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WildCAP: UNH's Climate Action Plan |
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UNH is putting a “cap” on greenhouse gas emissions by establishing a climate action plan called “WildCAP.” Under UNH’s Climate Education Initiative and through its campus-wide Energy Task Force (ETF), WildCAP will involve the campus community over the next year in developing strategies for how the university can lower its emissions to essentially zero. In 2007, UNH joined the leadership group of higher education institutions signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), which requires signers to establish emissions reduction targets, timelines, and a plan for reaching them. The ETF will outline in WildCAP immediate and future actions UNH can take to reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and improve energy conservation through technological improvements, increases in efficiency, reductions in waste, and selection of fuels. WildCAP will also include an inventory of current and potential curricular, research, and engagement programs that increase knowledge of and behaviors around climate and energy. |
WildCAP will have two phases: analysis and collaboration. ETF members are now analyzing the potential emissions reductions and financial costs of a variety of strategies in buildings and infrastructure, behavior, and transportation -- areas producing the most emissions after the emissions from heating, cooling and electricity use are significantly reduced once the landfill gas pipeline comes online in 2009 to fuel UNH’s cogeneration heat and power plant. Combined, these strategies will lower the university’s emissions significantly. “The collaboration phase begins in January and will involve the UNH community in elaborating on the strategies already in WildCAP or providing new ideas,” explains Brett Pasinella, coordinator of UNH’s Climate Education Initiative. “We encourage everyone on campus to get involved in developing WildCAP and then making its list of strategies a reality.” |
Did You Know?Your individual choices matter: the fate of our climate is literally in our hands! To learn how you can reduce emissions at home and at work, visit the NH Carbon Challenge and our office's Faculty and Staff webpage! |
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UNH community members: your involvement in WildCAP, UNH’s Climate Action Plan, is crucial to its success! Check the UNH Energy Task Force website regularly to see the latest updates on what is happening with WildCAP and how you can share your feedback and ideas. |
November - December UNH Sustainability Science Speaker Series Thursdays, 4 - 5 PM 240 DeMeritt Hall, UNH Durham Open to the public Contact: Visit the UNH Natural Resources & Earth System Sciences PhD Program website |
November - December “The Growing Divide” A University-wide Dialogue on Poverty and Opportunity Many events coming! Contact: Visit the Discovery Program Dialogue website |
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November 8 “New Hampshire Carbon Challenge Presenters” Workshop 8 AM – 4:30 PM Peterborough Town Hall in Peterborough, NH Contact: Space is limited; apply at the NH Carbon Challenge website |
November 13 Cultural Excursions to the BSO Enjoy live open rehearsals $40/person, includes one performance ticket and round trip bus transportation from Durham to Boston. Contact: Visit Cultural Excursions online |
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November 15 - 21 Take the challenge for one meal, one day, or one week - and share with others what you learn! Contact: $3.13 A Day Food Challenge website; email the Discovery Program if you are participating |
December 10 Student Energy Waste Watch Challenge Awards Ceremony 12:30 - 2 PM, 330/332 MUB Come learn which halls and apartments won this year’s Challenge! Contact: Visit the Student Energy Waste Watch Challenge website |
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Since 1997, the University Office of Sustainability -- the oldest endowed sustainability program in higher education in the U.S. -- has been transforming UNH into a Sustainable Learning Community: A land grant, sea grant, and space grant university that unites the spirit of discovery with the challenge of sustainability across its curriculum, operations, research and engagement (CORE) through four initiatives designed around four key systems that underpin our ability to define and pursue quality of life -- biodiversity, climate, food, and culture. Discover sustainability at UNH.UNH University Office of Sustainability 107 Nesmith Hall, 131 Main Street Durham, NH 03824 USA 603.862.4088 phone 603.862.0785 fax |
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Tiffany Rowin McLaughlin Hall Director & UNH Graduate Student in Resource Administration and Management |
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How does sustainability fit into the positive and respectful community life that UNH Residential Life strives to create in residence halls? Sustainability doesn’t just fit into the positive and respectful community life of the residential halls, it is a prime of example of it. Being sustainable in our daily lives means being aware of the actions we are taking and making the best decisions we can around the use (and nonuse) of our natural resources and our environment. By being more aware students and staff are more respectful of the community and of the impact that their actions can have in general and on a larger scale then the resident halls. What role can students play in helping to advance sustainability in the halls and around campus? Students can play a positive role in advancing sustainability in the halls and around campus by remembering that, although some of our gestures might seem small, the cumulative impacts can be large. So turn off your lights when you leave the room, use the recycling bins for recycling, shop locally, etc. Basically be the example and don’t be afraid to challenge friends and roommates to do the same. |
What motivates you personally to be involved in sustainability? Thinking about the little things. By this I mean thinking about what small parts of my everyday life I would like to be able to continue enjoying without having to worry about them disappearing or changing. This means things like walking in local, state, and national parks to enjoy the changing seasons, clear views from mountain tops, being able to go to the store and buy local maple syrup, fruits, and vegetables, the sound of snow crunching under my feet, and many other things. Students: get involved in sustainability by visiting our student page! -------------------------------- Powerdown!Don’t forget to powerdown over Thanksgiving and winter breaks! Turn off and unplug your computers, printers, and other electronics to save energy and emissions. Students - powering down can help your hall or apartment win the Student Energy Waste Watch Challenge, which runs through December 1! Visit the Energy Task Force website to learn more and get a free flyer to remind your hall mates and colleagues to powerdown! |
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