by Emely Rodriguez * The Lehigh Valley has already made changes to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for our community. For example, Allentown installed solar panels on their courthouses in 2010, public transportation buses became hybrid electric buses in 2014, yet there is so much more our community can do. Becoming a more sustainable community starts with … [Read more...] about Let’s Talk Solar
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School District Climate & Sustainability Commitment
Climate and Sustainability Commitment(As adopted by the Bethlehem Area School District, 28 April 2014) “Changes to Pennsylvania’s climate are happening now. While there is uncertainty as to the extent and timing of these impacts, it is undeniable that action must be taken to minimize risks to the public.”—PA Climate Adaptation Planning Report: Risks & Practical … [Read more...] about School District Climate & Sustainability Commitment
Elements of Campus Sustainability
There are many inter-related and interdependent factors that contribute to campus sustainability. This section looks at two ways to organize the different aspects of sustainability for campuses. The Sustainable Learning Community: One University’s Journey to the Future, outlines four interdependent lenses for looking at sustainability, developed at UNH: Biodiversity & … [Read more...] about Elements of Campus Sustainability
Sustainability Tracking & Assessment
The STARS [Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System] developed by AASHE uses a detailed checklist to rate campuses in each of the following areas [based on STARS 2.0]: Education & Research Curriculum: It is important for institutions to have education programs and/or courses that address sustainability. Higher education institutions are positioned to prepare … [Read more...] about Sustainability Tracking & Assessment
Sustainability Questions for Students & Educators
To make good decisions about sustainability, people need to know the facts. Here are some questions that have arisen and might be suitable for class projects or independent study: What steps can local & county government take to produce immediate reductions in energy use & GHG?What is the actual energy & GHG advantage of a bus compared to that many … [Read more...] about Sustainability Questions for Students & Educators
Sustainability in the Workplace
by Rachel LeWitt In an era where even Walmart has pushed attempts to “go green”, the average consumer has been faced with the sustainability movement and its efforts in many different forms by 2011. Most if not all of these initiatives by companies large and small are geared toward the consumer, and in an arguably increasingly capitalistic society, this design … [Read more...] about Sustainability in the Workplace
Ways to Produce Energy for our Varied Uses
We need to examine the pros and cons, from a sustainability perspective of the various ways we have to generate energy. This section is a start on the effort. Some links: Wind ..... Wildlife & Wind: Wind turbines, especially those mounted on Appalachian ridges, kill high numbers of eagles and other raptors as well as bats, including some on the endangered species list. The … [Read more...] about Ways to Produce Energy for our Varied Uses