2008-2009 Green Campus-PSU Campaign:

Portland State University students are in the midst of a big campaign to pass a $5/term/student fee to support discounted public transportation for students and a new Green Revolving Loan Fund.  The fund will be used for student supported sustainability projects that result in energy and resource as well as monetary savings.  Northwest SEED Green Campus is supporting the campaign with outreach and organizing training, assistance developing materials as well as support for a Green Campus Intern to lead the effort

More about Portland State University's sustainability initiatives...

The establishment of the Sustainability Advisory Council has allowed students and administration to have an on-going, regular dialogue.  Students have also become very involved in projects at the Sustainability Office.  The Office has volunteer and internship opportunities available for students.  Communication between staff and students has increased dramatically in the 2008-2009 school year. Check out their new EcoWiki!

What specific areas are being addressed and how?

Transportation

Our campus offers a flex pass at a discounted rate. Student government has worked for many years to reduce the cost.  PSU has a thriving bicycle commuter population which is supported by both staff and students.  Many student groups work to make the campus friendlier for bicycle transportation.  PSU is the most frequently visited public transportation destination in the Portland Metro area.

 Renewable Energy

Our campus is powered by 50% renewable energy for 2008-2009 and will use 100% renewable starting in 2010.  This is possible by purchasing credits.  PSU also has the lowest carbon output per student in the OUS system.

 Conservation and Efficiency

Much of our campus has switched to fluorescent light bulbs, and more lights will continue to be changed over.  The Sustainability Office has a full-time Energy Conservation and Outreach Specialist who educates students, staff and faculty about energy conservation.

 Green Building

All new construction projects at PSU are required by state law to be at least LEED Silver.  We also have the first LEED-certified research greenhouse in the US.

Student Action

Sustainability-related groups: Environmental Club, Bike Advocacy Committee, the PSU Bike Co-op, Cycling Club, Vegans for Animal Advocacy, Student Water Resource Group, Student Leaders for Service, Students for Unity, Food for Thought Café, Amnesty International, Net Impact, Take Back the Tap

Student Sustainability Council has weekly forums to create a collective student voice on campus.  Every last week of the month, we hold a larger forum with the Sustainability Office and invite key administrators to discuss specific sustainability projects.

 Student Senate

• Working to make a street into a pedestrian corridor with food forest and bike parking
• Creating a Retail Advisory Committee
• Ensuring that new campus  businesses are sustainable
• Reducing waste at term move-outs
• Creating an on-campus permaculture garden
• Establishing a revolving loan fund
• Making childcare more accessible and sustainable
• Applying for a shared student space for sustainability (“The Greenspace”)

Administrative Action

 Planning

College & University Presidents Climate Commitment

Climate Strategy – due 9/09

• Revise Facilities & Planning 2004 Energy Plan, prioritize energy-saving measures
• Work with the Office of Information Technology to develop a plan
• Incorporate Transportation & Parking’s strategy

Green Revolving Fund

Work with student government to create a four-year green fee that would create a dedicated fund for energy conservation projects with paybacks of 5 years or less. 

Sustainability Dashboard Project: creating a feedback system for a smart campus

• AASHE Sustainability Tracking & Rating System Pilot (water, cleaning, dining services, purchasing, transportation, investment, construction, etc.)
• Greenhouse Gas Audit – Each spring, a capstone class compiles PSU’s carbon footprint
• Utility Manager – Tracking utility bills
• Sightlines benchmarking effort for OUS
• Real-time energy consumption feedback pilot in Broadway Hall

 
Maintenance & Construction

• Science Building 2 Renovation
• Enhancing the availability of drinking water on campus

 
Contracts & Purchasing

• Resource Management Contract
• Custodial paper contract (researching hand driers instead of paper towels)
• Appendix E of Dining Services Contract – Reporting local & Food Alliance Certified food purchases

Leadership & Communication

Sustainability Advisory Council

Set goals and a timeline for efficiency gains in energy, water, waste, and purchasing

• Student Forums
• EcoWiki:  Your local sustainability action portal  www.ecowiki.pdx.edu
• Residence Hall energy conservation
• Recycling Education
• Living-learning Community
• Training RAs in campus sustainability

Employees

• Green Teams create a network of educated staff capable of shifting and engaging in annual conservation campaigns.  So far, 5 green teams have been created and the first campus-wide green team meeting took place on December 3.
• Green Guide – a resource to answer all questions about sustainable practices and programs on campus.

·        Sustainability Advisory Council

·        Center for Sustainable Processes and Practices

·        Sustainability-related research