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Infusion Across the Curriculum

As one of the major initiatives in sustainability at Â鶹´«Ã½, the University is committed to the infusion of the issues of sustainability across the curriculum. Our vision is to inculcate sustainability into existing and new courses throughout all disciplines.

Exposure of our students to sustainability from all these perspective will result in citizens that are able to see sustainability not only from an environmental viewpoint, but also from the societal and economic perspectives. This "triple bottom line" frames sustainability as a major issue of social justice.

In conjunction with the 2005 United Nation's "Decade of Education for Sustainable Development," in June 2005 the first of yearly workshops to infuse sustainability throughout the University curriculum was held. 

Prior to this program there were a few faculty who discussed sustainability in their courses, however, there was no concerted effort to promote the discussion of sustainability across the disciplines on a University wide basis.

The ultimate goal of this project is to educate our students in the area of sustainability. To achieve this, we will:

1. Broaden faculty knowledge of sustainability
2. Train faculty to integrate environmental sustainability into their courses
3. Implement the infusion of environmental sustainability into courses throughout our curriculum.

DeNaples Center Receives LEED Certification

Fulfilling a vision established during the conceptualizing and planning stages, The Â鶹´«Ã½’s Patrick & Margaret DeNaples Center earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2009.

LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The 118,000 square-foot DeNaples Center—which houses dining facilities, a theater, and the bookstore, among other things—is just the 19th campus building in Pennsylvania and the first building of any kind in Â鶹´«Ã½ to attain LEED certification.

While all building projects looking to become more sustainable and efficient are a vital part of the movement, certainly higher education has an identifiable role as young people on campuses across the nation are insisting that their institutions be environmental leaders,” explains Marie Coleman, USGBC’s Communications Coordinator.

Through the LEED rating systems, USGBC’s vision for buildings and communities to regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation is being achieved.”

Opened in January 2008, the DeNaples Center’s green design and features are part of the University’s sustainability initiative. The University worked with Burt Hill Architects of Philadelphia on design and HSA Associates of Â鶹´«Ã½ on the building’s mechanical systems.

Higher initial costs are associated with green building projects, but the University will achieve savings in operating costs going forward.

Here are some of the other environmentally friendly features of the DeNaples Center:

• A single-ply roof membrane reflects, rather than absorbs, heat, which reduces the air conditioning load.
• The dining area has an energy–efficient hood exhaust system that adjusts to the amount of food cooking.
• Rainwater from the DeNaples Center is collected in a cistern and used to water the nearby green. Light sensors and controls for daylight harvesting.
• Night sky friendly light fixtures.
• Occupancy sensors mounted on ceilings and walls.
• Dual light level switching in offices.
• Sensor faucets, toilets, urinals.
• Green housekeeping supplies.
• Green cleaning machines.
• Certified Wood for wall panels, doors, trim molding, fire place mantels.
• Hallway Occupancy sensors. And light programming.
• CO2 feedback controls on air returns.
• Programmed exhaust fans.
• Native and draught resistant plants used for most landscaping.
• Energy modeling of HVAC and electrical usage.
• LEED construction practices.  No smoking, protect ductwork.
• Recycling of construction waste.
• Use of recycled materials.
• Using materials for construction from within a 500 mile radius.

Sustainability Task Force Supports End of Year Drive

Twenty-five students volunteered their time to organize an end-of-year drive in May 2007, collecting everything from nonperishable food and toiletries to clothing and household items from residence halls and theme houses across campus, as well as off-campus student residences.

Through the drive, sponsored by the Community Outreach Office, and supported by the University's Task Force on Sustainability, students collected and donated truckloads of goods to local service organizations and charities. Blankets, rugs, quilts and household items were donated to United Neighborhood Centers. Toys and books were donated to the local Head Start Program and were taken on international service programs to donate to children in need. Clothing was donated to the local migrant worker population associated with Our Lady of Snows Church.

Student organizers stayed on campus after the spring semester to collect, sort and clean collected items. The Task Force on Sustainability provided funding to assist the students who organized the drive.