March Happenings at the ASCP! |
|
We hope everyone had a marvelous March! We are officially halfway through the semester and after a relaxing Spring Break, we're ready to kick off Earth Month! We have so many exciting things coming in with the warmer weather and longer days, and can't wait to share it all! Keep scrolling to learn more about alternate transportation, Earth Month festivities, events on campus, and more! |
|
We want to answer your inquires about making campus more sustainable, as well as leading a more eco friendly life. We encourage all of you to submit questions you may have about the environment and sustainable living. You can submit them by DMing us on any form of social media, or emailing us at scp_contact@ahec.edu. At the end of each month we will reveal which question was selected by the staff and address it in the upcoming newsletter! |
|
Thank you @logan_car99 for this month’s Burning Question! They asked: “How much cleaner are internal hydrogen combustion engines than gas or diesel engines?”
When comparing the direct emissions from hydrogen, gas, and diesel engines, hydrogen as a fuel source in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is considered to produce zero-emissions. The major by-product of FCEVs is water, although they do emit a negligible amount of nitrous oxide. The by-products of burning gas and diesel are carbon dioxide, particulate black carbon, and soot. Another bonus is that hydrogen engines are highly efficient, being up to two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine that runs on gasoline.
While the direct emissions of hydrogen engines are considered "clean", there are indirect emissions associated with the production of hydrogen fuel itself. The majority of the hydrogen fuel used to power cars today is considered “grey hydrogen.” Hydrogen extracted during the "grey hydrogen" process undergoes an energy intensive procedure of combining high-temperature steam with natural gas, a fossil fuel. A cleaner option for producing hydrogen fuel is electrolysis, which is the process of extracting hydrogen using renewable energy, such as wind or solar. This avoids the harmful emissions from burning fossil fuels. Using hydrogen fuel as a direct source in vehicles is considered to be zero-emissions, but when looking at the indirect emissions of fuel production it depends which extraction process is used. However, “grey "hydrogen” and fuel derived through electrolysis are both options that pollute less and have fewer carbon emissions than gas or diesel. Source: Hydrogen Basics - Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel |
|
Are you interested in sustainability and want to get involved on campus? Come meet like minded individuals and make a difference through our student volunteer organization and become an EcoRep! The next orientation and informational meeting will be on April 6th at 2:00pm via Zoom (ID: 343 814 2420). Sign up and get more information at this link to our EcoRep Program webpage or contact Girija at Girija.Kulkarni@AHEC.edu. |
|
Come volunteer with us for our April Bike Count! We're going to go out twice in one day to collect data on how many bikes are in and around campus. This helps us gather information about how many people are using alternative transportation to reduce their carbon footprint. Meet at Tivoli 267 on April 5th and 7th (12:30pm and/or 3:30pm) to join our staff members for this super fun opportunity! Click the photo above to go to our sign up sheet! |
|
The first Creek Cleanup of the semester is happening on Friday, April 8, 2022 with hourly volunteer slots from 10am to 2pm. Come help clean up Cherry Creek with us! We are committed to keeping the campus and its surrounding areas clean and litter free and would love for you to join us in our efforts! We will walk to the river from campus and spend a few hours cleaning up a designated section. Waders, gloves, trash grabbers, and trash bags will all be provided. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing, water, snacks, sunblock, and a smile. Please RSVP at this link if you are interested in joining us! Click here to view the flyer – Feel free to share it with anyone who you think might be interested! We appreciate your unwavering commitment to making a difference on this campus, and cannot wait to see you on the 8th! If you have any questions, please email Girija (girija.kulkarni@ahec.edu) or Rylee (mcconer@ahec.edu). |
|
We are so excited to announce that we are working on the development of a shade garden located outside the Plaza Building on 10th Street Plaza between Lawrence St. and Larimer St. on the Auraria Campus. Shade gardens are known to reduce solar heat-gain in the garden and in surrounding areas. Shade gardens that are established with plant species native to Colorado can help retain soil irrigation, provide critical habitat for wildlife and pollinator species, and provide a place for students and staff to not only find respite from the heat, but also impart an educational opportunity. We will spend a few hours cleaning up the designated section, replanting native vegetation, and rerouting irrigation pipes. All materials including protective gear and instruction will be provided. Please bring appropriate clothing, water, snacks, sunblock, and a smile! RSVP here or click on the photo above! Please contact Girija.Kulkarni@AHEC.edu if you have any questions! |
|
Do you cringe when watching someone toss their recyclables into a landfill bin? Are you diligent about sorting your waste into the proper compost/recycling/and landfill containers? If so, we’ve got the task for you! Come join us as a binside goalie in the Tivoli dining area. When: April 26th at 1:30pm and April 27th at 2pm (we will meet early for instruction). Where: meet at the ASCP office (Tivoli 267) 15 mins prior to the listed start time. We will walk to the goalie area together after a quick debrief. If you have any questions, please email Rylee at mcconer@ahec.edu.Click above on the dates for the respective sign up sheets. |
|
Clothing Swaps are a fantastic, eco-friendly way to clean out and freshen up your wardrobe! Rather than throwing out old clothes and contributing to landfill waste, bring what you no longer want or need to one of the collection boxes at the Tivoli between April 4th – 19th. Then join us for the swap to take clothes you can put to good use, giving them a second life! The swap will take place during Spring Fling (April 20th and 21st, from 10am to 2pm). After giving our campus community a chance to get free clothing, we will donate anything not swapped to a local organization to help others in need. |
|
Say “hello” to our wonderful new team members from left to right and top to bottom: - Cameron Archer
- Amy Nash
- Anna Zapel
- Jaxon Mawhiney
- Nico Danks
- Janese Israel
- Veronica Minster
- Connor Weber
- Rylee McCone
- Girija Kulkarni
- Evan Pierpont
- Cassy Cadwallader
- Chris Herr
Interested in learning more about how we all help to reduce the ecological impact and dependence on fossil fuels? Check out our team page! |
|
Come one, come all—events are in full swing! We're excited to announce upcoming volunteer activities, educational workshops, and opportunities to connect with our greater campus community. Come help the ASCP and our partner organizations support things like the campus' zero waste vision, transition to alternative transportation, and survey student sustainability interests. Register for events by clicking the links below or contacting scp_contact@ahec.edu. |
|
Every other Tuesday @ 6:30pm (March 29th and April 29th) |
|
March Binside Buddies March 29th @ 1:30pm
March 30th @ 2:00pm |
|
EcoReps Orientation/ Informational Meeting April 6th @ 2:00pm |
|
April 5th @ 12:30pm and/or 3:30pm April 7th @ 12:30pm and/or 3:30pm |
|
April 8th from 10:00am - 2:00pm |
|
April 11th from 10:00 am - 2:00pm
April 15th from 10:00 am - 2:00pm April 26th from 10:00 am - 2:00pm
April 27th from 10:00 am - 2:00pm |
|
Spring Fling April 20th and 21st from 10:00am - 2:00pm - E-Waste Recycling
- Clothing Swap
- Seed Planting
- Patch Sewing
|
|
Bike to Campus Day April 20th at the Science Building - Tabling Check In: 7:30am - 9:00am and 12:30pm - 2:00pm
- Denver Bike Tour: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
|
|
We are hosting our Spring Workshop Series! Note: CU Denver students have an opportunity to earn a Sustainability Certificate. |
|
|
