| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.69 |
| Liaison | John Pumilio |
| Submission Date | July 23, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Colgate University
IN-3: Innovation 3
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
John
Pumilio Director of Sustainability Sustainability Office |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
In 2013-14, we participated in an experimental program that uses willow biomass in remediation sites. Specifically, Honeywell planted willow in a section of Onondaga Lake (Syracuse, NY) because research is showing that willow will help clean the site of heavy metals and other toxins in the soil. The plants can be combusted for energy without emitting any of the toxins that were lifted from the soils. This research has large implications for environmental cleanup and Colgate has been instrumental in this research/experiment.
Willow biomass project background:
In 2009, Colgate planted 60,000 fast-growing willow stems on 8-acres of land only one mile from campus. The project was the result of a student research project in our Environmental Studies Senior Seminar program. The goal of the project is to grow and produce cropped biomass (wood chips) for our wood-burning energy plant. A larger goal, is to demonstrate to Central New York farmers that growing willow can be an economically viable option for out of production land. As our willow plants continue to mature, biology students have been conducting field measurements comparing the growth rates of the three varieties we planted.
Date Revised: Oct. 9, 2014
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | Yes |
| Research | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes |
| Air & Climate | Yes |
| Buildings | No |
| Dining Services | No |
| Energy | No |
| Grounds | No |
| Purchasing | No |
| Transportation | No |
| Waste | No |
| Water | No |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | No |
| Diversity & Affordability | No |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | No |
| Investment | No |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.