FIU to participate in Campus Sustainability Day 2011

Have you ever tried to power a lamp using your own energy? If not, you’ll have the opportunity to do so Wednesday, Oct. 19, in the Graham Center at Modesto A. Maidique Campus. This cool exhibit and others will be on display as part of the university’s participation in National Campus Sustainability Day (CSD).

The event is a time for campuses to celebrate what’s been accomplished and to maintain momentum with sustainability efforts. The first CSD was celebrated in 2003 with a sustainability-focused audiocast and webcast led by The Society for College and University Planning. Since then, CSD has grown to include individual campus programs, events, teach-ins, other activities, and the creation of a website to share these events and conversations. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) now leads the effort. Some of the participating schools this year include University of Florida, Michigan State University, and University of Louisville.

This year, FIU will be participating for the first time. “Campus Sustainability Day is really our kick off event for sustainability on campus this year. We’ll be coordinating the FIU GoGreen Football game on November 12th as part of the EPA’s Green Game Challenge, and then in spring RecycleMania, FIU Earth Week and Give & GoGreen,” says Carrie Kashar, assistant director of Sustainability. The FIU Office of University Sustainability GoGreen Team will be hosting multiple activities that anyone can join and learn about sustainability!

Tentative Schedule:

Wednesday, Oct. 19 – MMC

• GC Goes Green – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Graham Center: Visit all the tables in GC to learn about sustainability. Eco-vendors will be displaying their sustainability practice, project or product. Lots of prizes, giveaways, and lots to learn. Have some fun, and help spread the message about conserving water at our “Save Some for the Fishes” table, try not to suck at our “Vampire Energy” table, meet “Cycler the Recycling Robot,” and see if you can power a lamp using your own energy in the pit.
• Green Jobs Panel Discussion – 12:30 p.m., GC 140: Learn about green jobs in the economy today. Sponsored and moderated by the Student Government Association.
• FIU Farmers Market – Noon to 3 p.m., Library breezeway: In between visiting the eco-vendors and the panel discussion, stop by the Farmers Market to get some lunch and pick up delicious organic produce.
• Home Energy Savings Workshop – 6 to 8 p.m., CSC 1123: Join this workshop and learn how to save energy and money in your home. The first 50 Miami-Dade County residents to sign up will receive an energy-savings toolkit. Register here.

Thursday, Oct. 20 – BBC

• Eco-Fair – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., ACI: Visit the tables in ACI to learn about sustainability. Eco-vendors will be set up displaying their sustainability practice, project or product. There will be prizes, games and giveaways.

A growing presence on campus

The Office of University Sustainability was created in response to the signing of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2007. Officially launched in April 2011, the office’s mission is to reduce FIU’s carbon footprint through policies and procedures and to integrate sustainability into the culture.

“In a short amount of time, we’ve developed some great partnerships with student groups, departments such as Facilities, Housing, and Parking & Transportation, and vendors like Office Max and Aramark who are all working to help reduce FIU’s carbon footprint,” says Kashar.

The office has established a website, completed two greenhouse gas assessments, implemented a tailgate recycling program, coordinated GoGreen games with Athletics, supported projects through the Sustainability Committee Student Project Fund, and developed a Green Office Certification Program. This year the office will be moving into the PerFORM[D]ance Solar Decathlon House.

Future goals include continuing to enhance recycling efforts and education, developing a transportation demand management strategy, greening graduation, and developing an internship program with academic departments on campus.

“As we implement and grow programs and become more established, I’m really excited to be a part of developing this initiative at FIU where ‘gold and blue makes green,’ ” said Kashar.

To learn more, contact the Office of University Sustainability at 305-348-3717, visit their website or Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter.