Patriot Green Fund / en George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability /news/2024-06/george-mason-earns-solid-gold-sustainability <span>George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:56</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">For its commitment to campus sustainability, ŃÇÖŢAV has earned a Gold rating in the <a href="https://stars.aashe.org/about-stars/">STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) Assessment</a>. STARS is a self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance and is offered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). George Mason has received four consecutive STARS Gold ratings and was the first Virginia university to earn that rating in 2014.  </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-06/210421137.jpg?itok=d0h1ty8y" width="560" height="373" alt="Yellow flower" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>George Mason earned a Gold rating in the STARS assessment for the fourth consecutive time, Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>STARS was administered by staff from </span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/"><span>University Sustainability</span></a><span> and </span><a href="https://consulting.gmu.edu/"><span>University Business Consulting</span></a><span>. This year, George Mason demonstrated improvements in several performance categories, earning a total of 73.66 points. The university’s score increased 13% since the last assessment in 2021. The threshold for earning a Gold rating is 65 points, and George Mason is only 11.34 points away from earning the highest honor, STARS Platinum. Rankings are valid for three years. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Amber Saxton, program manager in University Sustainability, co-led the university-wide assessment with Minh Le, senior consultant in University Business Consulting. </span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>“STARS recognizes what we are doing well, puts our sustainability planning and execution in context with peers nationwide, and helps us create a roadmap for continued improvement,” Saxton said. “Mason’s Gold rating reflects a comprehensive effort from stakeholders across the university, from research to operations.”</span></span></span></figure><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-06/211028804.jpg?itok=3Io-9rvs" width="1480" height="987" alt="Renovated men's soccer locker room" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Sustainable purchasing is part of George Mason's STARS Gold rating. Locker room renovations for the men's soccer team included sustainable upgrades like lockers made from recycled content and responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient lights. This project was supported by the Patriot Green Fund. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><h3><span><span><span><span>Consistent success in campus sustainability</span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>George Mason has consistently earned high scores in the STARS categories for sustainable transportation programs, stormwater management, and academics and research. George Mason also scored highly in the innovation category for its </span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/campus-sustainability/campus-gardens/"><span>on-campus gardens</span></a><span>, food bank (the Student Support and Advocacy Center's </span><a href="https://ssac.gmu.edu/patriot-pantry/"><span>Patriot Pantry</span></a><span>), and sustainability project grant funds (Facilities’ </span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/"><span>Patriot Green Fund</span></a><span> and the Institute for a Sustainable Earth’s new </span><a href="https://ise.gmu.edu/malila/"><span>Mason as a Living Lab</span></a><span> fund). </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-06/170306111.jpg?itok=wk9S49M7" width="350" height="232" alt="People work together in the greenhouse on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>The on-campus gardens help Mason score consistently high in the innovation category on STARS. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>High marks in these categories reflect the commitment of stakeholders across the university.</span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>“Mason departments and colleges have prioritized sustainability as a strategic part of their performance criteria and benchmarks for progress,” said Greg Farley, director of University Sustainability. “Mason has set a goal to be the highest-scoring AASHE STARS school in Virginia by 2030, so University Sustainability and its partners will need to keep pushing forward.”</span></span></span></figure><h3><span><span><span><span>Measuring the culture of sustainability </span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span>This year, George Mason earned new points in the sustainability literacy and culture category for launching a survey to measure students' sustainability literacy, culture, and behavior. Recent graduate Nikita Lad, PhD Environmental Science and Policy ’24, and K.L. Akerlof, associate professor of science communication, administered the survey to a representative sample of undergraduates in fall 2022 and spring 2023. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“The survey measured what factors affect students' sustainability behaviors and whether their knowledge and behaviors changed through formal or informal programming during their college careers,” said Lad.</span></span></span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>The theoretically informed survey model found that time spent on campus and informal program participation influenced students’ nature connectedness and norms, which in turn affected sustainability behaviors. Lad shared the research study through a webinar with other members of AASHE and hopes to collaborate with other universities on future iterations of the survey.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-06/231102906_1.jpg?itok=tTRGGBLQ" width="560" height="373" alt="Smartphone takes a photo of a plant on campus for Bioblitz" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Through Bioblitz, the Mason Nation crowdsources the identification of species across campus. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><h3><span><span><span><span>Bioblitz made an impact</span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>George Mason earned new points in biodiversity this year thanks to </span><a href="/news/2023-11/bioblitz-helps-capture-masons-biodiversity"><span>Bioblitz</span></a><span>, a crowdsourced assessment of plant and animal species on campus. Through an app, the Mason Nation helped identify and monitor endangered and vulnerable species around the university. In spring 2024, more than 500 biodiversity observations were entered into the Bioblitz app by 107 observers, documenting 273 species.  </span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-06/img_8120_1.jpg?itok=s9O4J6uE" width="350" height="233" alt="Bigbelly waste stations being installed on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Bigbelly solar waste stations were recently installed across George Mason's campuses. Photo by Facilities</figcaption></figure><h3><span><span><span><span>Moving toward zero waste</span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>New efforts to improve waste diversion boosted George Mason’s score in that category. Facilities Management, University Sustainability, Auxiliary Services and Operations, and other campus partners worked to expand composting, reduce single-use plastics, and promote the use of certified compostable and aluminum products. </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>George Mason is expected to improve further in this category in the future, with the installation of new </span><a href="/news/2024-02/dont-trash-it-compost-it-mason-facilities-adds-23-bigbelly-zero-waste-stations"><span>Bigbelly solar waste stations</span></a><span> across its campuses, the development and implementation of new design standards for “zero waste” bins, the addition of glass recycling, and the future launch of a reusable food container pilot and paper towel composting. </span></span></span></span></p> <hr /><p><span><span><span><em><span>Mason earned one of the highest STARS ratings among Virginia universities. As of April 2024, the University of Virginia earned 74.85 points, ŃÇÖŢAV earned 73.66 points, and Virginia Commonwealth University earned 66.4 points. Participating institutions can earn points toward a STARS Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Rating, or earn the STARS Reporter designation. </span></em></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3e444211-7bf6-4bbf-8322-c52f85eb0d25"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://green.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Sustainability at George Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="437a7959-ac09-4e66-a2a5-12eaddec21de" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="845f58b2-722e-419f-baf8-08f78ff2dd71" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-fded2aebb964d0dcb1d89361404c06c5818a048c2683cedb2e3c049705bdabf5"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/george-mason-earns-solid-gold-sustainability" hreflang="en">George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-05/island-korea-leader-climate-change-dc" hreflang="en">From an island in Korea to a leader for climate change in D.C.</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 3, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/mason-completes-transformational-energy-action-plans-virginia-communities" hreflang="en">Mason Completes Transformational Energy Action Plans for Virginia Communities</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 30, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/meet-mason-nation-kevin-brim" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 26, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/podcast-ep-58-what-will-become-amazon" hreflang="en">Podcast - Ep 58: What will become of the Amazon?</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 22, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/911" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17696" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6826" hreflang="en">Facilities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17766" hreflang="en">Greenhouse and Gardens Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7601" hreflang="en">Patriot Green Fund</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18291" hreflang="en">Mason as a Living Lab</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/561" hreflang="en">Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17356" hreflang="en">Strategic Direction</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:56:18 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 112436 at Don’t trash it, compost it: Mason Facilities adds 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations to campuses /news/2024-02/dont-trash-it-compost-it-mason-facilities-adds-23-bigbelly-zero-waste-stations <span>Don’t trash it, compost it: Mason Facilities adds 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations to campuses</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/15/2024 - 13:38</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">ŃÇÖŢAV Facilities has installed 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and Mason Square campuses. These solar-powered stations support Mason’s recycling and composting goals through their user-friendly design, technology upgrades, and capacity-based alerts.  </span></p> <hr /><div class="align-center" alt="Video showing the installation of Bigbelly waste stations on campus" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pf5EGgUNLr4?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <hr /><p><span><span><span><span><span>Five of the new Bigbelly stations on the Fairfax Campus include solar-powered, waste compacting compost bins at outdoor patio sites. Expanded composting access is part of a long-term strategy to improve Mason’s waste diversion rate—the amount of waste composted, recycled, repurposed, or otherwise diverted away from trash. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-02/img_8120.jpg?itok=ByTAjzVU" width="560" height="373" alt="Staff install Bigbelly waste stations on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Bigbelly zero waste stations support Mason's recycling and composting goals. Photo by Mason Facilities</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The Bigbelly zero waste stations expand the waste collection benefits achieved through Mason’s </span></span><span><a href="https://facilities.gmu.edu/launching-new-composting-pilot/"><span>industrial composting pilot</span></a></span><span><span>. Launched in August 2022, the composting pilot included the installation of Mason’s first indoor zero waste station in the Starbucks located in Northern Neck on the Fairfax Campus. The project was funded by University Sustainability's </span></span><span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/" target="_blank"><span><span>Patriot Green Fund</span></span></a></span><span><span> (PGF). A previous PGF grant supported the installation of Bigbelly’s smart-waste management system at the patio outside the Starbucks. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Capacity alerts from Bigbelly solar zero waste stations increase the efficiency of operations for recycling and housekeeping staff, who are automatically alerted when the stations need to be emptied.  </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Thanks to the daily efforts of Mason Dining and Facilities recycling staff, Mason’s first sitewide composting pilot was able to consistently divert clean compost away from trash while informing best practices for adding composting access at future campus locations,” said Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist with University Sustainability.</span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-02/img_8196.jpg?itok=GXhW1Oj8" width="350" height="233" alt="Facilities staff program the Bigbelly waste station " loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>The solar powered stations send real-time alerts to Facilities and housekeeping staff when the bins need to be emptied. Photo by Mason Facilities</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>To successfully divert food scraps and other compostable items, the university must maintain a clean compost stream. Design changes were installed at waste stations to help reduce waste contamination. The Max-R zero waste station inside the on-campus Starbucks offers helpful design features like waste stream co-location, restrictive lid openings, and color-coded messaging. The station is made of more than 1,600 reclaimed milk jugs, supporting Mason’s post-consumer recycled purchasing </span></span><span><a href="https://sc.gmu.edu/cezw/" target="_blank"><span><span>goals and guidance</span></span></a></span><span><span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The involvement of Mason Dining was crucial for the success of the industrial composting pilot. Mason Dining staff identified difficult-to-sort items, inventoried common contaminants during weekly audits, and piloted behavioral and educational interventions to support appropriate waste disposal. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span>"Bigbelly has a huge impact on our daily operations” said Kevin Brim, recycling and waste management supervisor with Facilities. “The stations' technology makes us more efficient in performing our duties. We’ve seen an immediate impact with environmental challenges like wildlife—[fewer] yellowjackets at the bin, [less] wind-blown litter—and the operational challenge of keeping up with Mason's growth and overall population day to day.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Learn the best ways to sort your compost, recycling, and trash. Check out the </span></span><span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/campus-sustainability/zero-waste/" target="_blank"><span><span>Zero Waste Mason page</span></span></a></span><span><span> and see the <a href="https://facilities.gmu.edu/mason-facilities-adds-23-bigbelly-zero-waste-stations/">complete list of zero waste locations</a>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="86922ad1-61c2-4abf-889e-f571084b1454" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="8dc34bee-a242-4156-b1ae-fdab835549a7" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="84dc6ffe-b427-4e6d-a6e0-2c3587b01959" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="5050c795-b6c9-49ba-a01d-b98e8c2720ad"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/about/initiatives-and-priorities/sustainability-mason"> <h4 class="cta__title">Sustainability at Mason <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="6f366a51-1916-4a0e-bd46-c16b75c241f2" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="22f6c98f-8d03-4cbf-b009-5914f2113e40" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="195059b4-fe51-458f-8bf6-a80e2ff96eb3" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz" srcset="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=gPwpqoNE 768w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz 1024w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=jNMZzKgm 1280w, " sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="" "" /></div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="ab824b97-5bc5-4f7f-a35b-d1a9c7d77ec2" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related Stories</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-bb8071e38dbca66531c2dc665399dc9640cbb6b19778d81a9895567e5bc83866"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/george-mason-earns-solid-gold-sustainability" hreflang="en">George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-05/island-korea-leader-climate-change-dc" hreflang="en">From an island in Korea to a leader for climate change in D.C.</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 3, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/mason-completes-transformational-energy-action-plans-virginia-communities" hreflang="en">Mason Completes Transformational Energy Action Plans for Virginia Communities</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 30, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/meet-mason-nation-kevin-brim" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 26, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/podcast-ep-58-what-will-become-amazon" hreflang="en">Podcast - Ep 58: What will become of the Amazon?</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 22, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6826" hreflang="en">Facilities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17696" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19091" hreflang="en">University Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7601" hreflang="en">Patriot Green Fund</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18151" hreflang="en">Mason Dining</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17356" hreflang="en">Strategic Direction</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:38:11 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 110671 at Revamping Recycling at the Center for the Arts /news/2023-09/revamping-recycling-center-arts <span>Revamping Recycling at the Center for the Arts</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:40</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="c7544c48-d137-422d-b4ac-98fd35d9fd30"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more about the Patriot Green Fund <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="9ad87878-a02c-439d-be4c-61794b273610" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related news</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-7ca30d416a973269c36d3c1bce8d5f10d728da55a5981e0736275042714dca3b"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/business-students-summer-internship-opportunity-practice-sustainability" hreflang="en">Business student’s summer internship is an opportunity to practice sustainability</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 31, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/george-mason-earns-solid-gold-sustainability" hreflang="en">George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-05/sustainability-mba-elective-matches-student-teams-partner-companies" hreflang="en">Sustainability MBA elective matches student teams with partner companies</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 20, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-05/island-korea-leader-climate-change-dc" hreflang="en">From an island in Korea to a leader for climate change in D.C.</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">May 3, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-04/mason-completes-transformational-energy-action-plans-virginia-communities" hreflang="en">Mason Completes Transformational Energy Action Plans for Virginia Communities</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 30, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://cfa.gmu.edu/"><span>The Center for the Arts</span></a> on ŃÇÖŢAV’s Fairfax Campus has revamped its zero-waste infrastructure, thanks to the support of University Sustainability's </span></span><span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/"><span><span>Patriot Green Fund</span></span></a></span><span><span>.  </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Sleek new waste and recycling stations at the performing arts venue will improve Mason’s waste diversion rate, helping to reach Mason's goal of diverting at least 90% of waste from the trash.    </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Digital event programs are readily available for patrons at the Center for the Arts (CFA), but the need for paper programs and their subsequent recycling still exists. Maura Glascock, CFA production coordinator, recognized the potential for increased waste diversion and spearheaded the effort to enhance the zero-waste infrastructure.  </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-09/IMG_6146_CFA%20recycling.jpg?itok=8qH661mF" width="1200" height="800" alt="Photo of Mason staff members next to the newly installed recycling bins in the Center for the Arts lobby" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Mason Facilities</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>Glascock applied for funding through the </span></span><span>Patriot Green Fund</span><span><span> and awarded $17,500 in May 2023 toward the acquisition of new waste stations.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Patriot Green Fund</span></span><span> is a $100,000-per-year sustainability fund provided by Mason Facilities to make Mason’s campuses more sustainable through infrastructure improvements and student research projects. Funding decisions are made by </span><span><span>the Patriot Green Fund Committee, which includes students, faculty, and staff.    </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The Center for the Arts team collaborated with staff from University Sustainability—Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist, and Amber Saxton, program manager for campus efficiency—to ensure the project was a success. They also sought the expertise of Kevin Brim, supervisor for recycling and waste management with Facilities Management. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The group identified the most effective layout for recycling and trash stations, ensuring proper lid openings and other design standards were included to discourage contamination. The team also prioritized the aesthetics of the design and selected stainless steel bins, ensuring their recyclability at the end of their long lifespan, which is estimated to be 20+ years.  </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>“CFA’s installation aligns with current efforts to improve zero-waste design standards and guidelines across the university,” Regan said. “Co-locating waste streams and standardizing the appearance of bins through consistent labeling and color coding are all key design improvements for increasing access to recycling.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/campus-sustainability/zero-waste/"><span>Learn how to dispose of waste appropriately to make Mason even more sustainable.</span></a>  </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Individuals with innovative ideas to further enhance sustainability at Mason are encouraged to apply for funding through the </span></span><span><a href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/">Patriot Green Fund</a></span><span>.</span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7601" hreflang="en">Patriot Green Fund</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5246" hreflang="en">Center for the Arts</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/911" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17696" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1671" hreflang="en">Office of Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:40:36 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 108386 at Art studio introduces environmentally friendly printing /news/2022-05/art-studio-introduces-environmentally-friendly-printing <span>Art studio introduces environmentally friendly printing </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Fri, 05/06/2022 - 12:11</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-05/Printer.jpeg" width="345" height="390" alt="printer" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>The new Risograph printer uses 95% less energy than a photocopier. Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>ŃÇÖŢAV’s Print and Book Arts Studio is repositioning its practices and curriculum toward an environmentally friendly and sustainable future.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><a href="https://art.gmu.edu/faculty-staff/christopher-kardambikis/">Christopher Kardambikis</a>, assistant professor and director of printmaking and book arts in Mason’s <a href="https://art.gmu.edu/">School of Art</a>, was determined to pivot and focus his operations and curriculum on printmaking processes that are nontoxic, energy efficient, and supportive of the repurposing of paper scraps into new usable sheets.</span></span></span></p> <p>In Fall 2022, Kardambikis was awarded $20,000 from the Office of Sustainability’s <a href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/">Patriot Green Fund</a>—a grant program in Mason Facilities that allows the campus community to contribute to solutions that reduce Mason’s environmental impact—to purchase of a new Risograph printer to help fulfill his sustainability mission. This machine uses a stencil-based and single-color printing process, which prepares students for commercial printing applications. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 95% less energy than photocopiers. It also does not produce greenhouse gases or any air pollutants. </p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-05/Mould%20and%20Deckle.jpg" width="300" height="400" alt="papermaking tools" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>New papermaking tools are helping students recycle all paper used in the class. Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>"The Sustainable Print Studio has been working to bring student publications to the center of our work and our curriculum,” said Kardambikis. “It's exciting to provide the Risograph machine as a tool for our students to print and distribute their own comics, zines, books, and prints. It's even better to know that they are using a process that is environmentally clean and responsible.”</span></span></span></p> <p>In addition, <a>the Patriot Green Fund a</a>lso purchased new moulds and deckles for the studio, which are used for papermaking. This allows students to learn about the processes of creating new sheets of paper from a blended pulp of leftover paper scraps in a hands-on environment. The Print Studio holds weekly papermaking sessions to recycle old prints and previously used paper into fresh new sheets to be used during class.</p> <p><span><span><span>“Our studio is building a full life cycle of materials—with students participating in every step of production to transform refuse materials into finely crafted books and comics,” said Kardambikis.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>By making their own paper, the studio can recycle all paper used in the class to keep a constant supply of new hand-formed paper available for fine art printing. The class-made paper also reduces the cost of printmaking for students, which can be a large expense in screen printing and wood block printing. </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-05/Print%20Out%20thumbnail.jpg" width="330" height="331" alt="poster in green and gold" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Flyer cartoon by Mason student Sylvia Rossi</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>Kardambikis also said that enabling the students to be directly involved in the production of materials that can be used by the entire class helps build a sense of community.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>These tools have been promptly used this semester in a new course, AVT 496 Dynamic Publishing: Comics Production. This class provides opportunities for students to learn from D.C.-based cartoonist Adam Griffiths. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Risograph will support the production of Griffiths’ new graphic novel, which will be designed, printed, and distributed by the students in the course. In addition, students have the chance to get feedback from Griffiths on their own comics.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1086" hreflang="en">School of Art</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/911" hreflang="en">Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7601" hreflang="en">Patriot Green Fund</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/166" hreflang="en">innovative classes</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 06 May 2022 16:11:27 +0000 Colleen Rich 69736 at Mechanical engineering student seeks ways to make an impact /news/2021-10/mechanical-engineering-student-seeks-ways-make-impact <span>Mechanical engineering student seeks ways to make an impact</span> <span><span lang="" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span>Tue, 10/19/2021 - 08:46</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><a href="https://mechanical.gmu.edu/">Mechanical engineering</a> major Chigozie Erondu may have always been passionate about robotics, but in his time at Mason, he’s developed a new passion for helping the Mason community stay sustainable. </p> <p>Erondu spent his junior year on the <a href="https://green.gmu.edu/patriot-green-fund/">Patriot Green Fund (PGF) </a>committee, a $100,000 a year fund within Mason’s Office of Sustainability that enables students to conduct research, reduce Mason’s environmental impact, and improve awareness and support of building a sustainable campus culture. </p> <p>“I applied to be a part of the board because I felt it could give me a new perspective,” says Erondu, who is a leader in other Mason supported student organizations like the National Society for Black Engineers and the Society of American Military Engineers that have sought funding or support from Mason before. He knew that joining the PGF would show him how stakeholders made these decisions. </p> <p>“I enjoyed the thought process of starting with X amount of money and making hard decisions on where that money should go, what will make the most impact,” says Erondu. </p> <p>Current students, faculty, staff members, and student groups with research or infrastructure projects can apply for funds from the PGF, and Erondu says he saw many great projects but not all of them could be approved. </p> <p>“As a committee, we saw a lot of great ideas, but we had to make some tough decisions on what could be funded,” he says. </p> <p>One project Erondu oversaw was called the “Mason Pond Bathymetry” project. This team was seeking funding to build a robot designed to collect surface floor data from the Mason Pond for their senior design project. </p> <p>The committee was made up of students and faculty members from different disciplines, which gave a diverse perspective to the decision-making process. “After going through each proposal, we had a discussion together about the impact of the project. Sometimes, we go back to the people who submitted the proposal and asked more questions to get an in-depth look at the project so we can make an informed decision,” says Erondu. </p> <p>“Being a part of the PGF taught me to think long-term, not just for these projects, but for the impact I will make on the world,” says Erondu. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4706" hreflang="en">mechanical engineering</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1671" hreflang="en">Office of Sustainability</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7601" hreflang="en">Patriot Green Fund</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:46:50 +0000 Anonymous 84446 at Mason's Honey Bee Initiative expands its international impact /news/2019-05/masons-honey-bee-initiative-expands-its-international-impact <span>Mason's Honey Bee Initiative expands its international impact</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/266" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Damian Cristodero</span></span> <span>Fri, 05/10/2019 - 05:30</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/271" hreflang="en">Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7596" hreflang="en">Honey Bee Initiative</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7601" hreflang="en">Patriot Green Fund</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 10 May 2019 09:30:00 +0000 Damian Cristodero 16206 at