Monmouth University
Contact Information
Education and Research:
The Monmouth University Urban Coast Institute (UCI) was founded in September of 2005 and continues to serve the University and the public interest as a forum for research, education, and collaboration in the development and implementation of science-based policies and programs that support stewardship of healthy, productive, and resilient coastal ecosystems and communities. The UCI builds on the University's program in Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy and inter-departmental strengths in marine biology, environmental science, business, economics and real estate, public policy, and the arts and social sciences. The UCI maintains a principal focus on the interactions between humans and the coastal and ocean environment, and sustainable coastal development along New Jersey's coasts and watersheds. The UCI seeks to foster collaboration among citizens, watershed and community organizations, governmental agencies, business, the scientific community, and other parties interested in coastal and watershed management, conservation, and restoration.
Our bachelor of science program in Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy offers access to coastal environments through Monmouth’s association with the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium (NJMSC) and University facilities at the James J. Howard Marine Lab on Sandy Hook; a collaborative scholarship and research agenda with other colleges and universities; a combination of classroom theory with exposure to laboratory and field research and experience with state-of-the-art hands-on techniques; and a foundation in marine and environmental biology combined with training in public policy and environmental regulation. The degree curriculum provides an understanding of the biological, chemical, and physical sciences and their application to environmental problems. Core courses include ecology; environmental biology; environmental geography; environmental policy; physical oceanography; ecosystems analysis; marine biology; natural resource conservation and management; and coastal zone management. In addition to core courses, students choose from a series of guided electives including fisheries management; applied microbiology; global environmental problems; green chemistry; issues and methods in chemistry; and others that allow focus on areas of special interest.
In addition to the above, the Academic Programs and Research Committee of Monmouth University’s Sustainability Advisory Council, is currently reviewing ways in which to include sustainability throughout the University’s curricula.
Monmouth University is a member of a consortium of New Jersey institutions of higher education and wind energy industries that submitted a letter of intent in June 2009 in response to the US Department of Energy’s Funding Opportunity Announcement Number: DE-FOA-0000090. The consortium’s proposal is to: Establish a Department of Energy Center of Excellence for Offshore Wind Energy.
Campus Operations:
The University installed a 454 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on four campus buildings in 2005. It was the largest installation at a higher education institution east of the Mississippi River when it began producing electricity. It produces approximately 500 mWh/year, and has reduced emissions of carbon dioxide by over 376 tons.
We applied to the NJ Economic Development Authority for partial funding of a proposed 470kW solar PV system at our new Multi-purpose Activity Center, which will incorporate crystalline modules and thin film technology.
Our Sustainability Advisory Council (SAC), formed in January of 2009, is an interdisciplinary group of Student, Faculty, Staff and Administrator volunteers. Its mission is to promote environmental awareness and encourage development of a sustainable campus. The SAC will propose and research sustainability initiatives, and recommend implementation of initiatives to advance the University’s sustainability goals. The SAC is currently researching and evaluating:
- increasing student involvement in carbon footprint reduction studies
- green purchasing
- outreach tools
- reducing the number of vehicles on campus
We have committed 850kW to a Demand Response program to help lessen peak loads and the use of high GHG emitting peaking plants.
We hosted a lighting fair sponsored by NJ Clean Energy Program where high efficiency lighting products were offered to the campus and off-campus communities at significantly reduced prices. A second lighting fair is being planned for student move-in day, 2009.
We piloted a textile recycling program to capture textiles that previously left campus as waste during student move-out. Clothing, shoes, bedding, books and the like were collected. The program also helped our students understand that small actions on their part can help to combat the threat of global warming.
Many energy conservation and sustainability projects have, and continue to be, implemented on campus:
- Water conserving fixtures, shower heads and lavatories installed throughout campus
- Web based irrigation system to adjust irrigation schedules based on need instead of time
- Occupancy sensors installed in classrooms
- Lighting upgrades
- Energy saving light bulbs installed
- 25 watt fluorescent bulbs replacing standard 32 watt fluorescent bulbs
- Exit sign lighting replaced with LED signs
- 3 hybrid police vehicles and a solar powered golf cart purchased
- Domestic water heater temperature reduced throughout campus
- Reflective window film installed in two buildings
- Renovated residence halls retrofitted with reflective cooled roofs
- Mechanical equipment replaced or upgraded with more energy efficient equipment
- 2” air filters replaced with more efficient filters
- High efficiency hand dryers installed on campus to decrease paper towel waste
- 100% recycled paper products used in all restrooms
- Strong recycling programs for glass, aluminum and bi-metal containers; paper; cardboard; and electronic devices
- 100% biodegradable disposable food service ware and certain serving containers
- Tray-less service in a cafeteria
- Purchase of food and produce from local vendors whenever possible
Administration and Finance:
The commitment to sustainability of our administration was clearly demonstrated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Monmouth University entered into with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose of this MOU is to document Monmouth University’s commitment as an environmental steward that pledges to reduce its carbon footprint and generally contribute to a better environment by partnering with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Under this MOU, Monmouth will participate in the following voluntary EPA environmental stewardship programs:
- GreenPower Partnership
- ENERGYSTAR® Building & Plant Partnership
- GreenScapes Partnership
- WasteWise Partnership
- Coal Combustion Products Partnership
- National Clean Diesel Campaign & Clean Construction USA
- WaterSense Products
We have been able to minimize tuition increases to an average of 4.7 percent over the past three years. For 2009/2010, the University approved its lowest tuition and fee increase in thirty years, just 3.8 percent. The University’s ability to control tuition increases is among the best in New Jersey, and the increases have been lower than average for private colleges and universities in the state for each of the past ten years. This allows us to attract a wide range of students, and the resulting diversity adds to the contributions to sustainability made by our students.
Our administration continues to show both our campus community and the community at large our commitment to sustainability through our many high profile education and outreach programs, particularly through the work of our Urban Coast Institute described in a previous question.
Other events included a Carbon Inventory Training Workshop hosted by Monmouth University on May 21, 2009, for community leaders, faculty, staff and students presented by Dr. Patrick Hossay of Stockton State College. The workshop was sponsored by Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, Monmouth University’s Sustainability Advisory Council, Sierra Club Cool Cities Campaign and the Monmouth County Cool Cities Partnership.
In addition, our purchasing guidelines require the purchase of ENERGYSTAR equipment wherever possible, and life cycle costs rather than just first costs are considered in most purchasing decisions to encourage the inclusion of sustainability in purchase decisions.
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