[course]: ENVIR 480 Topic for Spring Quarter: Greening up UW’s Investments

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Spring 2013 ENVIR 480 Sustainability Studio- 5 credits

Topic:  Greening up UW’s investments

Can UW’s investments be green? Earn course credit and gain professional experience while contributing to a hot topic among universities across the country. In Spring 2013 ENVIR 480 Sustainability Studio, students will engage in applied research about the environmental and social impacts of their personal investments, as well as provide analysis and insight to a UW discussion about the topic. 

Did you know…the UW has an investment portfolio of over two billion dollars? This includes endowment investments of almost $13 million in sustainable industries and almost $200 million in sustainable forest lands. The UW encourages ethical considerations in its investing decisions, and investing in Sudan or in tobacco companies is prohibited. Should environmental impacts be considered? Meanwhile, there is discussion at UW about establishing “greener” options including a sustainability revolving loan fund  for faculty and students to research campus sustainability solutions.

In ENVIR 480, we will explore  potential green investing strategies, and their social and economic implications, for the University of Washington.  Possible questions for student research projects include:

What strategies have other institutions used to green up their portfolios?

What are the likely financial, environmental and social consequences, both pro and con, of fossil fuel divestment? (a question being pushed by Bill McKibben, see http://gofossilfree.org/)

  • What are financial implications for low-income and minority students?
  • What are the possible financial returns of a sustainability revolving loan fund?
  • How can more innovative sustainability initiatives be funded?

Students will partner with high-level financial administrators at the University of Washington, such as the Treasury Office, as well as environmental economics experts.

ENVIR 480
SLN: 13747
Class Date/time: Tues/Thurs 12:30-2:20, Wallace Hall (ACC) 120

Taught by Megan Horst, Teaching Associate in POE and pre-PhD in Urban Design and Planning

Open to all majors/no prerequisites- Only an interest in sustainability. Capped to maintain small class size. 

Get involved with a campus sustainability fund (CSF) proposal

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Many of us will have noticed that the lights in communal areas of UW buildings often get left on even after the last person in the area has left. This wastage is likely to occur overnight, at weekends and over holidays. Even if they know where the switch is, people are unsure whether to turn off communal lights since they do not know if they are the last person remaining. Based upon the type and number of light fittings in my corridor, I estimate that ~90,000 kWh of electricity per year are wasted in ATG/Johnson Hall alone. This costs ~$5,420 per year and is enough electricity to power a student’s residence hall room (at 3 kWh per day) for almost 83 years! Scaled to the whole campus the wastage is very large indeed. The reduction of energy usage is a priority for UW’s sustainability-on-campus drive. Reduction of electricity usage at the point of use is recognized as one of the most effective ways of scaling back energy generation requirements at the power plant level due to the large loss of energy in transmission. With a growing population Seattle needs to increase efficiency in order to meet future needs using renewables.

We propose to install motion activated light switches with light level sensors, which will switch off automatically after a specified amount of time if no motion is detected. If someone walks into the area then the lights will switch back on in that area. The lights will also switch off when there is enough sunlight available.

However, there are several steps that need to be taken to make this project reality. The design stage will require liaison with building managers and Facilities Services in order to ensure that University guidelines are followed and that fire code regulations are adhered to etc. We will also require an estimate of the cost of the project, calculations on the expected energy and money savings and an estimate of when the project will recoup its expenses.

So, involvement in this project will require the application of many different skills, which will be a real boost to those resumes. There is even scope to be involved in the proposal writing stage, if you are quick – the proposal is due on the week of Jan 7th, 2013. And you’ll be actually making a practical difference in the fight  for sustainability and for preventing climate change.

If interested please email me at danpg@uw.edu.

Hope to hear from you,

Dan.

[seminars]: Pipeline Project

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Pipeline Project’s seminars this winter allow students to tutor for credit in conjunction with attending seminars that explore a wide variety of issues and topics in the field of education.  

Interested students can contact peichial@uw.edu.

See other Pipeline seminar offerings at http://expd.washington.edu/pipeline/inner/winter-2013/winter-2013-inner-pipeline-seminars.html.


COOL Science Education

Facilitators: Déana Scipio and Tansy Clay Burns

Days/Time: Thursdays, 3:00-4:20 pm

Do you care about learning, youth development, science education, and social justice? Project COOL (Chemical Oceanography Outside of the Lab) is looking for UW students who want to make science accessible and inviting for all learners.The COOL Science Education Seminar is a two-quarter commitment to learn cutting edge approaches to science education and to work directly with diverse middle school youth who themselves will engage in authentic scientific studies. This class is part of a funded National Science Foundation project to engage university faculty, students & youth from underrepresented groups in the practice of contemporary science.

UW students in the COOL Science Education Seminar will learn research-based approaches to support science learning in non-school settings, learn the Project COOL curriculum, and engage in field experiences with youth. Students will develop both knowledge and a community with common interests and skills to support youth science learning. UW students will spend their volunteer hours in two local middle schools. Transportation will be provided to and from the University.

Education for Sustainability

 

Facilitator: Samantha Dolan

Day/Time: Wednesdays, 12:30-1:50 pm  

How can educators develop young people’s knowledge, attitudes and skills needed for our society to meet the needs of today while ensuring a hopeful future? As Washington’s Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction states, “The quality of life for all people, now and in the future, will ultimately depend upon the individual’s comprehension of the interdependency of environmental, economic and social systems, and of how individuals understand their role in an interdependent world.” This seminar will examine trends in K-12 environmental education in the U.S. and Washington State. Through readings, discussions and guest presenters, w e will explore various philosophies, models and age –appropriate approaches to K-12 environmental education. Students will attend weeklyseminars and volunteer in related school classrooms and community organizations in Seattle for at least 2 ½ (2 credits) hours a wee

[internship]: Paper Towel Composting Project, Spring 2013

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Help to develop an implementation  plan for a paper towel composting pilot project on the UW Seattle campus.

UW is interested in exploring how paper towel composting would be implemented on the Seattle campus by conducting a pilot study.  The student would research best practices to how other companies or educational institutions have set up a program and will work on proposing an implementation plan.

Internship will be 10 weeks long, 12-15 hours a week. Flexible schedule. UW Recycling & Solid Waste is flexible in terms of days and hours worked and will work with the student(s) on  establishing a schedule that works best for everyone. Ideally the schedule should be consistent consistent from week to week and that the hours worked are in alignment with the hours the office is open (7:30am to 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday).

Application Materials Required:  Cover letter, Standard resume, Unofficial transcript, Contact Information for two references

Supervisor Name:   Emily Newcomer

Supervisor Phone:  Emilyn2@uw.edu

[course]: ESRM 321, Finance & Accounting from a Sustainability Perspective, SLN 1395

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This course will satisfy the NW or I&S General Education Requirements or the Policy and Decision Making Requirement of the Environmental Studies Major.   
  • ESRM 321 is an introductory business course designed for non-business majors.  It has no prerequisites.  
  • ESRM 321, Finance & Accounting From a Sustainability Perspective, SLN 13951, 5 credits, TU/TH 5:30-8 PM
 
Taught by a former stock broker, ESRM 321 explores finance and accounting fundamentals, stock markets and investing, and sustainable business practices that respect best environmental science methods and ethical social responsibility standards. This is a great opportunity for students to learn the language used by business professionals and about the connections between businesses, societies and the environment.
 
What does sustainability mean, and how is it manifested in business? Various definitions of sustainability have been used, but all share a common understanding that sustainability refers to integrating environmental, social responsibility, and financial/economic elements in order to meet the needs of people today without compromising Earth’s capacity to provide for future generations. Said another way, practicing sustainability involves balancing the three Ps: planet, people, and profits

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Take a look at this cool video made by students from the Spring 2012 UW Sustainability Studio course! 

Already thinking about classes for next quarter and looking for a cool course? The upcoming Sustainability Studio topic this Winter will be Zero Waste: From You to UW, taught by one of PoE’s wonderful teaching associates, Megan Horst. The course is primarily project-based where students are able to get involved with environmental efforts and projects on campus and at the community level. 

 It’s definitely worth checking out!

ENVIR 480, Tuesday/Thursday, 10:30AM-12:20PM

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

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Deadline is October 17th!

If interested, please send your resume and a cover letter to UWCSF@uw.edu

Details: The term of employment is from October 29th to December 2nd. Hours are flexible and will vary, but should average around 4-8 hours a week. This position is unpaid.

Description: The outreach intern position will support this work through a range of possible tasks including but not limited to writing blogs, taking photos of existing projects, attending CSF or related events, researching potential classes to visit, and speaking to student groups about what the CSF is. Tasks can be developed with some input from the intern based on experience and interests.

An intern will gain experience in basic outreach tactics as well as exposure to some of the amazing work going on and around campus related to sustainability. Upon successful completion of the internships term the intern will also receive a written evaluation of their work that can be used for other job/internship interviews in the future. This is also a strong introduction to the CSF’s processes that would put a student in a good position to seek future involvement with the CSF.

Check out their website to learn more about the organization!

[volunteer]: SACNAS Green Exhibit Challenge

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Are you interested in environmental sustainability?  Would you like to meet with EPA employees and talk about your interests?  Are you willing to volunteer 3-5 hours of your time during the week of October 8th? Check out this great volunteer opportunity with SACNAS!

Who: The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) is hosting their annual conference in Seattle from October 11-13, 2012 and they are looking for 20-30 UW students to help judge their Green Exhibit Challenge.  

What: The Green Exhibit Challenge is a competition designed to encourage exhibitors to implement practices that will reduce the ecological footprint of the annual meeting.  As a volunteer judge, you would attend a short training session and then be responsible for judging several conference exhibits according to specified criteria.  

When and Where: Mandatory training will occur on October 10 from 10-11am at the EPA Region 10 Offices in downtown Seattle.  Following the training, you have the opportunity to attend an EPA Hispanic Heritage Month event where you can have lunch and talk with EPA staff and enjoy live music from 11am – 1pm (optional).  Judging of the exhibits will occur at the Washington Convention Center in downtown Seattle on Saturday, October 13 from 9am-12pm.  

Why: Your work will forward the sustainability of the SACNAS conference by providing feedback to exhibitors about the environmental impact of their exhibit.  You will also have the opportunity to meet with EPA staff to discuss your interest in the environment. 

If you’re interested, contact Annika Eberle at eberle10@uw.edu by October 5th to find out more!


[course]: ESRM 320 Marketing and Human Resources from a Sustainability Perspective

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Hello!

 

My name is Robb Schmitt, and I’m the TA for Dr. Dorothy Paun’s autumn quarter ESRM 320 course, Marketing and Human Resources From a Sustainability Perspective.

 

ABOUT ESRM 320…

For-profit companies and non-profit organizations use marketing and human resources management to create and deliver products, services, and ideas. This course explores: 1) how markets are researched and targeted, 2) creating new products and services and positioning to meet consumer needs, 3) optimizing pricing strategies, 4) developing distribution channels, 5) implementing promotion campaigns, 6) managerial and leadership skills and styles, 7) how companies motivate employees and develop human capital, 8) methods for recruiting, selecting, training, and evaluating employees, and 9) business practices that are aligned with environmental stewardship and social responsibility standards.

 

Course Info

ESRM 320 (SLN 13858)

5 Credits

TU/TH 5:30-7:50 pm

http://courses.washington.edu/sustains/

 

There are a variety of reasons to take this course:

 

1) ESRM 320 has no prerequisites and was designed specifically for non-business majors.

 

2) For students interested in earning a minor, after autumn ESRM 320 you have the option of taking the winter quarter companion course (ESRM 321 Finance and Accounting from a Sustainability Perspective) which fulfills nearly half of the requirements for an environmental science minor in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.

 

3) ESRM 320 provides an opportunity to look at how companies affect the natural environment and corporate social responsibility.

 

I’m happy to answer any questions that you have via the email below!

 

Thanks very much for your time, and best regards,

 

Robb  Schmitt

ESRM 320 TA

University of Washington

170D Bloedel Hall

Seattle, WA 98195 USA

206.543.1714

schmittr@uw.edu

[course]: Green Labs and Sustainability on Campus

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Still plenty of space open in this unique field oriented course!

ENVIR 480 Sustainability Studio

Autumn 2012: Green Laboratories and Sustainability on Campus

TTH 10:30-12:20
SLN 13799

Help make UW’s laboratory spaces more environmentally-friendly!  Did you know that laboratory facilities comprise about 13% of the UW’s building inventory – altogether almost 2.4 million square feet? Did you know that laboratories use significantly more energy and water, per square foot, than office and residential buildings?

In response to this challenge, the UW Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Office is launching a new Green Labs program. In Autumn 2012, ENVIR 480: Sustainability Studio, students will support this new program by engaging in activities such as:

·  Pilot testing the new Green Labs tool with specific groups on campus

·  Creating a framework for competitions among labs regarding resource use

·  Conducting outreach to different lab groups on campus to create awareness about the program

·  Developing a list of “how to” resources for the reporting tool