| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 60.21 |
| Liaison | Feletia Lee |
| Submission Date | June 28, 2024 |
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
4.00 / 4.00 |
Casey
Shotton Sustainability Coordinator Office of Sustainability |
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
UNCW Department of Biology & Marine Biology manages the Kresge Greenhouse. The greenhouse serves as a living-laboratory which allows for year-round supplies of botanical resources that support classes and labs. Many classes utilize the resources provided by the greenhouse, including art, botany, biology, and environmental science. This greenhouse and outside garden area is also used by the UNCW Garden Club to teach students about natural and organic farming; focusing on the biology and soil health of the garden. This club also provides educational workshops to the general student population.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
Students in the Health Equity Bonner Fellowship work closely with community organizations to develop an understanding of how racial equity impacts health disparities. They apply skills learned in the classroom and in the Fellowship to act as community change agents and develop an awareness of the Wilmington community beyond the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
A graduate student in the Environmental Science MS/MPA Dual program gathered and analyzed data for a greenhouse gas inventory for the university through a directed independent study course. This work helps to guide the goals of the Office of Sustainability and Facilities Management.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
Student interns work with the Energy Manager to identify areas for energy saving initiatives. They research and implement retrofitting projects to modernize old fixtures and improve energy efficiency across campus.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
Students participated in a semester-long research project with faculty members to identify the feasibility of agrovoltaic systems. This project was carried out utilizing the Kresge Greenhouse outdoor garden and has potential to postively impact the agrovoltaic industry in North Carolina.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
A combined undergraduate and graduate restoration ecology course used garden beds located at the recycling depot to study and practice plant transplant methods. This aided in the rebuilding of native biodiversity and beautification of university grounds.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
An undergraduate student collected and analyzed data to complete the university's Bike Friendly University certification through the League of American Bicyclists as part of a directed independent study course. This data is used to guide the university's goals in improving alternative transportation methods for the campus community.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
An undergraduate student researched and planned the details to implement a residential compost pilot program on campus as part of a directed independent study course. This program would help guide the university toward the waste reduction goals and educate the campus community about sustainable practices they can implement in their daily lives.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
A group of students in the Department of Economics & Finances worked with faculty members to develop a Blue Economy Index, a financial index comprised of publicly traded companies within the Blue Economy. THis index ties Wilmington to the Blue Economy and gives students first-hand experience in the realm of sustainable investing.
Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
An undergraduate student in the Department of Public Health completed a capstone project focused on the beneficial impacts of mindfulness in nature on combatting anxiety. The brochure that was created provided educational information to be displayed at trailheads on campus.
Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.