The Office of Sustainability Initiatives recently funded 16 sustainability-related proposals submitted by Emory students, faculty and staff that will support Emory's overall sustainability initiative on campus.
The funding, which ranges from $40 to $3,000 is made possible through the Sustainability Incentives Fund, which supports research, campus-based projects and the development of new rituals to further promote sustainability around the Emory University, Oxford College and Emory Healthcare communities. Several projects received additional support from Emory's Center for Community Partnerships' Sustainable Partnership for Atlanta Neighborhoods (SPAN) grant funds.
Emily Cumbie-Drake, sustainability programs coordinator, says priority was given to proposals that sought out new knowledge, supported new behavior patterns and fostered cultural change.
"We want Emory to serve as a living-learning laboratory in order promote sustainability innovation, research and exploration by our students, faculty and staff," says Cumbie-Drake. "This fund helps encourage and empower individuals throughout the University to research, take action and create positive change towards a more sustainable community."
The spectrum for funding use ranges from the purchase of supplies and materials to publicity and travel costs.
2012-13 projects funded by the Sustainability Incentives Fund include:
Carolyn Aidman, faculty: Transit study for alternate transportation for Grady Health System with Emory's schools of medicine and public health and with community partners who recognize the costly use of ambulances for non-emergency services.
Lolly Beck-Pancer, student: Funding for health-related graduate students to attend the Georgia Organics Conference in February 2013.
Howard Chiou, student: Lunch funds for sustainability symposium.
Rachael Cogbill, student: Develop an Emory Sustainable Food Leadership Alliance program to create a community of active student leaders in the area of sustainable food.
Alexander Elkins, student: Screening of the documentary "A Recycled Life."
Jane Hershman, staff: Install sensor switches in various locations in the Dobbs University Center to conserve energy.
Ariel Kay, student: Recycling expansion in Woodruff Residential Center.
Julia Kortrey, student: Environment & Development Awareness and Networking Night.
Catherine Levey, student: Expand recycling at Clairmont Residential Center. (Levey received funding for two related projects.)
Stephanie Mundel, student: Install shower timers in the showers at Woodruff Residential Center's Green Action Living-Learning Community.
Beth Pallo, student: Compost education campaign at Rollins School of Public Health.
Raghu Patil, staff: Install water bottle hydration stations at Oxford College.
Elise Riley, student: Educate residents about how to cook sustainably in a college setting.
Michael Toce, staff: Install hydration stations in the Woodruff P.E. Center.
Amanda Welter, staff: Create more overall awareness of Woodruff Libraries' main stairwell leading to the stack floors.