
Visit the Farmers Market @ the ASU Tempe Campus on Tuesday, April 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate Earth Day 2013. This will be the last market of the spring season.
This market will feature guest vendors, Medicine Take-Back Day, prize drawings and extra tables and chairs for lunch dining.
Visit Farmers Market Special Events to learn more or email FarmersMarket@asu.edu.
Dutch leaders present lectures on regional sustainability
April 16, 2013
The Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, a program under ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability, is hosting two lectures by representatives from the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, the Netherlands. The lectures are part of the Institute’s Sustainability Series.
The Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives recently partnered with officials in Haarlemmermeer in February to learn how the region has become a go-to example of urban sustainability and policymaking.
The Dutch representatives, Fonz Dekkers, John Nederstigt, and Arthur van Dijk, will discuss topics such as sustainability monitoring, urban development, and Haarlemmermeer as a case study.
School of Sustainability student wins Udall Scholarship for commitment to environment
April 16, 2013
Emily Allen, a sustainability and English major and student in Barrett, The Honors College, has been named a 2013 Udall Scholar by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation. She will receive a $5,000 scholarship to use toward tuition for her senior year at Arizona State University.
Allen hopes to follow in the footsteps of the scholarship’s namesake, Morris K. Udall, a U.S. congressman who established legislation in Arizona to expand national parks and create the Central Arizona Project.
“My career goal is to work with local governments in the state of Arizona to protect fragile water resources from the pressures of overuse and rapid urban development. I plan to accomplish this goal as an attorney with a water law specialty, either in a private firm or a local municipality,” Allen stated on her scholarship application.
Obama reappoints Sustainability Scientist to Committee on the National Medal of Science
April 11, 2013
Arizona State University Professor Carlos Castillo-Chavez has been reappointed to the U.S. President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science.
Castillo-Chavez is a Regents’ Professor and a Joaquin Bustoz Jr. Professor at ASU. He is a faculty member in ASU’s School of Sustainability and a Distinguished Sustainability Scientist in ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability. President Obama first appointed him to the President’s Committee on the National Medal of Science in 2010.
The 12-member committee evaluates and nominates fellow scientists for the National Medal of Science—one of the field’s highest honors. Nominated scientists come from the physical, biological, mathematical or engineering sectors.
Upon his reappointment, President Obama said: “I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”
Downtown Phoenix is ripe for a feast on the street
April 10, 2013
A celebration of food, art, and community is coming to downtown Phoenix on Saturday, April 13. Called “Feast on the Street,” the event is a culmination of numerous local community partnerships that will bring people together for a meal or two on First Street in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row District.
“Feast on the Street is an urban harvest festival celebrating food and art in the desert, while reclaiming the city street for pedestrians,” says Heather Lineberry, Arizona State University Art Museum’s senior curator, associate director, and an event organizer. “It creates a place to gather with our Phoenix neighbors around art and food. What could be better?”
The Global Institute of Sustainability is providing composting workshops at the zero waste event and ASU’s Green Team will educate participants on recycling, composting, and waste. ASU School of Sustainability alumnus, Colin Tetreault, will act as master of ceremonies.
Arizona Forward to build on ASU student investigation of vacant-land development opportunities
April 8, 2013
Last fall, students in a community building course partnered with Valley Forward (now Arizona Forward) to develop new ideas for vacant lots near Phoenix’s light rail corridor. The same students presented their work to Arizona Forward this semester and the organization has decided to turn their suggestions into a white paper and toolkit.
The course instructor Dean Brennan helped teaching assistant Hannah Szabo and the students in the course to explore the cost and focus of vacant lot revitalization. School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning student Julia Kerran and School of Sustainability student Will Heasley presented the project’s results to the Arizona Forward committee.
“Temporary development creates a use for locations that can otherwise become a source of blight, filling in empty space and fostering creative ideas as well as promoting community activities,” explains Brennan, an ASU faculty associate and planning professional.