tag:green.nd.edu,2005:/newsSustainability | News2024-03-15T16:16:00-04:00tag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1605662024-03-15T16:16:00-04:002024-03-20T14:26:09-04:00Sustainability Spotlight: Eimear Clowry<p>Across the pond in the Emerald Isle, a tireless sustainability champion serves as the Senior Associate Director of Notre Dame’s Dublin Global Gateway. Since 2008, Eimear Clowry has been working to develop and implement Notre Dame’s vision and strategy in Ireland via building and promoting strategic…</p><p>Across the pond in the Emerald Isle, a tireless sustainability champion serves as the Senior Associate Director of Notre Dame’s Dublin Global Gateway. Since 2008, Eimear Clowry has been working to develop and implement Notre Dame’s vision and strategy in Ireland via building and promoting strategic partnerships for teaching and learning, research collaborations, government organizations, not-for-profits and corporations, expanding Notre Dame’s presence in Ireland and bringing Ireland to Notre Dame. With all of the critical work associated with her role, she also makes time to manage the Sustainability Fellows program.</p>
<p><strong>Sustainability Fellows Program</strong></p>
<p>The Sustainability Fellows program is relatively new and has a humble beginning; it started as a small pilot program in Rome, where a student was selected by the Notre Dame Sustainability Office to intern for one semester. “I liked the idea and wanted to expand the program to Dublin, too,” Eimear says. “As we talked through the initiative with the Sustainability Office, I felt there was real value in expanding the programme across multiple sites to build a supportive network for students with their peers in other locations. So with the support of Notre Dame Sustainability, we co-launched the Global Sustainability Fellows Programme in Fall 2022.” Since then, Sustainability Fellows have been selected for their ability to lead and support environmental initiatives across many of the University’s global locations, carrying out the Pope’s call to care for our common home.</p>
<p>The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students participating in a semester-long immersion program at participating Notre Dame global locations. During their time abroad, Fellows are encouraged to actively participate in the communities, lead and support local sustainability research in an area of interest, and ultimately help grow Notre Dame’s global sustainability work with the support of on-site staff and faculty mentors. “We’ve had 12 Fellows to date, each of whom has brought so much to the programme. Working in collaboration with the Notre Dame Sustainability Office allows us to collectively work on shared issues, connecting campus to the world and the world back to campus,” Eimear reports. “It’s inspiring working with young people, whose intellectual curiosity and incessant passion and commitment to being a force for good is very genuine. It’s a privilege to support and nurture that. Ireland is a brilliant place to conduct environmental research—for undergrads, grads, and faculty. It's truly life-giving for me to support multi-directional collaborative research opportunities to solve such big challenges.”</p>
<p><strong>Lasting Impressions</strong></p>
<p>Her energy is infectious and inspiring, and though many may not have ever met her in person, her passion for sustainability transcends geographical boundaries. It connects people on the common mission of driving sustainability forward. Students have come away from the fellows program with incredible experiences that have left a positive impact. Fall ‘23 Sustainability Fellow in Rome, Annelise Hanson, says, "I enjoyed that the Sustainability Fellow role allowed me to collaborate with students and staff across different countries. Sustainability initiatives are more effective with the inspiration from others and the different perspectives from other contributors from around the world… I was able to collaborate with the main campus, Dublin, and Galway under Eimear's guidance. I can't wait to see what future fellows do and how my sustainability website that I built for the Rome program gets used in the future!"</p>
<p>Another Fall '23 Fellow, Bennett Schmitt, worked alongside Eimear in Dublin. He says "Eimear gave me the opportunity to engage with sustainability in an international context and helped to heighten my awareness of what sustainability can look like through a global lens... Eimear’s passion for sustainability and belief in the importance of bottom-up action inspired me to frame the projects and events I contributed to throughout the semester around the theme of cultivating a conscious and careful use of the resources we have around us. Eimear is a fierce believer in that even the smallest actions toward a more sustainable future can be deeply impactful. Working alongside her, I gained a deep appreciation for the power of education in initiating the conversation around sustainability and helping to show people that they are capable of making an impact at an individual level. "</p>
<p>Staff and colleagues have also been moved by Eimear’s commitment. Assistant Director for Internships, Research, and Communications in Dublin, Maggie Arriola, explains that “Eimear Clowry has been the driving force behind sustainable action in Notre Dame International. She established the Global Sustainability Fellows for study abroad students, created an edible garden in Dublin, and has sought for Notre Dame in Dublin to be the first global location with Green Office Certification.”</p>
<p><strong>A Lifelong Passion</strong></p>
<p>Eimear’s passion for sustainability has been prevalent long before the Fellowship program. “I’ve always been interested in nature and the environment. Growing up in the countryside, surrounded by badgers and foxes and hedgerows laden with hawthorn bushes, I’ve always felt an attachment to nature, the seasons, the colors, the space,” Eimear reflects. “I’m not sure when I started to grow concerned about the loss of nature and wildlife, but I suppose working in international education has piqued my interest in more recent years; from the conversations around carbon footprint to rethinking how we can protect and conserve this sacred planet. I am really interested in biodiversity, the conservation of our natural heritage, our responsibility to place, and how we can learn from each other in our local and global communities... I co-founded a nature conservation initiative with a group of bio-geographers, engineers and educators to work on an action plan for our town. I’m a member of the County Heritage Forum and a Biodiversity Forum working group to represent my community in caring for our common home. I love that my work and my passions are so intertwined.”</p>
<p><strong>Waste Not, Want Not: Global Day of Service</strong></p>
<p>If Eimear could give everyone one sustainability tip, it would be this: “Waste less. Be open to change and willing to explore new ways of doing things.” This year, Notre Dame International (NDI) and the Notre Dame Sustainability Office will collaborate with The Notre Dame Alumni Association to embrace principles of wasting less in the next Global Day of Service on April 27th. NDI and Sustainability are asking Notre Dame friends and family across the globe to consider ways to reduce food waste in their respective communities. Nearly one-third of food is wasted globally, and in the U.S. alone, nearly 40% of food is wasted at the post-consumer level. There are a variety of ways to make a positive impact on our food systems and waste less each day. Visit <a href="https://green.nd.edu/events">green.nd.edu/events</a> to learn more and try something new to help prevent food from entering landfills and reduce food insecurity.</p>Olivia Farringtontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1599902024-02-16T10:37:00-05:002024-02-16T10:37:10-05:00From prison to employment: Solar partnership advances Notre Dame’s mission, values<p>When the University of Notre Dame breaks ground on a new solar project later this year, it will be a full-circle moment for Patrick Regan, whose company, Crossroads Solar, is supplying the panels for the project — and helping formerly incarcerated men and women transition from prison to employment in the process.</p><figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558443/fullsize/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1216.jpg" alt="A man posing for a photo in front of two workers." width="1200" height="675">
<figcaption>President and Co-Founder Patrick Regan poses for a photo as technicians Keith Rich (left) and Chris Lazier work in the background at Crossroads Solar in South Bend. (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
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<p>When the University of Notre Dame breaks ground on a new solar project later this year, it will be a full-circle moment for Patrick Regan, whose company, Crossroads Solar, is supplying the panels for the project — and helping formerly incarcerated men and women transition from prison to employment in the process.</p>
<p>A former professor of political science and peace studies, Regan spent seven years at Notre Dame before leaving to start Crossroads with Marty Whalen, a Notre Dame alumnus and former career program manager in the <a href="https://al.nd.edu/">College of Arts and Letters</a>.</p>
<p>Based in South Bend, Crossroads provides jobs and life skills to formerly incarcerated individuals, both men and women, as part of its commitment to “people,” “planet” and “more than profit” — a twist on the traditional “three Ps” of corporate social responsibility.</p>
<figure class="image image-right"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558438/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1215.jpg" alt="A man assembling a solar panel." width="600" height="338">
<figcaption>Keith Rich assembles solar panels at Crossroads Solar in South Bend. (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
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<p>In starting the business, Regan was inspired by two distinct experiences: working with incarcerated men as part of the <a href="https://socialconcerns.nd.edu/moreau-college-initiative/">Moreau College Initiative </a>(MCI), and researching climate change in his former role as director of the <a href="https://gain.nd.edu/">Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative</a>, an index that ranks countries based on their vulnerability to and readiness for climate change as part of the <a href="https://environmentalchange.nd.edu/">Environmental Change Initiative</a>.</p>
<p>Established in 2013, MCI is a collaboration between Notre Dame and Holy Cross College — with support from the Indiana Department of Correction and Bard Prison Initiative — that seeks to ensure incarcerated men in Indiana have access to a world-class liberal arts education. Part of the Notre Dame <a href="https://socialconcerns.nd.edu">Center for Social Concerns</a>’ newly formed <a href="https://socialconcerns.nd.edu/programs-education-prison/">Programs for Education in Prison </a>(ND-PEP), it draws men from across the state, allowing them to attend college while incarcerated and earn a bachelor’s and/or associate degree from Holy Cross.</p>
<p>On the faculty side, the initiative draws from both Holy Cross and Notre Dame. That includes Whalen from 2016 to 2020 and Regan from 2014 to present. Whalen got involved because of a friend, a former Notre Dame classmate, who spent time in prison.</p>
<p>“It’s huge, to be truthful. It’s validating for us,” Regan said of working with Notre Dame, where he was a tenured member of the faculty and an internationally recognized expert in the areas of international relations, conflict management and the politics of climate change before retirement. “Notre Dame is an institution I used to work for and liked, and it did the right thing and that’s huge.”</p>
<p>By “the right thing” he means supporting formerly incarcerated men and women along the path to re-entry — men and women like Noel Townsend, whose path to Crossroads originated with MCI.</p>
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<p>“If you think about the University and its mission, it’s education, of course, but it’s also, ‘How do we promote the common good?’ And this falls in line with that.”</p>
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<p>Today, the former Riley High School student is the operations manager for Crossroads, responsible for profit and loss, design, quality control, supply chain management, shipping, receiving, maintenance and marketing.</p>
<p>He dreams of one day leading the enterprise.</p>
<p>“I definitely see the opportunity,” Townsend said, crediting Regan and Whalen for believing in him and his ability to serve in a leadership role within the company despite his background.</p>
<h2>A common good</h2>
<p>For Notre Dame, the project aligns with both the University’s newly adopted <a href="https://strategicframework.nd.edu">strategic framework</a>, which calls for continued investment in South Bend and the surrounding community, and its Catholic values, which place human dignity at the center of a just and moral society.</p>
<p>At the same time, it’s another step for the University along the path to carbon neutrality, a publicly stated goal by 2050.</p>
<p>Paul Kempf is the University’s assistant vice president for utilities and maintenance.</p>
<p>“It’s a great opportunity and a nice marriage” between Notre Dame and Crossroads, Kempf said of the project. “If you think about the University and its mission, it’s education, of course, but it’s also, ‘How do we promote the common good?’ And this falls in line with that.”</p>
<figure class="image image-left"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/508578/933_solar_project_site.jpg" alt="933 Solar Project Site" width="600" height="338">
<figcaption>Site of the future West Campus Solar Project along Indiana 933. The property sits behind WNDU studios.</figcaption>
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<p>The project, comprising 2,316 panels, will generate about 1 megawatt of electricity, or enough to power about 750 homes. The panels will sit on what is now vacant land north of WNDU studios on Indiana 933. As a clean, renewable source of energy, the panels will reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions by 600 to 700 tons annually, the equivalent of removing as many as 137 passenger vehicles from the road.</p>
<p>Power from the project will flow directly to campus.</p>
<p>Notre Dame chose Crossroads at the recommendation of other local solar companies and after touring the company’s facilities on the city’s far northwest side. KFI, the project engineer, evaluated the manufacturing and quality control processes there and issued its official stamp of approval.</p>
<p>According to Kempf, Crossroads’ values aligning so closely with Notre Dame’s worked in the company’s favor, even as it was unable to match some of its more established competitors on price.</p>
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<p>“We have people who have been in prison for 25 or 30 years; a couple went to prison out of high school,” Regan said. “So they have no employment history, no training. But we bring them in and train them and say, ‘Here’s an opportunity for you.’”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For Whalen, those values are what drew him to Notre Dame as a young man — and what lured him back to the University as an adult. A 1982 graduate in sociology, Whalen was among the first cohort of <a href="https://ili.nd.edu/">Inspired Leadership Initiative </a>fellows in 2018-19. The program, which is offered through the <a href="https://provost.nd.edu/">Office of the Provost</a>, helps professionals, many recently retired, “discover, discern and design” their next act.</p>
<p>“The overwhelming thing I feel is pride in my alma mater, pride that Notre Dame is walking the walk,” the former business owner said. “Notre Dame had an opportunity to make a difference (with Crossroads) and took it.”</p>
<figure class="image image-right"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558434/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1212.jpg" alt="A man assembling a solar panel." width="600" height="338">
<figcaption>Angelo Dove assembles solar panels at Crossroads Solar in South Bend. (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
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<p>Work on the project is expected to get underway later this spring or early summer. The panels are finished, stacked and ready for delivery in a storage area at Crossroads. The University already maintains one solar farm, a 145-kilowatt array next to its Kenmore Street Warehouse in South Bend. Coincidentally, that array sits directly behind Crossroads. The University is also a partner with Indiana Michigan Power in the St. Joseph Solar Farm, a 20-megawatt solar facility in nearby Granger, about 7 miles west of campus. Completed in 2021, the 58,000-panel project sits on land formerly owned and farmed by the Brothers of Holy Cross to feed students at Notre Dame.</p>
<p>But this project is unique in its combination of both environmental and social benefits.</p>
<p>“It’s Laudato Si’ in action,” Regan said, referring to Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change, which frames climate change as a symptom of a larger problem — specifically, a “throwaway culture” that treats the poor and outcast as waste to be discarded and discounts the value of labor as a source of dignity and a tool for personal growth.</p>
<h2>‘An opportunity’</h2>
<p>MCI is located at Westville Correctional Facility in northwest Indiana, which is where Regan first became aware of the significance of job discrimination as a barrier to re-entry for former offenders — along with access to housing, health care and other critical supports and services.</p>
<p>As he recalled, he was in class, talking about the value of a college education in the job market, when a student interjected. “But professor,” the man said, “your people won’t hire us, your people on the outside.” That got Regan thinking.</p>
<p>“And I said, ‘Oh, I bet I can do something about that,’” he said.</p>
<p>He looked into logistics, but the work — picking and packing, mostly — was too low-skill for what he wanted to accomplish. Wind was too capital intensive. He finally settled on solar as an ideal space to invest and grow, with the aim of supporting former offenders along the path to re-entry. It helped that he had experience in the climate space from his time at Notre Dame.</p>
<figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558440/fullsize/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1218.jpg" alt="Stacks of solar panels." width="1200" height="675">
<figcaption>Stacks of solar panels at Crossroads Solar in South Bend (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
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<p>Still, he started small. He purchased materials online and built two solar panels by hand in his basement, soldering the cells one by one. From there, he developed a business plan. He also started looking for help with the hiring process. As it turned out, Whalen was leading an internship program for MCI students at the time. The two met. Whalen suggested a broad-based approach to hiring, targeting MCI graduates as well as other former offenders. He also offered to invest in the business. Today, he is vice president, in charge of vision and strategy.</p>
<p>It was a key moment for Regan, who lacked the capital to start the business on his own.</p>
<p>“To be truthful, I didn’t have the money to start this thing,” Regan said. “I had an idea, but I didn’t have enough money that wasn’t retirement money, and I promised my wife I wouldn’t bankrupt us.”</p>
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<p>"The importance of Crossroads providing these opportunities and serving as an example to the wider business community cannot be overstated.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It was fortuitous for Whalen as well. He had been looking for a way to help former offenders based on his experience with MCI. Now he had one.</p>
<p>“When men would graduate from the MCI program, I followed a lot of them,” he said, “and I realized that, even with a college degree, life was very difficult for them. People wouldn’t hire them. There’s a stigma attached to them. And this is after I taught them and realized they were really good human beings who just made a mistake.”</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://leo.nd.edu/people/david-phillips/">David Phillips</a>, research professor of economics at the <a href="https://leo.nd.edu/">Wilson Sheehan Lab For Economic Opportunities </a>at Notre Dame, people returning to the community from incarceration face many barriers.</p>
<figure class="image image-left"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558437/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1211.jpg" alt="A close-up of a person in blue, synthetic rubber gloves soldering a solar cell." width="600" height="338">
<figcaption>Angelo Dove solders a solar cell at Crossroads Solar in South Bend. (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
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<p>For example, Phillips said, “Sometimes public assistance programs exclude them categorically, and some professions bar people based on criminal record. The same social network that a person might use for support during a tough time like transitioning from prison might be the same social network that’s connected to prior illegal activity. Landlords and employers use record checks, which makes it harder to get housing and employment.”</p>
<p>Overcoming these barriers is not easy, he said.</p>
<p>Crossroads currently employs about 18 people, including three MCI graduates. All are former offenders, both men and women. That number is expected to grow over the coming year as supply chains rebalance and work ramps up on other projects, Regan said.</p>
<p>“We have people who have been in prison for 25 or 30 years; a couple went to prison out of high school,” Regan said. “So they have no employment history, no training. But we bring them in and train them and say, ‘Here’s an opportunity for you.’”</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://socialconcerns.nd.edu/michael-hebbeler-ma/">Mike Hebbeler</a>, program director for the Center for Social Concerns and managing director of ND-PEP, “Like college on the main campus, we provide MCI students with career guidance to discern and pursue their vocation while cultivating networks of employers on the outside essential for graduates to flourish. The importance of Crossroads providing these opportunities and serving as an example to the wider business community cannot be overstated.”</p>
<p>In Indiana, at least, men and women who leave prison return to incarceration within three years at a rate of about 30 percent, according to the Department of Correction, either because of a new conviction or a violation of post-release supervision. Men are more likely to return than women. The same is true for younger offenders compared with older offenders.</p>
<p>That said, offenders who participate in a work release program are about half as likely to return to prison as those who do not — demonstrating the value of employment as a scaffold to re-entry.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We’re human beings. We have paid our debts to society; the judicial system has agreed that we have paid our debt to society and released us. Not that you shouldn’t look at people’s past, but you also just have to give people a chance.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>“Good jobs matter a lot,” Phillips said. “One way to see this is to look at the job market when someone gets released. Some people are more lucky than others and get released during an economic boom; others get released during a recession. There are good studies showing that recidivism falls when people get released during moments when wage rates are rising or construction and manufacturing jobs are plentiful. Similarly, recidivism falls when states hike their minimum wage.”</p>
<p>That said, “the ‘good’ in ‘good job’ matters a lot. There are many examples of lighter-touch job search or training programs for people exiting prison that do not improve labor market outcomes,” Phillips said. “My sense of these programs is that people face so many barriers that we should not expect connecting someone to a dead-end job or a week of interview prep to do much.”</p>
<h2>‘It’s bigger than me’</h2>
<p>Crossroads leases about 50,000 square feet of space near the airport in South Bend — part of a larger, 150,000-square-foot building along Bendix Drive. It outgrew its original location, a former uniform factory downtown.</p>
<p>Inside, a state-of-the-art assembly line churns out hundreds of solar panels daily. The panels start off as large sheets of glass. A machine arranges pre-manufactured solar cells atop the glass. Workers wire the cells together and then send the panels along to be laminated. Finally, workers attach metal frames and external wiring to the panels and pack them for delivery.</p>
<figure class="image image-right"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558439/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1214.jpg" alt="Two men assemble a solar panel." width="600" height="338">
<figcaption>Santino Morales (left) and Angelo Dove assemble solar panels at Crossroads Solar in South Bend. (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Townsend, the operations manager, oversees it all from a small, wood-paneled office on the plant floor.</p>
<p>Needless to say, he brings a unique perspective to the job.</p>
<p>“Noel manages with grace,” Whalen said. “And I think that until you have been in the shoes of somebody who’s been incarcerated, you may not have the same level of grace that Noel has. That’s not to say that he doesn’t run a tight ship and hold people accountable, but he understands people are human and trying to do a good job, and that the nature of humanity is that sometimes we don’t measure up.”</p>
<p>Townsend knows about not measuring up.</p>
<p>A South Bend native, he was working as a quality control manager for a local RV company in 2010 when he was convicted of a felony drug offense and sentenced to 26 years in prison. It was his first offense, but because he was dealing and because the amount was more than 10 grams, the judge came down hard.</p>
<p>“I attribute it to just greed, maybe stupidity, immaturity,” Townsend said. “Just making bad decisions.”</p>
<p>With time off for good behavior, he spent nine years behind bars. Along the way, he enrolled in MCI and earned an associate degree to go with his two existing degrees: a bachelor’s in engineering from Purdue University and a master’s in business administration from Indiana University South Bend. Regan was one of his teachers.</p>
<p>A free man, he spent the next two years as a quality control engineer and then production manager for a local manufacturer — until Regan and Whalen lured him away to Crossroads.</p>
<figure class="image image-left"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/558441/bj_1.31.24_crossroads_solar_1217.jpg" alt="Two men assembling solar panels." width="600" height="338">
<figcaption>Technicians Keith Rich (left) and Chris Lazier install the frames on solar panels at Crossroads Solar in South Bend. (Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame)</figcaption>
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<p>That was in 2021.</p>
<p>“Career-wise, it’s been great,” Townsend said of the move.</p>
<p>He said he was attracted to the job by Regan and Whalen, of course, but also by the opportunity to improve the lives of former offenders like himself.</p>
<p>“What I experienced at the MCI program, and in prison in general through other programs, was that it’s bigger than me,” he said. “There are men and women out there that are coming home and struggling. It’s hard to find a job. The average non-felon has to knock on 10 doors before they get a job. A felon has to knock on 100 doors before we get a job that’s of the same level. So it’s challenging, and Crossroads helps fill the gap.”</p>
<p>Ultimately, he said, it’s about second chances.</p>
<p>“We’re human beings. We have paid our debts to society; the judicial system has agreed that we have paid our debt to society and released us. Not that you shouldn’t look at people’s past, but you also just have to give people a chance.”</p>
<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">Erin Blasko</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://news.nd.edu/news/from-prison-to-employment-solar-partnership-advances-notre-dames-mission-values/">news.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">February 15, 2024</span>.</p>Erin Blaskotag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1597442024-02-09T09:43:00-05:002024-02-13T08:32:29-05:00Sustainability Spotlight: Restoration Ecology<h2>Restoration Ecology in Practice: Notre Dame Students Learn About Land Management From Landscape Services & Holy Cross Congregation</h2> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>During the fall semester, faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, Ryan Sensenig, instructed a course, Restoration…</p><h2>Restoration Ecology in Practice: Notre Dame Students Learn About Land Management From Landscape Services & Holy Cross Congregation</h2>
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<p>During the fall semester, faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences, Ryan Sensenig, instructed a course, Restoration Ecology. The course was a mix of both undergraduate and graduate students who were assigned projects to develop land restoration plans at two locations: a 20-acre site owned by the Congregation of Holy Cross (undergraduates) and establishing a pollinator prairie space at Jordan Hall of Science (graduates). Student work in the course was twofold; they first steeped themselves in ecological theory, history, and methods, and then gained invaluable experience by working with the actual stakeholders of the spaces to develop restoration projects.</p>
<p><strong>What is Restoration Ecology?</strong></p>
<p><em>Restoration ecology</em> is the scientific study and practice of repairing disturbed ecosystems through human intervention. It aims to recreate, initiate, or accelerate the recovery of an ecosystem that has been disturbed. Disturbances are environmental changes that alter ecosystem structure and function. Common disturbances can include invasive species, logging, damming rivers, intense grazing, hurricanes, floods, and fires. Ecological restoration activities may be designed to replicate a pre-disturbance ecosystem or to create a new, beneficial ecosystem where it had not previously occurred.</p>
<p><strong>Congregation of Holy Cross Land</strong></p>
<figure class="image image-right"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/557130/bj_4.23.20_patterns_in_nature_1085.jpg" alt="Bj 4" width="600" height="400">
<figcaption>Callery pear tree blooming. Image source: photos.nd.edu</figcaption>
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<p>While students were becoming acclimated to the theories and methodologies of restoration ecology, undergraduates were invited to embark on multiple site visits to explore the Holy Cross Congregation’s parcel of land. Once farmland for feeding members of the Congregation and later a recreational field, the land is now battling Callery (a.k.a. Bradford) pear trees. These trees produce showy white blooms every spring, but they wreak havoc on the local ecosystem. They are incredibly invasive, and can quickly take over an entire area of land, choking out the competing native species. This can reduce biodiversity in the region, which can produce a ripple effect across our greater interconnected ecosystem in Michiana. The Holy Cross Congregation has been working with Landscape Services to carry out an active restoration plan for the space, successfully removing pear trees through meticulous methods. Still, the species persists in some areas of the land while they continue to restore the space.</p>
<p>During the site visits, students analyzed the current conditions of the land to determine factors that would need to be addressed in their own restoration ideas for the class project, such as soil types, drainage, topography, and environmental stressors.</p>
<figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/557133/fullsize/screenshot_2024_01_19_at_3.19.18_pm.png" alt="7 people outside standing by thick foliage and trees, with bright blue sky above" width="900" height="694">
<figcaption>Prof. Ryan Sensenig (far right) and Joe Urbanski, manager of the land (fourth in from the left), explain the Callery pear trees that are overtaking the areas of Holy Cross, along with other pertinent elements of the land.</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Undergraduate Project Outcomes</strong></p>
<p><em>Findings</em></p>
<p>Student research confirmed that the invasive Callery pear trees have been greatly impacting the natural diversity of the land. Though the graphic (below) appears to have various existing conditions at first glance, the pear trees have been steadily integrating themselves into the landscape. Other ecological stressors identified include bush honeysuckle, tree of heaven, and reed canary grasses.</p>
<figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/557134/fullsize/screenshot_2024_02_07_at_9.37.00_am.png" alt="Topographic image of Holy Cross Congregation land, color-coded by vegetation type" width="1528" height="796">
<figcaption>Categories of existing land conditions at Holy Cross are displayed. Red = walnut forest; Teal = cool season grass mixed with Callery pear trees; Green = forest with Callery pear population; Blue = cool season grass population; Purple = congregation garden; Pink = forest with Callery pear population. Image source: undergraduate student presentation.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Proposed Land Solutions</em></p>
<p>In step with the University’s sustainability values, students outlined three restoration goals: improve biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration, and develop outreach and engagement opportunities. By planting native species and removing invasives alongside an ongoing environmental management plan, students proposed that these efforts would increase biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration, as some of the native species were chosen for their ability to store carbon. Specifically, a model was drafted with the historical landscape of Indiana in mind: a mix of oak savanna, prairie grassland, and walnut forests. This varied landscape style takes on significant carbon sequestration in addition to unique opportunities for creating natural habitats where beneficial native species can thrive.</p>
<figure class="image image-default"><strong><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/557132/fullsize/screenshot_2024_02_07_at_9.38.16_am.png" alt="Topographic image of Holy Cross Congregation land, demonstrating student proposal for land restoration and color coded with 3 area types: prairie grassland, oak savanna, and mixed forest. " width="1182" height="712"></strong>
<figcaption>Student visualization of the proposal: a mixed landscape of prairie grassland, sporadically planted oak savanna, and mixed forest (with some existing walnut trees.) Image source: undergraduate student presentation. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p><em>Continued Maintenance, Education, and Engagement</em></p>
<p>Successful ecological restoration cannot continue on varied vegetation alone—it must be coupled with continued maintenance and education in the communities that surround the remediated space. With this in mind, students recommended that informative signage be put up around the land to educate pedestrians, as these spaces are often diamonds in the rough until they mature. The undergraduates also proposed collaborative events like public blessings and nature walks be organized to raise awareness and appreciation of the land. To maintain the space going forward, they recommended that future classes could be responsible for annual biodiversity studies, to continue education on and monitoring of the space.</p>
<p><strong>Pollinator Garden and Prairie Grassland at Jordan Hall of Science</strong></p>
<p>While the undergraduate students were developing restoration plans for the Holy Cross Congregation land, solo graduate student, Max Scheel, a South Bend native, was creating recommendations for a pollinator prairie space and monarch waystation outside of Jordan Hall of Science. This space currently consists of mowed turfgrass primarily. Max’s proposal sought to create a more ecologically beneficial space that improves aesthetics, offers educational opportunities for faculty and students, and reduces maintenance labor for Landscape Services. Once matured, these landscapes can host a plethora of flora and pollinators, with the occasional need for controlled burns and weeding.</p>
<figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/557163/fullsize/screenshot_2024_02_07_at_11.35.50_am.png" alt="Collage of native Indiana pollinator-friendly plants, including: butterfly milkweed, common milkweed, wild bergamot, white indigo, new engald aster, brown eyed susan, and ironweed." width="1442" height="826">
<figcaption>Sample of recommended native plants for pollinator space outside of Jordan Hall. Image source: Max Scheel's presentation.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p> </p>
<figure class="image image-left"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/557131/prairie_restoration.png" alt="black and white graphic comparing deep root systems of various native prairie grasses to shallow turfgrass root system. A person is standing next to grasses for comparison of height, with a ruler marking how tall the person, plants, and roots are. " width="389" height="480">
<figcaption>Demonstration of native prairie grass root systems compared to traditional Kentucky bluegrass. Deeper roots require less watering and better sequester carbon. Image source: Mid-Continent Public Library.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Native species such as bluestem grass and milkweed boast the ability to sequester carbon via deep root systems, and the reduced need to mow prairie spaces provides an added benefit for carbon reduction strategies. The plant species in Max’s recommended seed mix also increase the biodiversity of fauna and can become a pollinator safe haven, particularly for butterflies and bees—insects that greatly benefit human wellbeing.</p>
<p><em>Education and Engagement</em></p>
<p>Akin to the undergraduate project, Max recommended this space could be a research site for students and faculty to utilize for continued education and class participation. Alongside the student education element, community outreach and engagement were recommended in similar fashion to the Holy Cross site. Informative signage and land-focused events for the remediated parcel would bolster awareness and understanding of the space, and an initial volunteer-led seeding event was favored to build initial excitement.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A Lasting Impact</strong></p>
<p>While the course was primarily educational in its application, students have been impacted by its teachings, and may carry these learnings into future practice. Undergraduate Anna Wang says,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Restoration Ecology with Professor Sensenig was an eye-opening class that allowed me to explore ecological theories in practice. The class offered many field trips and immersive experiences into what restoration projects look like, especially on Notre Dame's campus. From this class, I was able to gain a first-hand understanding of how our human actions shape the environment, and, in turn, how nature directly influences our lives. I have gained an awareness of these dual human and environmental interactions in my daily life and am able to better appreciate the efforts ecologists put into creating restoration sites that serve both human communities and the environment.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Max Scheel also completed the course with positive impressions of its teachings, reporting that,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Restoration is important because, as humans, we must recognize the damage that we have done to our landscapes, and the ability that we have to mend our relationship with the land which surrounds us. Nature is all around us, and so we must be stewards of the land which we occupy… Dr. Sensenig exemplifies what being a restoration ecologist is all about. He balances the history of the land, the needs of stakeholders, and the conclusions of recent scientific studies to develop restoration projects that serve many beneficial purposes."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Intersections of Education and Caring for Our Common Home</strong></p>
<p>This course and its outcomes are a testament to Notre Dame’s values. We are a University whose mission is committed to teaching and research, service, and community. As a Catholic institution, we are called to care for our common home, driven by Catholic Social Tradition and highlighted within Pope Francis’ encyclical<em> Laudato Si’</em>. The restoration ecology course is an outstanding example of how we can utilize education to be a powerful driver for the common good while building community, understanding, and practice being good stewards of the land.</p>
<p><em>Do you know an individual or a team who should be highlighted for their sustainability work? <a href="https://forms.gle/kAvK5yC8Q1usHB6cA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Submit a nomination for them here</a>! Their story may be shared on our monthly <a href="https://green.nd.edu/resources/green-ambassador/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green Ambassador newsletter</a>. </em></p>Olivia Farringtontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1596232024-02-05T09:16:00-05:002024-02-05T15:57:49-05:00Notre Dame Begins Electric Vehicle Transition<p><strong>The Switch to Electric</strong></p> <p>Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions by Economic Sector in the United States, responsible for up to 28% of total emissions.<sup>1</sup> The University owns and operates a fleet of vehicles used to transport materials around…</p><p><strong>The Switch to Electric</strong></p>
<p>Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions by Economic Sector in the United States, responsible for up to 28% of total emissions.<sup>1</sup> The University owns and operates a fleet of vehicles used to transport materials around campus, monitor campus safety and respond to emergencies, and transport faculty, staff, and students locally and regionally for university business. To further reduce our emissions while still upholding vital operational needs, Notre Dame is actively implementing an electrification plan for university-owned vehicles.</p>
<p><strong>EVs Currently on Campus</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://green.nd.edu/">Sustainability</a> and <a href="https://transportation.nd.edu/">Transportation Services</a> have collaborated for the last year and a half to address the changing landscape of transportation on campus and bring electric vehicles (EVs) to the University’s operational fleet. This partnership has resulted in electric vehicle adoption within the motor pool and Parking Services thus far. “As a Sustainability Team, we collaborate alongside our operational partners to identify strategic sustainability opportunities and then work together toward a common goal,” says Geory Kurtzhals, Sr. Director, Sustainability. “Our collaboration with Transportation Services represents an essential component of Notre Dame’s decarbonization journey.”<strong id="docs-internal-guid-6bf129c3-7fff-cb2a-eb11-6b6ec03bd1b3"><br></strong></p>
<p>Around campus, you will find the new Ford Lightning sporting the Parking Services logo. "The Lightning handles our tough jobs on a daily basis. We're thrilled with its performance, specifically throughout the colder months, and eager to continue testing its limits," says Katie Arnold, Parking & Credentialing Services Manager.</p>
<p>In Transportation Services, <a href="https://transportation.nd.edu/services/vehicle-rental/electric-vehicle-rental/">four new EVs have been added to the motor pool</a>, which includes: the 2024 Chevy Blazer, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, the 2023 Nissan Ariya, and the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. These vehicles are now available to rent for University-related business. Electric golf carts are also available for inter-campus commutes. Transportation Services Manager, Cory Thompson, says, “The Transportation Services team is 100% engaged in transitioning to EVs on Campus. We have done a lot of research on owning and maintaining an EV, such as attending car shows focusing on electric vehicles. Motor Pool staff has started introducing EV fleet as an option for a rental vehicle. Local dealerships have offered a lot of insight on the future of EVs.”</p>
<p><strong>EV Performance and Reliability</strong></p>
<p>EVs are quickly becoming a viable option for everyday driving purposes. As with any new and emerging technology, there are challenges to overcome. Two commonly cited challenges are operating in cold temperatures and range anxiety. Transportation Services Manager, Cory Thompson reports that, “When talking about EVs to individuals around campus, I always get this common question: <em>How does an EV perform in the cold weather?</em> I respond with, “just as good as a vehicle with an ICE [internal combustion engine] engine.” EVs should be kept plugged in as much as possible in cold weather. Each EV has a battery warmer that keeps the batteries warm when plugged in. If the EV is not plugged in, it will still start and perform. The only difference you may see is that the battery may drain a little quicker. We have had our electric vehicles sit out in the cold weather without being hooked up to the charger and have had no issues.”</p>
<p>Charge anxiety is a common concern for folks who are interested in trying out an electric vehicle, but feel they may not have the capability of easily accessing a charger, depending on their destination. Thankfully, charging infrastructure is rapidly being developed to accommodate the growing market of EV drivers. In fact, the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) received a <a href="https://www.macog.com/news_item.html?post_id=65a6fe16acfa641e3105a0c2">$4.2 million grant</a> to develop charging stations in more rural areas of our region. And throughout the country, communities and organizations investing in EV infrastructure may see financial incentives, courtesy of the <a href="https://electrificationcoalition.org/work/federal-ev-policy/inflation-reduction-act/">Inflation Reduction Act</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Transition Timeline</strong></p>
<p>Complete fleet electrification for the University will be a gradual process, with many variables that will affect the transition. As charging infrastructure increases and University vehicles near their end of life, vehicles will be evaluated for replacement and electric vehicle options will be prioritized. “We are excited to introduce more electric vehicles to campus as this project advances,” says Brian Fremeau, Sr. Director of Operations. “And we are particularly excited that so many team members across the university will be able to actively participate in this sustainability effort knowing that their daily work in a new electric vehicle is having an impact on our carbon emissions reduction goals.”</p>
<hr>
<p><em>Sources</em></p>
<p>1.<a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/sources-greenhouse-gas-emissions#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions,fuel%20combustion%20increased%20by%2019%25."> Environmental Protection Agency, Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 2023. </a></p>
<p> </p>Olivia Farringtontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1591422024-01-11T09:07:08-05:002024-01-11T09:07:50-05:00New Urban Trail to Link Downtown South Bend and Notre Dame<p>As part of Notre Dame's most recent Strategic Framework update, the City of South Bend and Notre Dame are partnering to develop an urban trail that will connect the campus to the downtown area. This development is part of the University's greater plan to invest in the city for a more prosperous future.…</p><p>As part of Notre Dame's most recent Strategic Framework update, the City of South Bend and Notre Dame are partnering to develop an urban trail that will connect the campus to the downtown area. This development is part of the University's greater plan to invest in the city for a more prosperous future. The project is expected to be finished by next fall. <a href="https://www.wvpe.org/wvpe-news/2023-08-22/urban-trail-to-link-downtown-south-bend-notre-dame-campus">Read more about the update here</a>.</p>Olivia Farringtontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1587102023-12-12T10:27:00-05:002023-12-12T10:27:43-05:00Notre Dame Ranks 226th in the World for Sustainability<p>The University is entering 2024 with an updated sustainability badge of honor. We are excited to announce that out of 1,403 institutions, QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has ranked Notre Dame as 226th in the world! This score is an improvement from our previous ranking of 403rd.</p> <p><em>What</em>…</p><p>The University is entering 2024 with an updated sustainability badge of honor. We are excited to announce that out of 1,403 institutions, QS World University Rankings: Sustainability has ranked Notre Dame as 226th in the world! This score is an improvement from our previous ranking of 403rd.</p>
<p><em>What is the QS Sustainability ranking?</em></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/university-notre-dame#p2-rankings">QS Sustainability ranking</a> recognizes universities that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. As a part of their ranking process, they review evidence of operational impact alongside outward-facing work such as alumni solving climate issues and the impact of research being conducted across the <a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">UN's 17 sustainable development goals</a>. These rankings provide students with the ability to review how institutions are actively demonstrating their commitment to a more sustainable future.</p>
<p><em>Why this ranking matters</em></p>
<p>Across the globe, prospective students are strongly considering how universities are positioned to address the climate crisis. Such institutional decisions and actions can determine their choice when selecting a school. According to the QS Student Sustainability Survey 2023 (n = 110,000), 79% of students think that it’s important for universities to reduce their impact on the environment, and 51% report that they would consider paying higher tuition fees for a school that has sustainability initiatives. As an institution situated within the top 300 schools of this report, we stand out as a university that is in step with modern prospective students and their desires to attend sustainability-minded universities. With over 160 million prospective students annually reviewing QS’s website, our successes as a university will not go unnoticed.</p>
<p><em>A special thank you to our stakeholders</em></p>
<p>Achieving this improved ranking is only feasible because of the amazing work of our campus stakeholders. Our academic partners are actively preparing students for future climate jobs in the classroom and conducting research in accordance with the UN's sustainability goals. Our operational partners are consistently our boots on the ground, whether supporting long-term strategic initiatives and policies or everyday campus services. No matter your role at the University, your work is important to the shared goal of a more sustainable future. This successful ranking is because of your dedication! Let's work together to be vigilant and committed to our shared mission of caring for our common home.</p>
<p> </p>Olivia Farringtontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1586382023-12-08T13:53:00-05:002023-12-08T13:53:03-05:00Keough School expert to play key role in COP28 climate talks on food systems<p>For the first time in history, agriculture will be part of the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) discussions. Paul Winters, associate dean for academic affairs at the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame and executive director of the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture, will be attending COP28 and leading part of those discussions at the conference.</p><p>Climate change research has typically focused on the energy sector and the need to adopt cleaner technologies to power homes, cars and factories. But a growing awareness of how our food systems contribute to global warming has brought increasing numbers of agriculture experts to the discussion table.</p>
<p>For the first time in history, agriculture will be part of the 28th annual <a href="https://unfccc.int/cop28">United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)</a> discussions. <a href="https://keough.nd.edu/people/paul-winters/">Paul Winters</a>, associate dean for academic affairs at the <a href="https://keough.nd.edu/">Keough School of Global Affairs</a> at the University of Notre Dame and executive director of the <a href="https://innovationcommission.uchicago.edu/">Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture,</a> will be attending COP28 and leading part of those discussions at the conference.</p>
<figure class="image image-left"><img src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/547058/300x/paul_winters_300.jpg" alt="Paul Winters 300" width="300" height="300">
<figcaption>Paul Winters</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Known as the world’s highest decision-making conference on climate issues, COP28 is expected to host more than 70,000 delegates to discuss climate action among 197 countries, plus the European Union and thousands of nongovernmental stakeholders. This year’s conference takes place Nov. 30 through Dec. 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.</p>
<p>“Agriculture is one of the industries that both contributes to climate change and is also most impacted by it,” Winters said. “But this has not traditionally been recognized by those addressing the issue. Having a global platform that includes people from multiple sectors is a game changer when it comes to addressing climate change while also protecting some of our most vulnerable populations.”</p>
<p>Prior to presenting at COP28, Winters will discuss agriculture and climate change at “<a href="https://keough.nd.edu/event/the-road-to-cop28-agricultural-innovations-to-address-climate-change-and-food-security/">The Road to COP28: Agricultural Innovations to Address Climate Change and Food Security</a>,” a public event taking place from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Nov. 16 (Thursday) at the Keough School of Global Affairs Washington Office. He will be joined by <a href="https://www.stabenow.senate.gov/about/biography">Sen. Debbie Stabenow</a>; <a href="https://www.state.gov/biographies/cary-fowler/">Cary Fowler</a>, special envoy for global food security in the Office of Global Food Security at the U.S. Department of State; <a href="https://www.usda.gov/our-agency/staff-offices/office-chief-scientist-ocs/ocs-leadership">Chavonda Jacobs-Young</a>, under secretary for research, education and economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-r-sutton/">William R. Sutton</a>, global lead for climate smart agriculture and lead agricultural economist at the World Bank.</p>
<p><strong>Agriculture and climate change</strong></p>
<p>The agricultural food system — from production to consumption — contributes 25 to 33 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, ranking it second only to energy in terms of total emissions, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-021-00225-9">according to research led by the European Commission Joint Research Centre</a>.</p>
<p>Furthermore, around 1.23 billion people are employed in the world’s agricultural food systems, and almost half of the world’s population lives in households linked to these systems, according to research conducted by Winters and his collaborators.</p>
<p>While researchers have now begun to report on the impact agriculture has on climate change, Winters said previous solutions proposed for addressing climate change could negatively impact some of the world’s poorest populations whose livelihoods depend on agriculture.</p>
<p>With research showing that climate change continues to push millions of people into extreme poverty — the majority due to the impact on agriculture — Winters said researchers and activists focused on climate change, and those working in agriculture, are now starting to converge around the idea of food system transformation.</p>
<p>“The goal is to scale agriculture and climate innovations globally that will both address climate change and help people and countries who rely on agriculture,” Winters said.</p>
<p>The COP28 presidency will call on leaders to sign the Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action, which calls on countries to address the interlinked challenges across climate change and the food system in their climate action plan.</p>
<p>“The food space can be very political, with different points of views across countries,” Winters said. “But the one thing that can bring them all together is innovation. By using innovation to address food systems and climate change, we can tackle some of our biggest climate issues while not only avoiding negatively impacting some of the world’s poorest populations, but actually helping them.”</p>
<p>Alongside these efforts, in conjunction with COP28, Winters and members of the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture have identified seven innovation areas with evidence-based pathways to benefit the millions of farmers whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by climate change.</p>
<p>The seven innovation areas include:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>Improved weather forecasts</strong> to help farmers manage increased weather variability and improve agricultural decisions.</p>
</li>
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<p><strong>Digital agricultural extension services</strong> to provide customized and timely information to farmers at a low cost.</p>
</li>
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<p><strong>Climate-responsive social protection programs</strong> to help households anticipate weather shocks, overcome extreme poverty and develop resilience.</p>
</li>
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<p><strong>Training to promote rainwater harvesting techniques</strong> to help reduce land degradation, increase crop yields and combat desertification.</p>
</li>
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<p><strong>Microbial fertilizers</strong> to reduce emissions from synthetic fertilizer production while helping farmers increase productivity.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>Innovations to reduce livestock methane emissions</strong> through improved feeding management, feed additives and genomic selection.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>Alternative proteins</strong> to provide a low-emissions, low-cost and high-quality source of proteins.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Winters said he is heartened by the fact that food systems will play such a prominent role in the discussions leading up to and during COP28. He hopes that the high-level climate talks taking place in Dubai will draw additional attention to the need for making food systems more sustainable and equitable while also alleviating the negative environmental effects.</p>
<p>“Food systems play a crucial role in society and should be at the forefront of global conversations around climate change,” Winters said. “The fact that agriculture is a part of COP28 is an important step in the right direction.”</p>
<p><em><strong>Contact:</strong> Tracy DeStazio, associate director of media relations, 574-631-9958 or <a href="mailto:tdestazi@nd.edu">tdestazi@nd.edu</a></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">Renee LaReau and April Toler</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://news.nd.edu/news/keough-school-expert-to-play-key-role-in-cop28-climate-talks-on-food-systems/">news.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">November 08, 2023</span>.</p>Renee LaReau and April Tolertag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1577022023-11-03T09:30:00-04:002024-02-13T08:31:54-05:00Sustainability Spotlight: Cheryl Bauer & Karim Tinoco<figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/546533/fullsize/screenshot_2023_11_03_at_9.45.41_am.png" alt="Cheryl Bauer headshot, left, and Karim Tinoco headshot, right" width="1200" height="813"></figure> <p>In the face of climate change, we are inundated with reminders about greenhouse gases…</p><figure class="image image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/546533/fullsize/screenshot_2023_11_03_at_9.45.41_am.png" alt="Cheryl Bauer headshot, left, and Karim Tinoco headshot, right" width="1200" height="813"></figure>
<p>In the face of climate change, we are inundated with reminders about greenhouse gases (GHGs) associated with driving, flying, and the energy demands of powering our modern world. But have you stopped to think about how food affects our climate? In the realm of sustainability, managing and mitigating the impacts of food is incredibly complex. From production to consumption, factors like agricultural practices, water requirements, transportation, preparation, and eating habits all determine the ecological, climate, and social effects of our food. And the EPA statistics are staggering: Nearly 40% of all food waste occurs at the consumer level, and they estimate that more food reaches landfills than any other single material in our everyday trash, constituting 24% of municipal solid waste. Moreover, 8% of greenhouse gases are caused by food waste, 6% of all GHGs are emitted from transporting food, and rotting food in landfills contributes up to 34% percent of all human-related methane (CH4) emissions across the globe.</p>
<p>Fortunately, at Notre Dame, we have dedicated staff working behind the scenes who understand the nuances of food, and work to procure dining vendors who produce maximum flavors with minimal environmental impact. University Enterprises & Events (UEE) staff Cheryl Bauer, Director of Supply Chain and Sustainability; and Karim Tinoco, Sustainable Food & Kitchen Program Manager are dedicated sustainability advocates who consistently strive to achieve creative culinary solutions for dining on campus that provide lasting and impactful results.</p>
<p>Cheryl is well-seasoned in the world of food and has been serving Campus Dining in various roles for nearly 22 years. Of that time, Campus Dining has been tracking local purchases for over ten years. Since then, her team has been working to build additional sustainability initiatives each year. Karim has been with UEE since June of 2023, and in his short time with the University, he has hit the ground running with fruitful work and creative ideas for their operations going forward.</p>
<p>Cheryl reports that “Campus Dining has been choosing products to serve that have sustainable foundations for a long time.” Notably, she and her team consistently prioritize local, regional, small businesses, and clean labels, while campus chefs seek to develop recipes that provide rich flavors, and work to sparingly use items with a larger carbon impact. “Other cultures do this very well, and Campus Dining has been tapping into the traditions of many of our staff, and creating wonderful dishes,” says Cheryl. Combining these efforts with Karim’s expertise in both storytelling and sustainable food systems, they are “working on sharing these facts with the campus better, so everyone can understand how they [dining customers] are contributing to sustainability measures through choosing the food they consume,” Cheryl states.</p>
<p>“I’m excited by each and every initiative [Campus Dining] has in place at the moment, from our efforts to reduce food waste at the production and <a href="https://green.nd.edu/get-involved/waste/grind2energy-system/">consumption</a> level to some of the new procurement partnerships we are bringing into the Dining Halls. In the short time I have been in the University, the thing I have been most proud of is being able to tell the stories of these partnerships and giving a spotlight to the wonderful individuals that put their hearts into their products to ensure that they are kind not just to our planet, but to people,” Karim says. A few notable partnerships that the team has secured for the University include <a href="https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/E9gxtvelX4CWQ">Tomato Bliss</a>, Lundberg Family Farms, and Pure Green Farms.</p>
<p>While this team has achieved much success so far, it doesn’t stop here. Cheryl says she is “most excited about what we can achieve, and the opportunity to share ideas and practices with our students, staff, faculty, and visitors. It is great if we do positive things to achieve sustainability initiatives, but it is even more powerful if we share the information and get others to also take new steps to being more sustainable. There are so many ways to do this, it is finding the correct opportunity for ourselves.”</p>
<p>Though these two are at the helm of championing food-related sustainability work on campus, Karim reminds us that “every individual that works behind the scenes to bring you these delicious meals is not only an incredibly hard worker but kind and welcoming. They put a lot of love into their creations and truly care to give you the best experience possible when dining with us.”</p>
<p>The question remains for many: <em>What can I do to mitigate some of my environmental impacts associated with food here on campus?</em> Cheryl and Karim have the answers for you:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;"><em>Cheryl: </em>Be curious about new offerings, and give them a try. It might be a flavor profile you really enjoy. Also, take all that you want, but please eat all that you take. Throwing away food due to overportioning is not only wasteful of the food, but also the energy to prepare, the staff's time, and the pride that they take in their work.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 40px;"><em>Karim: </em>While we wholeheartedly encourage you to savor the many offerings in our dining halls, we also kindly request that you be mindful of what you serve yourselves. When food is wasted, so too is the land, water, labor, energy, and other inputs that are used in producing, processing, transporting, preparing, storing, and disposing of the discarded food. Let's honor these most precious of resources and make sure we only take what we can consume.</p>
<p>To learn more about the impacts of food production and food waste, <a href="https://green.nd.edu/resources/impacts-of-food-production-waste/">visit our food resources page</a>. </p>
<p><em>Do you know an individual or a team who should be highlighted for their sustainability work? <a href="https://forms.gle/kAvK5yC8Q1usHB6cA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Submit a nomination for them here</a>! Their story may be shared on our monthly <a href="https://green.nd.edu/resources/green-ambassador/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green Ambassador newsletter</a>. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Olivia Farringtontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1561222023-09-12T16:22:00-04:002023-09-12T16:22:07-04:00Recycling Expansion Begins Across Campus<figure class="image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/537297/fullsize/screenshot_2023_09_12_at_4.20.03_pm.png" alt="Screenshot 2023 09 12 At 4" width="1838" height="1050"></figure> <p> </p> <p>Guided by the principles of Laudato si’ to be good stewards of our common home, the University has prioritized waste…</p><figure class="image-default"><img src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/537297/fullsize/screenshot_2023_09_12_at_4.20.03_pm.png" alt="Screenshot 2023 09 12 At 4" width="1838" height="1050"></figure>
<p> </p>
<p>Guided by the principles of Laudato si’ to be good stewards of our common home, the University has prioritized waste diversion. Operational departments have been working diligently to improve this complex system and expand recycling collection across campus. While our recycling program has evolved over the past year, the temporary hiatus of recycling collection in 2020 presented challenges that still impact the process.</p>
<p>“We are focused on recycling and are incredibly committed to making the process here at Notre Dame as streamlined and efficient as possible,” says Vice President for Campus Safety and University Operations <strong>Mike Seamon</strong>. “We also know this is a team sport – and we ask partners across campus to join us in making this a priority, while we continue to enhance our process.”</p>
<p><strong>The current state of recycling on campus</strong></p>
<p>The single-stream toter system and cardboard collection carts continue to be the primary way we collect everyday recyclable materials on campus. It works just like your municipal recycling pickup at home. As you collect materials in a personal bin, those items are transferred to the toter for centralized pickup each week by our servicer, Recycling Works. We ask all members of the campus community to help us eliminate non-recyclables from our recycling stream, such as plastic bags you may use to collect your recycling.</p>
<p>“The global market for recycling changed dramatically in the last six years, and we’ve all had to adapt. This is not an easy challenge to overcome, but the success of expanding the [recycling] program relies on each of us, as we all play a part in reducing waste and working together to care for our common home,” says Senior Director of Sustainability <strong>Geory Kurtzhals</strong>.</p>
<p>As the program expands, toters are becoming more visible to the campus community for greater access to recycling collection.</p>
<p>“Toters help us to respond to the industry requirement to exclude plastic bags from our process. Recyclables must be received by our recycling partner loose,” Senior Director of Building Services <strong>Chris Hatfield</strong> says. “Plastic bags cause problems with processing equipment and are not accepted. This system mimics the residential recycling pickup program you probably use at home. Blue rolling toters are picked up on a regular basis, and we rely on all members of the campus community to make sure their loose recyclables make it into that single receptacle.”</p>
<p>Accepted materials have recently expanded for enhanced diversion opportunities. In particular, a greater number of plastics are now accepted through our servicer. Other materials, such as University-owned or campus-generated batteries, are recycled through specialty recycling pickup requests: <a href="https://fixit-ready.nd.edu/ready">https://fixit-ready.nd.edu/ready</a>. The <a href="https://green.nd.edu/resources/single-stream-recycling/campus-recycling/">A-Z Recycling Directory</a> offers a searchable database to learn how to dispose of numerous materials both on and off campus.</p>
<p>In line with the expansion of accepted material types, updated graphics have been developed to coincide with these improvements to help the campus community navigate the changes.</p>
<p><strong>Recycling accessibility improvements coming this academic year</strong></p>
<p>We’ve been listening to what you have to say about recycling at Notre Dame. Throughout the 2023-24 academic year, the University will phase in an updated approach to improve accessibility and reduce contamination. The following updates are scheduled to occur:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>As of August, all residence halls have recycling available on every floor when space allows and an elevator is present.</strong> Students are still responsible for emptying unbagged recyclables from their personal bins into the centrally located toters within their residence halls.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>Starting in August, DeBartolo and O’Shaughnessy Halls are piloting academic space updates</strong>, which include moving trash and recycling bins from inside classrooms to centralized recycling and landfill toters. This will create cleaner classroom spaces and streamline waste pickup.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>In academic spaces, common area bins are going away and being replaced with centralized stations: recycling toters paired side-by-side with landfill bins.</strong> To support a more effective recycling process, small bins currently located in common areas like copy rooms, classrooms, labs, kitchens, etc., are being removed. This process began in 2022 and continues today. <a href="https://green.nd.edu/resources/single-stream-recycling/how-and-where-to-recycle/building-recycling-locations/">See the list of locations to find a toter nearest you</a>. Personal desk-side recycling bins will still be available. Occupants are encouraged to empty their personal bins into centralized waste collection bins and recycling toters between scheduled service intervals. If you have mobility limitations and require assistance dumping your personal bin, please contact your building manager for accommodations. Overall, this change helps to reduce material contamination and ensure consistency for recycling across campus.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p><strong>The current aesthetic of open-air toters is not the final product.</strong> As we continue to identify the recycling needs across campus, attention will be given to how to best blend toters into the aesthetics of our beautiful campus and its unique collection of buildings. Toter enclosures are currently being tested in three locations within DeBartolo Hall.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-ee676719-7fff-dfea-8a32-ca6c4b52ab5c">Changes to the recycling program are not a closed-loop system; we are eager to hear from the campus community. <a href="https://green.nd.edu/events">Stay tuned for opportunities</a> to provide feedback on the program and attend listening and learning sessions coming later this fall.</strong></p>Olivia Williamsontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1554742023-09-05T15:19:00-04:002023-09-12T16:09:14-04:00Sustainability Spotlight: Lizzie Stifel<p>Lizzie Stifel (‘24) is a Political Science and Global Affairs student at Notre Dame. As of April 2023, she assumed her role as the new Director of Sustainability for Student Government. For the 2023-24 academic year, she and her fellow student representatives have developed their platform: <a href="https://studentgovernment.nd.edu/platform-tracker/#trees"></a>…</p><p>Lizzie Stifel (‘24) is a Political Science and Global Affairs student at Notre Dame. As of April 2023, she assumed her role as the new Director of Sustainability for Student Government. For the 2023-24 academic year, she and her fellow student representatives have developed their platform: <a href="https://studentgovernment.nd.edu/platform-tracker/#trees" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Move Towards Zero Waste.</em></a> Working to achieve zero waste is all-encompassing for them: from energy, clothing, and food to everyday materials like plastic.</p>
<p>Even before Lizzie assumed the role of Sustainability Director, she had regularly engaged with the Sustainability Office and Building Services to discuss the possibilities of reducing waste at Notre Dame, and has had a long-standing passion for this work. “I first became interested in sustainability during my time serving with AmeriCorps in Oregon, where my crew and I lived in the wilderness conducting conservation projects. I learned to find balance within that environment and gained such a deep respect for nature and the sheer amount of power and beauty it holds,” says Lizzie. This led to her working with Trout Unlimited the following summer at their headquarters in Washington, DC. “There, I gained perspective at the national level, working as their Government Affairs and Communications intern,” she reports. Lizzie continued to be invested in sustainability work while studying abroad in Copenhagen, where she “experienced the integration of sustainable solutions into everyday life.” Finally, this past summer, she was chosen to partner with Citizen United 632 in Dublin through the ND Irish Internship Program and worked on a project aimed at creating a scalable model to gather water quality samples using citizen scientist volunteers in areas where there is currently a data gap.</p>
<p>While the Student Government Department of Sustainability platform’s goals are focused on student perspectives, everyone can play a part in reducing waste. To Lizzie, “The most important thing people can do is to recognize their role in effecting positive change on the environment. With more minds actively thinking about sustainability, we will have more opportunities for collaboration, leading to creative, effective, and inclusive solutions.”</p>
<p>For Lizzie, sustainability work reminds us that we are not separate from the natural world. And by pursuing sustainable solutions, we can better understand our community’s needs. “My sustainability role has allowed me to better understand both the environment and also my community,” says Lizzie. “I am excited about the work we are doing. During move-in this year, we worked with St. Andre committee volunteers to increase accessibility to plastic bag and film recycling bins on the North and South quad. Looking ahead, we are organizing the Sustainability Cup with ND Energy and working in partnership with the Office of Sustainability and NDI to organize a Global Day of Action where ND students around the world will participate in one specified sustainability effort. In addition, my department is working on a collaboration with Strike Magazine to increase the lifespan of clothes and reduce material waste. We are also partnering with a production class in the FTT department to create a Net Zero Video." In total, Lizzie says that she is "grateful for the opportunity to work with campus partners to progress strategic sustainability initiatives and appreciate[s] their willingness to share their knowledge and incorporate student voices."</p>
<p><em>Do you know an individual or team who should be highlighted for their sustainability work? <a href="https://forms.gle/kAvK5yC8Q1usHB6cA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Submit a nomination for them here</a>! Their story may be shared on our monthly <a href="https://green.nd.edu/resources/green-ambassador/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green Ambassador newsletter</a>. </em></p>
<p> </p>Olivia Williamsontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1533912023-05-16T13:14:00-04:002023-05-16T13:14:34-04:00Geothermal Projects Expanding on Campus<figure class="image-default"><img alt="Img 1422" height="1500" src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/515912/fullsize/img_1422.jpg" width="2000"></figure> <p style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-top:16px"><span style="white-space:pre-wrap">Commuters driving through the south end of campus have likely been impacted by the construction</span>…</p><figure class="image-default"><img alt="Img 1422" height="1500" src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/515912/fullsize/img_1422.jpg" width="2000"></figure>
<p style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-top:16px"><span style="white-space:pre-wrap">Commuters driving through the south end of campus have likely been impacted by the construction happening in Joyce Lot during the spring and summer of 2023. Despite the minor inconvenience for visitors and daily commuters, the impact of this temporary disruption is massive: the University is undergoing its third geothermal well drilling project. Geothermal systems are a pillar of the University’s plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, nearing ever closer to the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. </span></p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-top:16px">What is Geothermal? </h5>
<p style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-top:16px"><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Geothermal systems support sustainable energy usage for heating and cooling buildings on campus. By utilizing a network of water-filled pipes buried underground, they take advantage of the year-round 50°F average temperatures below the Earth's surface, circulating water in a closed-loop piping system to a depth of roughly 300 feet before returning it to the surface and distributing it through an energy center. By starting the heating and cooling process at the 50°F baseline, significantly less energy is used to create comfortable building temperatures. </span></span></p>
<h5 style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-top:16px">Geothermal At Notre Dame</h5>
<p style="margin-bottom:16px; margin-top:16px"><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Notre Dame is committed to investing in renewable energy sources to reach its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. The University installed its<a href="https://www.nd.edu/stories/going-geothermal/" target="_blank"> first geothermal well</a> in 2017 near McCourtney Hall to support heating and cooling needs for the Ricci Band Building and Pasquerilla Center. Intuitively, the University developed this first well with the capacity to provide support for additional buildings yet to come. By 2020, additional well systems were installed below Ricci Fields and the Stadium. Now, the third installation underway at the Joyce Lot will allow more building temperatures to be efficiently regulated, and will further interconnect the network of geo fields with the hopes of eventually hosting one central system on campus. Construction is expected to be finalized by fall 2023.</span></span></p>
<p><br>
<a href="https://express.adobe.com/page/7mT75xLriS1yu/" target="_blank"><em>Learn more about the University's journey towards carbon neutrality.</em></a></p>Olivia Williamsontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1520472023-03-29T13:00:41-04:002023-03-29T13:01:18-04:00Minor in Sustainability is Hiring an Administrative Coordinator<p>The Minor in Sustainability is hiring an administrative coordinator!</p> <p>The Minor in Sustainability is a place where students from a wide variety of majors come to learn how to turn their expertise towards creating a sustainable world—a world in which resources are replenished rather than diminished,…</p><p>The Minor in Sustainability is hiring an administrative coordinator!</p>
<p>The Minor in Sustainability is a place where students from a wide variety of majors come to learn how to turn their expertise towards creating a sustainable world—a world in which resources are replenished rather than diminished, climate change is held at bay, and healthy lifestyles abound. They are seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated jack-of-all-trades to handle all administrative aspects of running the Minor, including academic programming, finances, web and social media presence, logistics, and—most importantly—tending to the needs of students.</p>
<p>This position is shared with the College of Science’s undergraduate research program for which assistance is needed for administering special events, fellowships, and a residential summer undergraduate research program. Over the course of the year, approximately one-third of the time will be spent supporting undergraduate research and two-thirds supporting sustainability.</p>
<p><a href="https://jobs.nd.edu/postings/30191">Learn more about the position and apply today.</a></p>Olivia Williamsontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1517752023-03-17T13:19:00-04:002023-03-17T13:24:41-04:00Solar project to reduce campus greenhouse gas emissions by 600 to 700 tons annually<p><em>This story was originally published on March 15, 2023, by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, authored by Erin Blasko.</em></p> <p><img alt="Wcsp" src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/508930/fullsize/wcsp.jpeg"></p> <figure class="image-default"> <p><em>Site of the future West Campus Solar Project.</em></p>…</figure><p><em>This story was originally published on March 15, 2023, by the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, authored by Erin Blasko.</em></p>
<p><img alt="Wcsp" src="https://green.nd.edu/assets/508930/fullsize/wcsp.jpeg"></p>
<figure class="image-default">
<p><em>Site of the future West Campus Solar Project.</em></p></figure>
<p>The University of Notre Dame will install a 46,000-square-foot solar array on the west side of campus, along Indiana 933, as part of an ongoing effort to diversify its energy supply and achieve net zero campus carbon emissions by 2050.</p>
<p>The county council voted in favor of the project on Tuesday (March 14), clearing the way for work to begin this summer. Accounting for potential supply chain issues, the timeline for completion is one to two years.</p>
<p>The facility will sit on open land near the northeast corner of 933 and Dorr Road, behind WNDU studios.</p>
<p>As a clean, renewable source of energy, the project will provide about 1 percent of the electricity for campus while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 600 to 700 tons annually. That’s equivalent to removing between 117 and 137 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road.</p>
<p>The project, including access drives and a 6-foot security fence, will occupy about half the site. The other half will remain open space, with a mix of pollinator-friendly and native plants. Plans call for 2 square feet of plantings per 1 square foot of panels in compliance with local zoning.</p>
<p>The panels will produce minimal glare thanks to an anti-reflective coating. Traffic along 933 will not be impacted.</p>
<p>“The West Campus Solar Project will provide another renewable energy resource for campus along with the recently completed hydro facility in downtown South Bend, reducing the campus carbon footprint and providing added energy reliability and resilience,” said Paul Kempf, assistant vice president for utilities and maintenance at Notre Dame. “We further hope that this project provides a visible reminder to all that pass by of both the University’s and the community’s commitment to combating climate change.”</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Decarbonization is not easy, but Notre Dame is taking genuine steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which sit at the center of climate change.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Geory Kurtzhals, senior director of sustainability at Notre Dame, said,<strong> </strong>“This solar project represents yet another stop that Notre Dame is taking toward sustainability. Fuel switching to renewable resources represents real progress on a pathway toward meeting our carbon neutrality commitment. Decarbonization is not easy, but Notre Dame is taking genuine steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which sit at the center of climate change.”</p>
<p>Notre Dame currently gets about 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, including a joint solar project with Indiana Michigan Power and a newly completed hydroelectric facility. It has three geothermal systems for heating and cooling with a fourth in the works. And it converts a portion of its food waste to energy in collaboration with a local dairy. </p>
<p>The University stopped burning coal in favor of cleaner-burning natural gas one year ahead of schedule in 2019.</p>
<p>Consistent with its Catholic mission and values and Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on climate change, Notre Dame subscribes to a vision and practice of sustainability that combines care for the natural environment with respect for long-term economic and social justice.</p>
<p> </p>
<footer> </footer>Olivia Williamsontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1514972023-03-07T14:02:00-05:002023-03-07T14:02:17-05:00ND Water Week 2023: Why Water? <p>In honor of <a href="https://www.worldwaterday.org/">World Water Day</a>, the Notre Dame community is invited to a week-long celebration focused on the importance of freshwater, which will take place March 20-24, 2023.</p> <p>ND Water Week is sponsored by <a href="https://environmentalchange.nd.edu/resources/h2o-nd/">H2O@ND</a>,…</p><p>In honor of <a href="https://www.worldwaterday.org/">World Water Day</a>, the Notre Dame community is invited to a week-long celebration focused on the importance of freshwater, which will take place March 20-24, 2023.</p>
<p>ND Water Week is sponsored by <a href="https://environmentalchange.nd.edu/resources/h2o-nd/">H2O@ND</a>, an initiative of more than 50 faculty members across 10 departments, who are working to expand collaborative water research at Notre Dame. </p>
<p>Additional partners include the <a href="https://environmentalchange.nd.edu/">Environmental Change Initiative</a>, <a href="https://green.nd.edu/">Office of Sustainability</a>, <a href="https://facilities.nd.edu/services/utilities-and-maintenance/">Utilities and Maintenance Department</a>, and <a href="https://dining.nd.edu/">Campus Dining</a>. ND Water Week is supported through a <a href="https://provost.nd.edu/about/provosts-initiatives/moment-to-see-courage-to-act/">Moment to See, Courage to Act</a> Planning Grant.</p>
<h2>MONDAY, MARCH 20</h2>
<h3>#WHYWATER</h3>
<p>The first step to accelerating change for water-related challenges is by spreading awareness. Tell your friends and family why water matters to you by posting on social media with the hashtags #WhyWater and #NDWaterWeek. Make sure you also tag @SustainableND throughout the week to be entered in a raffle to win a Hammes Bookstore gift card!</p>
<h2>TUESDAY, MARCH 21</h2>
<h3>SEMINAR: PFAS IN BRAZILIAN WATERS: A TALE OF TWO SOURCES</h3>
<h5>1:00–2:00 PM, ZOOM</h5>
<p>Virtual Seminar by Juliana Leonel, Professor of Oceanography, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Register <a href="https://notredame.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tdOyqrDMqHtKXURu930aUp7qW9WKFKOP4">here</a>.</p>
<h2>WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22 - WORLD WATER DAY</h2>
<h3>PFAS PANEL</h3>
<h5>4:00–5:00 PM, 107 CAREY AUDITORIUM - HESBURGH LIBRARY</h5>
<p>This panel centers around what per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are and how Notre Dame is leading the way on cutting edge methods to measure and treat these “forever chemicals”. Faculty panelists include PFAS researchers, <a href="https://engineering.nd.edu/faculty/kyle-doudrick/">Kyle Doudrick</a>, <a href="https://biology.nd.edu/people/gary-lamberti/">Gary Lamberti</a>, and <a href="https://physics.nd.edu/people/graham-peaslee/">Graham Peaslee</a>. Moderated by <a href="https://t.e2ma.net/click/ezyb9p/qchkyub/iikgjie">Jennifer Tank</a>.</p>
<p>The event will begin with an introduction to PFAS presented by ND students/postdocs, follow by Q&A session with our faculty panel members. Refreshments will be provided. </p>
<h2>THURSDAY, MARCH 23</h2>
<h3>OPERATION DU LAC: BLESS & SERVE</h3>
<h5>3:00–5:00 PM, MEET AT THE GROTTO</h5>
<p>Join us for an afternoon of prayer and service dedicated to our beautiful campus ecosystem. There will first be a blessing of the Lakes with <a href="https://holycross.nd.edu/directory/rev-terrence-p-ehrman-c-s-c/">Rev. Terrence Ehrman</a> C.S.C., followed by a lake cleanup brigade. We’ll provide the gear- you bring your goodwill and energy!</p>
<p><a href="http://forms.gle/bHrKBw3EsHpyXAjy7">Register here</a>! (appreciated but not required).</p>
<h2>FRIDAY, MARCH 24</h2>
<h3>STORMWATER BADGE INSTALLATION</h3>
<h5>11:00 AM–1:00 PM, MEET AT OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY - 101 CAMPUS DISTRIBUTION CTR</h5>
<p>Join us for an afternoon focused on regional water quality. Volunteers will help label storm drains and grates on campus. These labels spread awareness of potential impacts to our campus lakes and the St. Joseph River and help to prevent dumping of pollutants.</p>
<p><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePo8kE667RXRzBIwcs-Zq4FkEAQZV31dD21BMVNsy1zyuiWA/viewform">Register here</a>! Volunteers will first get snacks, an overview of the campus stormwater management system, and instructions before breaking up into groups to label.</p>
<h3>WATER WEEK DINNER</h3>
<h5>4:30–8:00 PM, NORTH & SOUTH DINING HALLS</h5>
<p>Head to the dining halls to enjoy the main dinner entrée, Wild Alaskan Pollock, which comes from sustainable fisheries in Alaska. </p>
<p><em>Did You Know: Wild Alaskan Pollock filet has an impact of <strong>3.77</strong> kg CO2-eq per kg of protein, which is significantly lower than other protein sources such as beef which is <strong>115.75 </strong>kg CO2-eq per kg of protein. This number comes from impact categories such as energy use, use of land and water resources, and waste outputs. Source: <a href="https://www.alaskapollock.org/about-us/news/wild-alaska-pollock-is-among-the-most-climate-friendly-proteins-in-the-world">Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers</a></em></p>
<p> </p>
<footer>
<p><em>This article was originally published by Kerry Conneely from the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (ECI). </em></p></footer>Olivia Williamsontag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1478842022-09-16T17:35:00-04:002022-09-16T17:35:22-04:00Notre Dame dedicates new hydro facility along St. Joseph River in South Bend<p>The University of Notre Dame dedicated a new hydroelectric facility, ND Hydro, along the St. Joseph River during a ceremony Monday (Sept. 12) in downtown South Bend.</p><p style="margin-bottom:13px">The University of Notre Dame dedicated a new hydroelectric facility, ND Hydro, along the St. Joseph River during a ceremony Monday (Sept. 12) in downtown South Bend.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">Situated along the riverbed beneath Seitz Park, the 2.5-megawatt facility started generating power for the University in May and has operated at about 70 percent capacity ever since based on spring and summer river levels.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">As a source of clean, renewable energy, the state-of-the-art facility will generate an estimated 7 percent of the electricity for campus and offset 9,700 tons of carbon dioxide annually, benefiting both the University and surrounding community.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">“Developed in close collaboration with the city of South Bend and other community partners, this facility, powered by the St. Joseph River, is yet another example of Notre Dame’s ongoing commitment to sustainability — specifically, the cultivation of new and innovative sources of clean, renewable energy,” Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., said. “As the latest in a growing portfolio of green energy projects for Notre Dame, it will help us to achieve the ultimate goal of a carbon neutral campus by 2050.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">The facility is the first in North America to take advantage of new low-cost, modular turbine technology from Voith, a global provider of hydro solutions based in Germany. Along with the new St. Joseph Solar Farm, a joint investment with Indiana Michigan Power, and other clean energy projects, it will further reduce the use of natural gas as a source of energy for campus.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">“Building on previous clean energy projects, this new facility further diversifies Notre Dame’s energy supply, reducing the University’s dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to a more reliable and resilient, not to mention green, power grid overall,” said Paul Kempf, assistant vice president for utilities and maintenance at Notre Dame. “As a strategic investment in the future, its value will only increase over time.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">Work on the project began in 2019 but was slowed by the pandemic and other planning and logistical hurdles. Construction involved more than 6,700 cubic yards of poured and precast concrete, plus 1.1 million pounds of steel.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">The facility relies on the existing concrete and timber crib dam between Seitz and Island parks to create the necessary headwater levels to turn a series of 10 turbines. The resulting electrical output is then transmitted north to campus via an underground transmission line.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">The project dates to 2016, when Notre Dame entered into an agreement with the city to develop a hydro facility along the river using an existing exemption from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Under the terms of the agreement, the city agreed to lease the underground portion of the park to the University. The term of the lease is 50 years. The University, in turn, agreed to contribute $1 million toward the restoration of Seitz Park, which was already scheduled for renovations as part of a comprehensive master plan for the entire parks system. Additionally, the University helped to restore a failing section of sea wall and create what will become a river overlook at the park. </p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">Work on the park, which offers a view of the dam and is a key component of the South Bend river walk, is already underway. Plans call for an additional entrance, a new performance area, improvements to the East Race bridge and promenade and a new public building with bathrooms and space for ticket and other sales related to the East Race and other activities and events. It is expected to reopen next summer.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">“It’s a challenging project. It’s a complex site with a complex set of considerations,” said Aaron Perri, executive director of Venues Parks and Arts for the city of South Bend. “But anytime we get to partner with the University of Notre Dame on a project, we know it’s going to be done right; Notre Dame doesn’t cut corners. So in that respect, it’s been a wonderful partnership, one that serves to benefit both the city and Notre Dame for generations to come.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">The hydro facility is one aspect of Notre Dame’s overall sustainability strategy, which, consistent with its Catholic mission and values and the Pope’s encyclical on climate change, seeks to reduce campus carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">In the past several years alone, the University has commissioned two geothermal plants, invested in the aforementioned solar farm, partnered with Grind2Energy and Homestead Dairy to convert non-consumable food waste to energy, and ceased burning coal in favor of natural gas. It also is committed to LEED certification of all new buildings, and to energy-efficient upgrades to existing buildings and equipment.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">In recognition of these and other investments, the University recently joined the EPA’s Green Power Partnership program, which recognizes organizations whose actions help to advance the use and development of new and existing sources of green energy. This includes a variety of leading Fortune 500 companies, as well as small- and medium-sized businesses; local, state and federal governments; and colleges and universities.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:13px">For more on this and other sustainability efforts, visit <a href="https://green.nd.edu/">green.nd.edu</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin-bottom:13px"><em><strong>Contact: </strong>Erin Blasko, assistant director of media relations, 574-631-4127, <a href="mailto:eblasko@nd.edu">eblasko@nd.edu</a></em></p>
<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">Erin Blasko</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-dedicates-new-hydro-facility-along-st-joseph-river-in-south-bend/">news.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">September 12, 2022</span>.</p>Erin Blaskotag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1478742022-09-16T12:22:00-04:002022-09-21T10:51:16-04:00Peace through Creation: Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">During the first week of October, the University of Notre Dame will join together to honor St. Francis of Assisi and his lasting contributions to environmental thought across the globe. St. Francis</span></span>…</p><p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">During the first week of October, the University of Notre Dame will join together to honor St. Francis of Assisi and his lasting contributions to environmental thought across the globe. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and ecology, who saw the love of God manifested in the beauty of creation. Each year, partners across all facets of the University come together to pray, learn, and act in this tradition. Events will commence on October 4th, St. Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day, with a </span></span><a href="https://green.nd.edu/events/2022/10/04/green-mass/"><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">Green Mass</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal"> offered for all people working to care for our common home and will then continue throughout the week.</span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">This year’s Notre Dame Forum, titled </span></span><a href="https://forum2022.nd.edu/"><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">War & Peace</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">, calls different attention to the role nature played in St. Francis’s life. Born to an elite family, Francis’s life was forever changed by war in his home of Assisi. His experiences reordered his spiritual and personal priorities. They also left him in search of a peaceful and simple life with an intensive focus on the poorest among him. This has become a part of his legacy for those who follow his example. On World Peace Day in 1990, Pope John Paul II cited St. Francis as an example of someone discovering peace with God through praising Creation. In recent years, St. Francis’ life and work are often cited by the Catholic Church to further connect these issues of conflict, sustainability, overconsumption, and poverty through the concept of environmental justice, as seen in the encyclical letter </span></span><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><em style="font-style:italic">Laudato Si’</em></span><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">. In this letter, the Holy Father Pope Francis -- whose chosen name honors this same St. Francis -- speaks of St. Francis’ undying love for God’s Creation and how we must engage with Creation to display our love of God. The Holy Father writes, </span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><em style="font-style:italic">“[St. Francis] was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast. He loved, and was deeply loved for his joy, his generous self-giving, his openheartedness. He was a mystic and a pilgrim who lived in simplicity and in wonderful harmony with God, with others, with nature and with himself. He shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace” (Francis, Laudato Si’, 10). </em></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Please join us to learn, pray, and act in the way St. Francis of Assisi did. By celebrating him again this year, may we learn to find peace by working for the health and prosperity of the planet and our communities. </span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><em style="font-style:italic">St. Francis of Assisi Week is sponsored by Campus Ministry, the Center for Social Concerns, ND Energy, the Minor in Sustainability, Notre Dame International, the Environmental Change Initiative, and the Office of Sustainability. </em></span></p>
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<span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><em style="font-style:italic">The full outline of events is as follows and may be updated as the event approaches. For full details, visit </em></span><a href="https://green.nd.edu/events"><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><em style="font-style:italic"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">green.nd.edu/events</span></span></em></span></a><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><em style="font-style:italic">.</em></span>
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<strong style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Tuesday, October 4th - Green Mass. </span></strong><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">5:15 - 6:15PM - Basilica of the Sacred Heart</span></span>
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<strong style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Wednesday, October 5th - Global Day of Action. </span></strong><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">All day, activities vary by worldwide ND location. On the Main Campus, a <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/bioblitz/">BioBlitz</a> will take place throughout the day around the campus lakes. </span></span>
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<strong style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Thursday, October 6th - Native Plants & Natural Papermaking. </span></strong><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">6:00 - 8:30PM St. Patrick’s Park, ND-LEEF pavilion </span></span>
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<strong style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Friday, October 7th </span></strong><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">- </span></span><strong style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">S</span></strong><strong style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">igns of the Times | Parks as Islands of Opportunity: Stewardship, Innovation, and Public Service. </span></strong><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">12:00pm to 1:00pm, McNeill Library, Geddes Hall</span></span>
</h5>Caitlin Jacobs, Office of Sustainabilitytag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1473942022-08-23T08:30:00-04:002022-08-24T08:30:30-04:00In race against hurricane season, engineers launch survey to study incentives for climate-resilient homes<p>A team of civil and environmental engineers at the University of Notre Dame is racing against time to create a new framework for community recovery from natural disasters, educate homeowners on risks and encourage incentives for climate-resilient homes before the next extreme event hits.</p><p class="BasicParagraph">The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects up to 10 hurricanes this season, with as many as six storms between Category 3 and Category 6, threatening lives and increasing the risk to residential and commercial infrastructure in coastal regions.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">The annual cost of damages caused by hurricanes alone is estimated to rise from $28 billion to $39 billion. Still, research shows homeowners are not investing in upgrades to protect their homes from storm systems that continue to intensify exponentially as a result of climate change.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">A team of civil and environmental engineers at the University of Notre Dame is racing against time to create a new framework for community recovery from natural disasters, educate homeowners on risks and encourage incentives for climate-resilient homes before the next extreme event hits.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">“Coastal homeowners are largely unprotected right now,” said <a href="https://engineering.nd.edu/faculty/tracy-kijewski-correa/">Tracy Kijewski-Correa</a>, <span style="background:white">professor of</span> <a href="https://ceees.nd.edu/"><span style="background:white">civil and environmental engineering and earth sciences</span></a><span style="background:white"> and</span> <a href="https://keough.nd.edu/"><span style="background:white">global affairs</span></a><span style="background:white">,</span> and lead of the study. “In the last two years, we’ve set records for the number of billion-dollar loss events. We need to drive more proactive investment because right now, the mounting losses in our coastal communities has bankrupted insurance systems. We’ve created a culture of safety netting that reacts to symptoms without addressing the root causes.”</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">For the study, Kijewski-Correa; co-principal investigator <a href="https://politicalscience.nd.edu/people/debra-javeline/">Debra Javeline</a>, associate professor of <a href="https://politicalscience.nd.edu/">political science</a>; and the survey research firm NORC will engage residents in Lake Charles, Louisiana — an area hit by back-to-back storms during the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">“This is the first time we are looking at a community hit by a sequence of hurricanes with the compounding effects of wind, storm surge and flooding,” Kijewski-Correa said. “If we’re talking about replication there’s no place better than the Deep South, no place better than Louisiana — the site where five named storms made landfall in 2020.”</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">The study is funded through the National Science Foundation’s Strengthening American Infrastructure program, supporting interdisciplinary, fundamental research in computer science, information science and engineering with social, behavioral and economic sciences. Insights and analysis from the survey could help inform solutions to flaws in insurance and regulatory systems outpaced by the current rate of climate change.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">“Eight of the 13 coastal states most in harm’s way don’t have binding, statewide building codes,” Kijewski-Correa said. “Even when codes are adopted, people don’t realize that building codes aren’t intended to prevent damage in major hurricanes — which creates losses for the home. That’s where a lot of the big challenges currently lie. Homeowners have to invest beyond what current building codes require. The first and most important step is helping them understand how to make those choices and, more importantly, incentivize them to make those choices.”</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">Understanding how various communities view the acute threat of climate change is another aspect of the study.</p>
<figure class="image-left"><img alt="Houston, TX neighborhood after a hurricane." height="300" src="https://news.nd.edu/assets/482437/tkc_hurricane_2_crop.jpg" width="400">
<figcaption>Houston, TX neighborhood after a hurricane.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p class="BasicParagraph">Previous research by Kijewski-Correa and Javeline found that homes are minimally protected and when they are damaged, homeowners fail to use insurance payouts to “build back better” by investing in structural upgrades to make their home hurricane resilient. Some families may not have the “bandwidth,” she said, in terms of finances, time, energy and initiative to consider major upgrades or retrofits to their homes.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">She’d like to see the real estate industry provide incentives for resiliency similarly to credits for sustainable practices like LEED certification.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">“It could be very promising if we can get property values to reflect investments in safety and not just aesthetics or amenities,” Kijewski-Correa said. “We can’t keep doing this. It’s not sustainable. All of this research is to figure out, in the areas that are getting hit hardest, how do we encourage homeowners to buy into the idea of getting ready ahead of the storm — because climate change is here. The effects are acute. And if we don’t shift our thinking, homeowners expecting insurance companies or FEMA payouts will be out in the cold.”</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">As director of the Structural Extreme Events Reconnaissance (StEER) network, Kijewski-Correa has coordinated engineering teams on the ground to assess structural damage caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and other destructive windstorms around the world — totaling more than 40 events and 29,000 assessments conducted to date. She is also co-principal investigator on a $12.8 million project led by Florida International University to design a testing facility capable of simulating the combined effects of a major hurricane’s wind and waves on full-scale structures for the first time.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">In an extensive interview, Kijewski-Correa discussed current issues with building code regulations, the need for market-based incentives and the detailed planning that goes into creating the nation’s first full-scale hurricane simulator for combined wind and wave effects. <a href="https://www.nd.edu/stories/hurricane-preparedness/">Read more of the discussion here</a>.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">The team hopes to complete the collection of data in Lake Charles and have initial insights by the end of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph">Kijewski-Correa is an affiliate of Notre Dame’s <a href="https://environmentalchange.nd.edu/">Environmental Change Initiative</a>. Read more about her work assessing structural damage caused by devastating hurricanes <a href="https://www.nd.edu/stories/harvey/">here</a>.</p>
<p class="BasicParagraph"><em><strong>Contact</strong>: Jessica Sieff, Media Relations, 574-631-3933, <a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=jsieff@nd.edu" target="_blank">jsieff@nd.edu</a></em></p>
<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">Jessica Sieff</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://news.nd.edu/news/in-race-against-hurricane-season-engineers-launch-survey-to-study-incentives-for-climate-resilient-homes/">news.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">August 23, 2022</span>.</p>Jessica Siefftag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1473312022-08-19T13:41:00-04:002022-08-19T13:41:36-04:00Renewable Energy Comparisons<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">The 2022 Center for Civic Innovation Summer Internship Program includes several exciting and impactful projects, including Renewable Energy Comparisons in partnership with Bushelcraft Farm. A team</span></span>…</p><p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">The 2022 Center for Civic Innovation Summer Internship Program includes several exciting and impactful projects, including Renewable Energy Comparisons in partnership with Bushelcraft Farm. A team of 3 interns worked on identifying and proposing renewable energy sources to power the farm’s infrastructure needs. Bushelcraft Farm is a not-for-profit educational farm in Elkhart that helps provide access to local food, outdoor experiences, and educational classes.</span></span><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal"> CCI operates the internship program, and Jon Zirkle, the </span></span><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Director and Co-Founder of Bushelcraft Farm, was the team’s lead mentor who worked closely with the interns to provide them with resources and expertise.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Nicole Lopez (University of Notre Dame ‘25), Alexander Lefever (Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology ‘25), and Siclaly Reyes-Medrano (Elkhart High School ‘24) comprise the Renewable Energy Comparisons Project team at CCI’s Elkhart site.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">The intern team designed and helped implement an efficient renewable energy system to power the farm’s electrical needs—including fans, small power tools, phone charging, a well, and the current and new hoop house. </span></span><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Hoop houses are covered greenhouse structures that help provide frost protection and can help prevent insects from damaging crops. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">Additionally, the group researched rainwater catchment systems to incorporate rainwater usage in the farm. Because the farm planned to implement the new hoop house in the near future—which has now officially been installed this August—, the team took into consideration the farm’s budget and how their proposed solutions fit within time and monetary constraints. The team also presented their progress, research, and plans for the farm’s future at a Bushelcraft Fundraiser Event to help inform and invol</span></span><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">ve stakeholders. The information shared by the team helped convey the farm's needs to potential donors, and Bushelcraft was able to raise enough funds for the new hoophouse. In addition, a number of donors were further convinced to help fund renewable energy projects at the farm.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">For more information on Bushelcraft Farm, visit their website at </span></span><a href="https://bushelcraftfarm.org/"><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip:none"><span style="text-decoration-skip-ink:none">https://bushelcraftfarm.org/</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-variant:normal; font-weight:400; white-space:pre-wrap"><span style="font-style:normal">.</span></span></p>
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<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">CCI Staff</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://civicinnovation.nd.edu/news/renewable-energy-comparisons/">civicinnovation.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">August 19, 2022</span>.</p>CCI Stafftag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1470602022-08-02T17:26:00-04:002022-08-04T17:26:39-04:00Comprehensive investment in people improves social services, Heather Reynolds testifies<p>On Thursday (July 28), <a href="https://leo.nd.edu/people/heather-reynolds/">Heather Reynolds</a>, LEO’s managing director, shared her deep knowledge and expertise in social work and assessment of social programs with the <a href="https://fairgrowth.house.gov/">House Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth</a>.</p><p style="margin-bottom:11px">Experts from the University of Notre Dame’s <a href="https://leo.nd.edu/">Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO)</a> are no strangers to testifying before congressional committees. On Thursday (July 28), <a href="https://leo.nd.edu/people/heather-reynolds/">Heather Reynolds</a>, LEO’s managing director, shared her deep knowledge and expertise in social work and assessment of social programs with the <a href="https://fairgrowth.house.gov/">House Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">The committee chairman, Congressman Jim Himes, opened the hearing by noting that 70 percent of Americans report having benefited from social programs at some point in their life. “I’m particularly interested in seeing what the federal government can do to improve these programs for those who need it the most,” he said.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Congressman Bryan Steil echoed Himes’ concern and stressed that policy has a real impact on people getting back to work, but he is concerned with how to raise people into the middle class and keep them there in a sustainable way.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">“Before we look at simply spending more money, we should look at evidence-based solutions that already exist,” Steil, the ranking member of the committee, said.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Conquering poverty with evidence-based solutions is exactly LEO’s wheelhouse. Reynolds drew from her personal experience as a social worker witnessing comprehensive case management make all the difference for many clients. “It is very difficult to be poor. I am a big fan of case management because I’ve seen it work and I’ve seen it through my own practice.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Reynolds talked about real clients she and her colleagues worked with at Catholic Charities Forth Worth over her nearly 20 years at the agency. Each client’s situation was unique, because “the faces of poverty all look a bit different,” she said. In Marsha’s case, for example, she was working a $10 per hour job trying to keep her and her three kids’ heads above water. They lived in an unsafe rental with no running water. Marsha needed child care and other supports so she could get credentialed to earn higher wages. The scenario was different for Randy, a client whose disability rendered him unable to drive but wouldn’t interfere with his ability to do many jobs. His mother was unable to provide transportation for him to go to and from work. Reynolds and her colleagues were able to focus on finding him a job and a way to get there and back.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">What LEO offers, Reynolds emphasized, is the ability to do real research to determine effectiveness of programs while social work experts continue to do their vital work to help those most in need.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">“I’m talking about causal, not correlational evidence — the kind that tells us the direct effect of programs on the intended outcomes they are attempting to change. The evidence points to comprehensive services,” she said.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">She shared some of the best examples of LEO’s research including <a href="https://leo.nd.edu/partners-projects/projects/goodwill-excel-center---central-southern-indiana/">Goodwill Excel Centers</a> that aim to help adults earn a high school diploma and provide them with child care, transportation, life coaches and jobs. In comparison to those not enrolled, students are 11 percent more likely to be employed in the formal sector and earnings are 39 percent higher. Catholic Charities’ <a href="https://www.nd.edu/stories/a-clearer-path-out-of-poverty/">Padua program</a> provides holistic case management over multiple years to move a family out of poverty. People who participated in Padua experienced a 25 percent increase in work. For those not working at time of enrollment, there was a 67 percent increase in work and a 46 percent increase in earnings.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Witness Sharon Parrott, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, compared the United States’ social systems with countries that have a similar number of children living in poverty like Australia and Canada. “We do less and our children pay the price.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Parrott also pointed out that our nation’s current economic security programs lift a much larger share of people out of poverty than in the past, which, importantly, has narrowed the gaps between poor white people and poor people of color. She advocates expanding the child tax credit, strengthening unemployment insurance and establishing universal health care.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Looking back on the government response to economic issues caused by the pandemic, Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, praised the Biden administration and Congress for “meeting the moment” with quick and broad relief measures. However, with the cutback or elimination of some pandemic-related relief, Morial worries about the most vulnerable yet again.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Two-thirds of Americans’ wages haven’t kept up with inflation, he noted, threatening to push people into poverty once again. He champions programs that help people not just survive, but thrive. He underscored, however, that many people cannot even access the programs that help them meet basic needs because they don’t know about them or how to access them and they might not have internet access.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">“This is not just a question of the poorest Americans, but working-class Americans and even into the middle class,” Morial said. “They’re forced to seek assistance through these social programs. These programs serve a broader section of Americans. One of the pillars of a great nation is the respect and care for her people. We cannot leave people behind.”</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Millions of Americans benefited from the expansion of unemployment insurance during the height of the pandemic. Although the staff at the Department of Labor was able to pivot quickly and provide service, Michele Evermore, deputy director for policy at the Office of Unemployment Insurance Modernization at U.S. Department of Labor, said it wasn’t without a cost. There has been a lot of staff turnover at the agency due to being overworked when serving clients. She noted that strengthening staff to ensure readiness for any future crises is paramount.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">“We must invest in staff and systems. There is hope,” she said, while calling for reform in unemployment insurance and sustained funding.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Bringing the conversation back to wages, Congresswoman Gwen Moore asked the expert witnesses if there is any dignity in working a minimum-wage job (or two or three of them) when that leaves no time to do anything else except work.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Indivar Dutta-Gupta, president and executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy, pointed out that the U.S. has now gone through the longest stretch in its history of not raising the minimum wage since it was established.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">“All the while, housing costs have been rising exponentially. It’s a policy choice to have a lower minimum wage,” Dutta-Gupta said.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">Most of the witnesses and legislators agreed that the best practices are those that “trampoline” people out of poverty in sustainable ways so they remain in the middle class.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px">“We scratch our heads and wonder why upward mobility isn’t possible for a good number of Americans,” Reynolds said. “Policy must demand that we test what we are doing for the poor, to understand the causal impact of every dollar. Use that evidence to double down on what works and stop doing what doesn’t work. And, where we find gaps, keep building evidence until we get the right solutions. People living in poverty deserve programs that work. Evidence honors their dignity.”</p>
<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">Colleen Sharkey</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://news.nd.edu/news/comprehensive-investment-in-people-improves-social-services-heather-reynolds-testifies/">news.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">August 02, 2022</span>.</p>Colleen Sharkeytag:green.nd.edu,2005:News/1470612022-07-21T17:23:00-04:002022-08-04T17:23:56-04:00Notre Dame makes historic compensation investment, surpassing $75 million<p>Citing the perseverance and extraordinary contributions by members of the University of Notre Dame community over the past two years, President <a href="https://president.nd.edu/about/">Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.</a>, today announced a historic $25 million commitment to increase the base compensation for eligible hourly and salary University staff, faculty and student workers.</p><p style="border:none">Citing the perseverance and extraordinary contributions by members of the University of Notre Dame community over the past two years, President <a href="https://president.nd.edu/about/">Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.</a>, today announced a historic $25 million commitment to increase the base compensation for eligible hourly and salary University staff, faculty and student workers. Today’s announcement is the third component in a three-phase compensation enhancement strategy that the University introduced in April that in total surpasses $75 million.</p>
<p style="border:none">The most recent compensation increase impacts approximately 6,000 Notre Dame employees in South Bend and around the world and takes effect Aug. 1.</p>
<p style="border:none">“The work of Notre Dame is done by you, the dedicated faculty and staff I am proud to call colleagues,” Father Jenkins said. “We are grateful for your daily efforts to serve our students, our community and the world, and I am delighted that we are able to make this momentous investment in you.”</p>
<p style="border:none">In a campus-wide email, Father Jenkins, Executive Vice President <a href="https://www.nd.edu/about/leadership/council/shannon-cullinan/">Shannon Cullinan</a> and <a href="https://provost.nd.edu/about/">John McGreevy</a>, the Charles and Jill Fischer Provost, explained that eligible faculty and staff will receive a 3 percent raise while staff hourly wages will be raised to a minimum of $17.50 per hour. Student hourly employees will also be paid a starting wage of $15 per hour.</p>
<p style="border:none">Cullinan explained the three phases of the University’s compensation enhancement package. “Phase 1 of this plan occurred in April when the University funded a $14 million one-time employee appreciation monetary award for eligible employees. In Phase 2, $50 million was distributed in the largest merit pool in the history of the University. The changes announced today for Phase 3 total $25 million. The overall investment in recurring compensation from Phases 2 and 3 is the largest in the University’s 180-year history.</p>
<p style="border:none">“We often speak of Notre Dame as being a force for good in the world,” Cullinan said. “Investing in our faculty, staff and students is an extension of those values and the right thing to do for our most valuable asset, our people.”</p>
<p style="border:none">In their letter to campus, the executive officers also noted that this increase will have no impact on student tuition or financial aid.</p>
<p style="border:none">McGreevy concluded: “Our faculty and staff make it possible for Notre Dame to achieve its mission: to educate the next generation of leaders and make discoveries that change the world. This was never truer than during the past two years. From pivoting to remote teaching and work, to rallying behind our return to campus, their perseverance has been remarkable. We are grateful.”</p>
<p class="attribution">Originally published by <span class="rel-author">Sue Ryan</span> at <span class="rel-source"><a href="https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-makes-historic-compensation-investment-surpassing-75-million/">news.nd.edu</a></span> on <span class="rel-pubdate">July 21, 2022</span>.</p>Sue Ryan