Interactive sustainability open house set for Sept. 17

By Ruth Stevens on Aug. 29, 2008, 11:19 a.m.

An open house intended to present in one venue an overview of the many sustainability efforts at Princeton University is planned for 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, on the 100 level of the Frist Campus Center.

"Sustainability: Introducing Princeton's Green Initiatives" is a follow-up to the University's adoption earlier this year of a Sustainability Plan. The plan sets ambitious goals in the areas of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, resource conservation, and research, education and civic engagement.

The Sept. 17 event, which is open to the campus and local communities, will provide an opportunity to learn from University experts about sustainability efforts under way and planned for the future. Those attending will be able to engage with "ambassadors" of administrative departments, student organizations and academic research groups.

The open house will be interactive, with demonstrations on such topics as comparing incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, and determining one's own carbon footprint. Those attending will be able to see how Princeton is tackling greenhouse gas emissions through displays on sustainable transportation, energy efficiency and conservation, recycling and green computing. Samples of sustainable food will be available.

In addition, information will be offered on several new academic initiatives, including the certificate in sustainable energy; courses that incorporate environmental justice; and architecture design studios addressing sustainable building and green systems and materials.

"We are excited to build on the momentum generated by announcing the Sustainability Plan in February and launching the new academic year with this event. The enthusiasm among the students, staff and faculty participating in the event is contagious, and we hope it will inspire additional action among all community members and raise our collective awareness to the next level," said Shana Weber, manager of the Office of Sustainability, which is sponsoring the event with funding from the High Meadows Foundation. "We invite everyone to come and share their ideas on how we can collaborate to make Princeton a greener campus."

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