Appalachian Today

Among Appalachian’s green initiatives is the REI-funded photovoltaic system installed near Raley Hall. It is capable of generating enough electricity annually to power an energy-efficient home.

The sustainable development program’s teaching and research farm has a new tractor thanks to Boone Kubota and the College of Arts and Sciences. Pictured from left are Boone Kubota employees Shannon Tolbert and Denny Norris, sustainable development director Chuck Smith, farm manager Brooke Cuttino, and associate professor Christoff den Biggelaar.

This past Earth Day, Appalachian joined more than 500 universities, colleges and community colleges in pledging to implement a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by the year 2050.

Chancellor Kenneth E. Peacock signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, which outlines specific strategies these institutions must meet to achieve climate neutrality.

“I can’t think of a more appropriate day to sign this agreement than on Earth Day,” Peacock said. “It took a while to get to this point, but Appalachian has been careful to make sure we can fulfill the requirements in the document.”

Appalachian already has implemented three of seven actions to reduce campus greenhouse gases outlined in the commitment:

• Adoption of an energy-efficient appliance purchasing policy.
• Access to public transportation for faculty, staff, students and visitors through AppalCart, Appalachian’s biodiesel-powered fleet.
• Participation in the Waste Minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition.

Appalachian’s commitment to grow and sustain “green” programs and initiatives extends far beyond this agreement:

• A wind turbine for student and faculty research is being installed near the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center. It will generate enough electricity to power 10-15 homes each year.
• The Sustainability Council, comprised of faculty, staff and student representatives, is writing a plan to reduce the university’s greenhouse gas emissions.
• A new degree program in environmental science joins existing programs such as appropriate technology, building science, sustainable development, the Appalachian Energy Center, and the Western North Carolina Renewable Energy Initiative.
• Student-led organizations such as the Renewable Energy Initiative(REI), Sustainable Energy Society and the Collaborative Biodiesel Project sponsor numerous educational workshops and alternative-energy initiatives.
• Belk Library and Information Commons was recently recognized by two leading library magazines—”American Libraries” and “Library Journal”—for its green architecture.
• The Energy Center’s CommunityTIES “Trash Into Energy Savings” Project received $134,673 this year from the Golden LEAF Foundation and Z. Smith Reynolds to promote using landfill gas as an economic development engine in local communities.
• Researchers are partnering with Catawba County to test biodiesel crops near the county’s landfill to determine which crops produce the best oils in the local climate.

Read the full American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment at www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org/html/commitment.php

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