Paul Smith's College of Arts & Sciences
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Paul Smith's College engages students in on campus renewable energy projects in both the classroom and co-curricular programming. The colleges SUS350 Alternative Energy Course assess the functionality of current campus renewable energy projects, as well as proposes and evaluates various potential campus energy projects. On campus renewable energy and energy conservation projects include a solar array, district wood pellet boiler system, geothermal heat wells, and 2 LEED Certified Silver buildings. In addition to studying these systems and features the course evaluates proposed renewable energy projects including various proposals for a 1.5 MG solar field, and a second district pellet boiler system. The colleges Sustainability Grant Program (www.paulsmiths.edu/sustainability/campus-sustainability-fund) is another avenue whereby students, faculty, and staff work together to develop renewable energy and energy conservation projects for campus. Past projects include, instillation of solar array on library roof, instillation energy meters in 13 campus residents halls, residence hall energy conservation competition, and campus wide LED outdoor lighting upgrades. These projects were all developed and implemented by collaborative teams of faculty, staff, and students.

In the Spring of 2015 a special topics course, EST399 Materials Management, conducted a study of campus wide waste systems. The assessment examined both food, recycling, and trash disposal across campus. The results of this study has informed development of several projects to address challenges and opportunities identified in this study. The Center for Campus Sustainability supports a student group (Formerly Eco-Leaders, now Smitty Sustainability Committee) who work to further campus sustainability efforts, including waste management. Our Campus Sustainability Coordinator worked with student staff to conduct an assessment of current on campus recycling efforts, these include completing a recycling bin inventory and signage project, research including survey's and focus group discussions, and meetings with facilities staff, including a ride-long tour of recycling and trash pick up routes on campus. 4 student workers were hired to evaluate our on campus recycling system, identify problem areas, and develop a new system to address these issues. These student workers partnered with facilities to designate a new drop off location and sorting system for recycling, as well as implement several public educational outreach initiatives. As a result of these efforts, our recycling for the 2017/ 2018 academic year was less than 10% contaminated with non-recyclable material.

Professor Bethany Garrison works with Paul Smith's Students and faculty on an annual climate change awareness and fundraising campaign called Climb it 4 Climate. This annual campaign ran in 2018/19 to raise money for student scholarships at Paul Smith’s College while also raising awareness of our changing climate. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni hiked various high peaks in the Adirondacks. Professor Bethany Garrison hiked all 46 high peaks (above 4000ft) in the Adirondack Mountains in record time. A https://www.paulsmiths.edu/climb-it-4-climate/