| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.53 |
| Liaison | Andrew DeMelia |
| Submission Date | June 6, 2019 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Bryant University
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Gaytha
Langlois Chair, Science & Technology Department Science & Technology Department |
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Air & Climate?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Air & Climate:
The purpose of this project is to look at small wind energy applications and the use at the Bryant University Campus. We conducted research to find the most feasible option for wind turbines, and also collected data on campus to decide where the most beneficial locations would be to place these wind turbines.
http://nathancrepeau.wix.com/smallwindenergy
Also, see Directed Study paper by Paul Morana to identify best locations on campus for wind turbines.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Buildings?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Buildings:
A team of students provided both an analysis of the buildings on campus and what Bryant can do to improve them using a cost-benefit analysis. Students provide quotes based on prevailing market prices as well examine how going green will further improve the infrastructure. They identify policies university students and staff want in place and look at firms capable of providing these improvements, and in the end decide what the university should implement as the school's green construction initiatives.
http://greenbuildingsbryant.weebly.com/
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Energy?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Energy:
Example: “No Light Left Behind” Project); A small grant was procured in Fall 2013, but completed in 2015 “No Light Left Behind” in which a student researched solar lighting for Bryant’s campus, working with Facilities’ staff to determine a needs assessment, locational analysis, and vendor options. The solar panel has now been installed. See links below:
http://www.nwfecoleaders.org/projects/home/43
https://bryantcareer.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/jessicas-no- light-left- behind-fellowship/
http://jnorat.wix.com/teamsymbiosis
Additionally, an Energy Management Strategies class, taught by Professor Crowley-Parmentier, has team projects and posters that depict detailed analyses of renewable energy potential, some of which are pointed toward Bryant applications.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Food & Dining?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Food & Dining:
An Honors Capstone Project focused on management of food wastes at Bryant University and resulted in project report accessible at http://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/honors_science/15/
“Black, Gold, and Green: Food Waste Management at Bryant University”
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Grounds?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Grounds:
In order to have a sustainable impact on Bryant University’s campus, a team of students set out to develop an ecological interpretation program for the institution’s walking trails. Collectively, we have created a series of informational signs to place along these trails in the back of campus to teach those who wander them the importance of our environment. Each of these signs highlights a particular habitat, plant, animal, or historical landmark that a person would encounter walking along the trails. More specifically, we have included signs explaining environmental characteristics of the cemetery on campus, Metasequoia trees, primary succession through lichens and moss, the wooded swamp habitat, and various plant life. This project has been continued across three semesters and the first steps will be implemented in Fall 2020.
http://ballinchongo10.wix.com/bryantwalkingtrail#!project/c1tey
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Purchasing?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Purchasing:
An Honors Capstone project evaluated purchasing of new vehicles for the Campus Management department; the report is available here:
https://digitalcommons.bryant.edu/honors_science/8/
Also, the SustainUs team (a student sustainability organization) is interested in this topic and will be focusing more closely in the Fall 2019 semester.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Transportation?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Transportation:
An Honors Capstone Project addressed the planning for the Facilities fleet to become more sustainable, but this topic may be explored further in the Fall semester 2019.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Waste?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Waste:
Over the course of the semester a team of students studied the disposal of cell phones on the Bryant University Campus. The goal is to reduce waste and increase recycling efforts. With the mass quantity of mobile phones, high turnover rates, and increasing student population, proper disposal is essential. The students created a survey to further their knowledge on the types of mobile phones used, how often students buy a new phone, and what they do with their old ones. They also posed questions to determine how important students think it is to recycle. From this, they have made decisions on what is the best way to approach this conflict, and help raise awareness on the Bryant University campus.
http://ecologicalcellphonefootprint.weebly.com/
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Water?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Water:
As part of the overall efforts to improve sustainability, campus water use is being monitored. This will be the focus of student projects in the Fall 2019 courses in the Environmental Science classes.
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Investment & Finance?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Investment & Finance:
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Public Engagement?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Public Engagement:
Role Play in Innovation for Global Energy Challenges class – students recreate the decision making of the Portsmouth Town Council in dealing with a wind turbine installation that has failed. Invited faculty from multiple departments attend the role play and offer suggestions relating to policy, economics, financing, and management issues.
(Course: Innovation for Global Energy Challenges)
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
Students in ecology and environmental classes have designed and proposed new signage to expand the impact of walking and running trails on campus and provide interpretive information for observers; first steps for implementation are planned for summer and fall 2019. This would enhance the opportunity for students, faculty and staff to gain a better understanding of the ecology of the campus.
http://bryantwalkingtrails.wix.com/ecology1
http://kmurrone.wix.com/bryantwalkingtrails#
Is the institution utilizing its campus as a living laboratory for multidisciplinary student learning and applied research in relation to other areas (e.g. arts & culture or technology)?:
A brief description of the student/faculty projects and how they contribute to understanding campus sustainability challenges or advancing sustainability on campus in relation to other areas:
A field study experience focusing on climate change implications is planned for Summer 2019, with a trip with students and faculty to Idaho and Washington:
"Summer Climate Change Expedition."
(See "additional documentation")
Other student research topics:
Environmental Footprint of Cell Phones at Bryant University
http://bryantcellphonefootprint.weebly.com
Next Steps for Zero Waste at Bryant University:
http://bryantuniversitynextstepsforzero.weebly.com
Outreach programs for kids:
http://biodiversityeducationforkids.weebly.com/index.html
http://teamredtidefuelcells.weebly.com
Making small businesses sustainable:
http://wustainsmallbiz.tripod.com/index.html
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
All of the topics noted above are good choices for future student research projects across many university courses.
All of the topics noted above are good choices for future student research projects across many university courses.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.