University Business - September 2011 - (Page 12)

Behind the news Taking the LEED in Sustainability Harvard University haS Long bEEn known To take the lead in research, public administration, and business and law studies, so why not sustainability? The university has become the first higher education institution to have earned 50 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications for new construction or renovation to existing buildings. LEED-certified buildings save money on energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier environment. The projects not only cover some 1.5 million square feet of surface area, but even extend underground with a geothermal well that heats and cools the 80-year-old byerly hall. and that’s just the beginning. There are more than 40 other new construction and renovation projects, covering another 3 million square feet, that are planned or currently seeking LEED certification. “our green building Standards require LEED gold at a minimum for all new construction or renovation projects,” says Colin Durrant, manager of sustainability communications at harvard. of the 14 recent construction projects that have been certified, an estimated $1.5 million annually in energy savings has been realized, while carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by more than 4,000 metric tons, well beyond industry energy standards. harvard’s office of Sustainability is eager to share its knowledge and experience with other institutions pursuing a greener campus environment with a bestpractice website at http://bit.ly/oh3hzX. Resources include case studies, a Life Cycle Costing calculator, LEED documentation and a green products database. —Tim Goral U Creating a Culture of Inclusiveness Diversity training helps Ivy Tech faculty and staff relate to all students. ReseaRch has shown that minoRity students aRe moRe likely to succeed when faculty and staff are equally diverse. while many institutions are still trying to boost campus diversity, Ivy Tech Community College (ind.) doesn’t have that problem. in fact, its leaders held a campus diversity retreat at the end of July to discuss keeping their current efforts strong. “we want to have consistent goals and objectives across our 14 campuses,” explains Jeff terp, vice president for engagement and program analysis. there is a desire to expand on current efforts in the 29-campus system, which enrolls 52 percent of all minority college students in indiana. the system also has the highest minority business enterprise (mBe) purchasing program in indiana. the two-day retreat included representatives from ivy tech’s president’s diversity cabinet and student government, state trustees, chancellors, senior leadership, and external constituents. the overarching theme: creating a culture of inclusiveness on campus. Participants left with the goals of continuing to improve hiring practices and engaging communities that host campuses. in all ivy tech regions, terp says, the percentage of faculty and staff exceeds that of the community’s minority population. a commitment to diversity has to come from senior leadership to be successful, terp advises. “that commitment has to be more than wanting it, you have to have specific actions to accomplish it.” a diverse faculty and staff is important when trying to recruit a diverse student body, he points out, adding that administrators should keep in mind that diversity includes characteristics such as gender, age, and physical ability. “if you want a diverse population, you have to be committed to putting the resources into it.” —Ann McClure The Harvard Business School Class of 1959 Chapel is one of 50 buildings to have earned LEED certification. ‘s SOUND BITE tudents need a heavy dose of social norms. —Wes Perkins, director of the Alcohol Education Project at Hobart and William Smith Colleges (N.Y.), on alcohol awareness program (Source: boulder Daily Camera) ‘ 12 | September 2011 universitybusiness.com http://www.bit.ly/oh3HzX http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - September 2011

University Business - September 2011
Contents
Editor's Note
College Index
Ad Index
Behind the News
Viewpoint
Financial Aid
Money Matters
Internet Technology
Shared Governance
Acknowledging Achievement
Looking Back
Spotlight on Procurement
EduComm 2011
End Note

University Business - September 2011