Humboldt State University will save almost $60,000 and cut 253 metric tons of campus greenhouse gas emissions annually through two new grant-funded projects. New energy management software will power down computers when they are not in use in campus labs and offices. The second initiative will tighten controls on the Wildlife Building's HVAC equipment to reduce energy wasted by aging systems. Learn more at Humboldt State Now... »
Seven HSU students won national recognition from the EPA for developing software that reduces the time needed to monitor a site for wind power, removing a significant barrier for wind project development. Learn more at Humboldt State Now... »
Reusable Office Supply Exchange is a project run by the Campus Recycle Program. ROSE is used by over 1,100 people and diverts up to $12,000 worth of school and office supplies each semester.
The Humboldt Energy Independence Fund, in its first round of funding, granted over $100,000 to two projects: an artistic photovoltaic array for the roof of the Music Building and an addition to a solar radiation monitoring system on the library roof. The first fund of its kind at a university, HEIF is financed by a $10 fee that students voted to approve. The fees generated go directly toward student-designed energy related projects.
TallChief Comet, Humboldt State's Sustainability Coordinator, acts as a liaison for student groups and the administration. His job includes the responsibilities of recycling, mentoring the Campus Recycling Program and implementing sustainability initiatives for the campus.
Humboldt State's campus features the California State University's first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold Certified building, the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building. Both the recently completed Kinesiology and Athletics Building and the forthcoming College Creek Residence Halls were designed to LEED Silver equivalent standards.
HSU Green Campus Program, a statewide student-run energy efficiency program, is the two-time winner of the CSU's Best Practices in Student Energy Efficiency Program.
Humboldt State recently won first place in the CSU's Facilities Management Student Energy Efficiency Program.
The Campus Center for Appropriate Technologies is a 30-year-old student-run demonstration home for sustainable living. In 2008 CCAT won Best Practices for the CSU Student Sustainability Program. Annually, CCAT educates over 2,000 students, faculty, staff, and visitors through tours, student-taught courses, workshops, presentations and hands-on projects.
HSU's 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled paper policy provided an open purchasing contract for other CSU campuses and won the Humboldt County Waste Reduction Award in 2006 for Best Practices.
Humboldt State's hydrogen fueling station is the first rural facility on California's 'Hydrogen Highway.' It serves as a crucial link between renewable energy and transportation fuel, and it all started with a handful of HSU engineering students. Humboldt State's outpost powers a hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius.
The Graduation Pledge for environmental and social responsibility started in 1987 and is a Humboldt State original. It reads: "I pledge to thoroughly investigate and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job opportunity that I consider." The pledge has since been adopted at universities around the world.
Instead of buying a new cap and gown for graduation, students can rent the necessary gear from CCAT. Following graduation, students who purchased the items new can donate their used graduation gowns and caps back to CCAT. Last year over 200 caps and gowns were reused through the rental program.
The Manor Apartments in the Residence Halls boasts one of the first-ever Energy Star certified residence hall rooms in the country.
Donation Dash occurs during the week-long move-out of students from the Residence Halls. A lot of waste can be generated, but together, Housing & Dining, the Campus Recycling Program and Plant Operations divert reusables and recyclables from the waste stream. What isn't tossed gets recycled and donated to local charities and thrift stores. An estimated 18,195 lbs. of trash is diverted annually.
