Vermont Campus Sustainability Network

VCSN is a campus resource promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainability at Vermont institutions of higher education. The Bulletin is a platform for stimulating an inclusive dialogue on sustainability efforts within the state. VCSN is hosted by the UVM Office of Sustainability, with support from Efficiency Vermont.

Interested in submitting an article highlighting the work being done on your campus?  Please send it to Tatiana.Abatemarco@uvm.edu.

Vermont Campus Sustainability Network Winter Meeting Feb 12

 The Vermont Campus Sustainability Network held its winter meeting on Feb, 12 2010 at the University of Vermont.  Representatives from UVM, Bennington College, Middlebury College, Castelton State College, Johnson State College, Vermont Technical College, Landmark College, Green Mountain College, St Michael's College, and Efficiency Vermont attended the meeting. 

The topics discussed included climate action planning, student greening funds, and community weatherization projects.  Efficiency Vermont representatives moderated a discussion of how they can expand partnerships with area colleges.  A representative from Vermont Campus Compact joined the group to talk about the the application process for AmeriCorps positions.  Attendees had the opportunity to tour James M. Jeffords Hall, which is a lab building that is has just completed construction, and is aiming for LEED Silver.  There was also a presentation by Christina Erickson, who has just completed her doctoral dissertation on peer-to-peer environmental education, focusing on the Eco-Reps program.     

For meeting minutes or agenda, please click here

Magic Salt

Recently, there has been some discussion amungst Vermont campus sustainability reps about how to deal with the issue of ice on campus.  Icey sidewalks and stairs provide a hazard that is important to address quickly and efficiently for the sake of everyone's safety.  Salt and sand are both environmentally troublesome solutions to the problem of slippery winter conditions.  Salt corrodes infustructure and vehicles, as well as causing plant dieoff allong sidewalks and roadways.  Sand runoff leads to siltation of waterways.  

At the University of Vermont, the grounds crew has been working with a poduct called Magic Salt, which is a mixture of magnesium chloride and condensed distiller solubles (biproduct of the distilation of alcohol).  This product is not corrosive, and when added to salt it greatly reduces the amount that has to be spread on campus. 

If you would like more information on the University of Vermont's experience with this product, please contact Rose Leland, UVM director of grounds.

4th Annual Vermont Organics Recycling Summit
April 1, 2010
Vermont Technical College

Plan to attend!  This is a reminder that early registration ends March 17 for the 4th Annual Vermont Organics Recycling Summit (VORS) - "Gaining Ground: Building Soil and Community." 

Please register online at http://www.regonline.com/VORS2010

VORS 2010 is hosted by the Composting Association of Vermont (CAV) and the Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation (ANR/DEC).  VORS offers a day of programs on “gaining ground” to further organics diversion and composting in Vermont.  Learn how to build soil, support sustainable communities, improve water quality, address climate change and divert organic residuals from landfill disposal.  By building the infrastructure and know-how in our communities, Vermonters can make the transition from a waste disposal model to a resource management model for organics.  

Our featured Keynote, Nora Goldstein is the editor Biocycle Magazine (the magazine for Advancing Composting, Organics Recycling and Renewable Energy).  Nora has authored numerous articles on all facets of composting and organics recycling, and more recently anaerobic digestion. She has edited a number of books and other publications, and has served on numerous solid waste and biosolids recycling advisory committees. Her keynote will address "Gaining Ground: The National Perspective".

For more info about the conference, email  Roni Coleman, Coordinator, at ronic@riverstoneresolutions.com

or phone 802-277-3360 or register on-line at http://www.regonline.com/VORS2010

Vermont Climate Collaborative Meeting: April 2

The agenda for the Friday April 2 meeting of the Vermont Climate Collaborative has been posted on the VCC web site at

http://www.uvm.edu/~vtcc/?Page=minutes.html&SM=technicalsubmenu.html

Meeting highlights include the initial meetings of the collaborative working groups that were proposed at the December meeting, and an afternoon presentation by State of Vermont Chief Technology Officer Tom Evslin on "Smart Grid Technology and Climate Change"

As a buffet lunch will be served, I'll need to know how many are attending. Please e-mail or call to confirm your plans to attend (by this Wednesday), or with any other questions.

Brian Woods

Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

Climate Change and Waste Reduction Team

103 South Main Street / West Building

Waterbury VT 05671-0404

802-241-3885

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A Message From the Northwest Earth Institute

The Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI) invites you to use its anthologies on your campus. NWEI’s seven anthologies on environmental topics have served as the basis of thousands of community discussion groups across the country. The most typical use of the anthologies in higher education is to incorporate the readings and discussion into faculties' existing syllabi. The courses have also been used for freshman orientation, service learning, and for community building in residence halls. The anthologies’ topics include sustainable food systems, sense of place, choices for sustainable living, and global warming. The anthologies or course books range from 4 to 7 sessions and are about 100 pages. They include discussion questions, facilitator guidelines, and additional resources. The only cost is $20/ anthology. For more information about how they have been used on campus please see NWEI's higher education information. 

The anthologies have been used by faculty at UVM and the Community College of Vermont. Student groups have used them at Dartmouth College and Sterling College. Faculty and staff have participated in discussion course groups at Middlebury and Dartmouth College. The benefit of the anthologies is that they are comprehensive, with discussion questions that foster discussion, making these topics more relevant for students. Participants appreciate becoming better informed and are more motivated to act as environmental stewards. 

The newest NWEI course, Sustainable Systems at Work, is designed for business management teams to assist them in shifting to a more sustainable operation. The course has 4 discussion sessions to build common understanding and employee buy-in. The 5th session is dedicated to identifying and clarifying the business’s priorities and setting realistic goals to become a more sustainable operation. This course serves colleges well as businesses in advancing their greening operations.

For local assistance in using these anthologies on your campus contact Barbara Duncan of the Catamount Earth Institute at barbara.duncan@valley.net or 603-643-0328.