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Review of Online Environmental Education, Past, Present and Future

January 24, 2014 Add Comment Edit

Digital learning has been steadily growing over the last several years and it is a major trend for 2014. According to Trends Journal people will definitively overcome their misgivings about online education this year. Online learning will continue to expand in 2014 and nowhere is this more in evidence than in the business community. Sustainability and environmental concerns are destined to garner even more attention in 2014 and this is especially true of online learning opportunities.

There are a vast assortment of online environmental study options. Online curriculums run the gamut from short webinar style courses to programs that offer advanced degrees. These online programs are often geared towards working professionals who can increase their knowledge while studying at their own pace. Studying online affords a great deal of flexibility that accommodates a busy schedule. While many of these courses require payment, a growing number are free. Here are almost 20 examples of environmentally themed online education from the past, present and future.

MIT

One of the first and best known is the MIT's OpenCourseWare. But there are many others that are dedicated to sustainability and a science based understanding of environmental matters.

Commonground University

For several years now Commonground University has been offering a wide number of courses with an environmental themes. This includes courses like Environmental Site Assessments and Environmental Due Diligence: Principles & Practices. For more information click here.

Green Masters Programs

There are also a number of online green masters programs that offer at least some of the course material online. This includes programs at:

Alliant International University
Anaheim University Online Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Management
Anaheim University Kisho Kurokawa Green Institute Online Diploma in Sustainable Management
Anaheim University Online MBA in Sustainable Management
Argosy University Master of Business Administration
Argosy University Online Doctor of Business Administration
Colorado Technical University Online Master of Business Administration
Green Mountain College Online MBA in Sustainable Business Practices
Green Mountain College Sustainable Business Certificate (Sustainable Business Leadership Program)
Marylhurst University Master of Business Administration in Sustainable Business
Marylhurst University Online MBA in Sustainable Business – Renewable Energy
New Jersey Institute of Technology Graduate Certificate – Environmental Sustainability
San Francisco Institute of Architecture MBA in Sustainability Distance Learning Program
South University Master of Business Administration – Sustainability
Walden University Online MBA Concentration in Sustainable Futures
Walden University Online MS in Leadership with a Specialization in Sustainable Futures

For more information click here.

Green Education Online

One of the oldest providers of online curriculums is Green Education Online provides a number of options to pursue sustainable learning for the adult learner. They use an online training module format that students across the world have been using for years. The Green Education Online library was the first of its kind to offer affordable training from a plethora of available methods including: text, You Tube videos, PDF's, and links from DOE and EPA and others.

For more information click here.

UNESCO's Young Master Programme

In 2011 UNESCO inaugurated a global online education programme for 16–18 year-old students to learn about sustainability issues and solutions. The Young Masters Programme (YMP) is a free global web-based education and learning network about sustainable development. The programme is open for secondary students and their teachers from all over the world. Extensive on-line teaching material gives the students a thorough understanding of sustainability issues and preventive environmental strategies. The students can also put their knowledge into practical use by starting sustainability projects in their local community.

For more information click here.

Ecotech: Introduction to Sustainability

In 2013, Ecotech Institute began offering its first free online course titled “Introduction to Sustainability.” This ten-week course offers education on a wide variety of sustainable topics. This is Ecotech’s first “massive online open course” (MOOC) through the Canvas Network.

For more information click here.

Global Warming: The Science of Climate Change

Last fall the Coursera offered a free 8 week online science based class on global warming. This class described the science of global warming and the forecast for humans’ impact on Earth's climate. It brings together insights and perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, earth and atmospheric sciences, and even some economics. The simple mathematics underlying these differing approaches is the only background one needs. It is an accessible, multidisciplinary tour of climate science for a general audience. This class is an updated version of Open Climate 101, which ran a few years ago. Open Climate 101 was a massive open online class (MOOC) and was disseminated from a computer at the University of Chicago.

For more information click here.

Permaculture Design Course

The free Permaculture Design Course is a complete online self-paced program where participants can learn from world-class instructors. The complete 72+ hour Permaculture Design Certificate Course covered a wide range of issues from the business of permaculture to waste recycling and treatment

For more information or to register click here.

Marylhurst University Online MBA

One of the first to explore the new frontier of digital pedagogy, Marylhurst University offers online green MBA degree programs.

For more information click here.

Duke Environmental Leadership’s Master of Environmental Management (MEM) Degree

The Duke Environmental Leadership’s Master of Environmental Management (MEM) degree empowers environmental professionals to be leaders within their organization and tackle complex environmental issues. MEM Students choose one specialized concentration for study including Coastal Environmental Management (CEM), Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health (EEH), Energy and Environment (EE), Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP), Global Environmental Change (GEC) and Water Resources Management (WRM).

To learn more click here

Intro to Sustainability

This course took place in the summer of 2013. It is a MOOC from the Canvas Network For more information click here.

The Age of Sustainable Development

A free, online 14 week course on Sustainable On behalf of Dr Edmund Winters: Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University. Connecting People. Fostering Innovation. usdn.org The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) is a peer-to-peer network of local government professionals from cities across the United States and Canada dedicated to creating a healthier environment and economic prosperity.

Click here for more information.

Global Warming: The Science of Climate Change

This free 8 week online science based class on global warming is an updated version of Open Climate 101, which ran a few years ago. Open Climate 101 was a massive open online class (MOOC) and was disseminated from a computer at the University of Chicago. The new class is called Global Warming: The Science of Climate Change and has been entirely redone using the Coursera platform which offers a suite of on-line interactive models.

University of Chicago, starts on March 31, 2014.

For more information click here.

Climate Change in Four Dimensions

University of California, San Diego, Starts January 06, 2014

Click here for more information

Turn Down the Heat: Why a 4°C Warmer World Must be Avoided

The World Bank Starts on January 27, 2014

Click here for more information.

Energy the environment and our future

The Pennsylvania State University Starts January 06, 2014

Click here for more information

How Green Is That Product? An Introduction to Life Cycle Environmental Assessment

Northwestern University, Starts January 25, 2014.

Click here for more information.

Creating an Ethical Corporate Culture

The knowledge and tools needed by business executives, managers, and supervisors to create and sustain an ethical culture in their company, department, or work group. Learn the four basic strategies you can use to create a culture of ethics and the ten tools you’ll need to shape and strengthen that culture.

Click here for more information.

Water and Sanitation Policy in Developing Countries

Another accredited Coursera study program has been announced that will provide free online access to important information about water sanitation policy. This spring the University of Manchester will offer a new Massive Online Open-Access Course (MOOC) on water and sanitation policy in developing countries. The course is free and open to everyone. The Global Water Partnership has endorsed this MOOC.

For more information click here.

© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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GMO's Top Green School Stories of 2013

January 20, 2014 Add Comment Edit

This year represents the fourth installment of the Green Market Oracle's (GMO) annual sustainable school series. Each year GMO puts together a summary of some of the latest information and resources on environmentally oriented academics and activities as well as green infrastructure in pedagogical settings. Taken together these efforts contribute to the growth of a well informed population, an environmentally sound economy and a healthier planet.

Here are the Green Market Oracle's top posts in green education, activities and infrastructure for 2013:

General

Sustainable Schools Produce Eco-literate Ambassadors
Five Ways Students are Fighting Climate Change
Sustainability in Colleges and Universities Across America
Video - Cornell Sustainable Campus: A Living Laboratory for Sustainability

School Rankings

Sierra Magazine's Top Ten Cool Schools 2013
Princeton Review's 2014 Green Honor Roll
The Princeton Review's 2013 Guide to 322 Green Colleges

Educational Programs

Duke University's Online Masters of Environmental Management
Marylhurst Online MBA in Sustainable Business
Video - Business Education for Good: The Ghana Project at Bentley
Bentley University Sustainability on Campus and in Ghana
EcoHouse Mobile Environmental Education at Glen Oaks Campus in Queens

Green Buildings and Campuses

Five Green School Building Retrofit Initiatives
Video - Green Buildings on Campus
Video - Campus Sustainability at Western State Colorado University
Video - The Importance of Engaging the Community in Campus Sustainability

Fossil Fuel Divestment

Video - Investment and Divestment: Making Sustainable Choices with Campus Endowments
Video - Bill McKibben Makes the Case for Fossil Fuel Divestment at Middlebury College
Students Advocating Divestment from Fossil Fuels

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy on College Campuses in the US
Cornell University Installing a Solar Array with the Help of NY State

Campus Competitions

RecycleMania Tournament 2014: Student Recycling and Waste Reduction Competition
Sustainability Leadership Award Goes to The Kendeda Fund for 2013
2014 Campus Conservation Nationals (CCN)

Fellowships

NWF's Campus Ecology Fellowships
Collaborative Fellowship Opportunity for Climate Experts from Developing Countries

© 2014, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Collaborative Fellowship Opportunity for Climate Experts from Developing Countries

December 18, 2013 Add Comment Edit

International climate protection fellowships are being offered to young climate experts from developing countries. The fellowship allows the successful applicant to spend a year in Germany working on a research-based project of their own choice in the field of climate protection. Candidates should be interested in long term collaboration with German scientists on issues related to the scientific, engineering, legal, economic or social aspects of climate change.

During a three-week introductory phase, successful candidates will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany. An intensive German-language course before you begin the fellowship will smooth your way into everyday life in Germany whilst a continuing education event lasting several days in the course of the fellowship will enable you to acquire not only practical knowledge of climate protection but also expertise in management.

A total of 20 fellowships may be granted. Those interested in submitting an application must come from a non-European transition or developing country. To see the list of eligible countries click here.

The submission deadline is March 15, 2014. The fellowship will begin on March 1, 2015. To submit your application online click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Environmental Stewards Program

December 15, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Environmental Stewards Program begins on January 8, 2013. It will take place at Davidson's Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Avenue, South Brunswick, NJ. The program runs through to May 14, 2014. Environmental Stewards Program is conducted by Rutgers at the EARTH Center. Anyone interested in learning more about the science behind environmental issues is an excellent candidate for the Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program.

The goal of the Program is for graduates to expand their awareness of science based information on environmental issues and to facilitate positive change in their community. Graduates become versed in the basic processes of earth, air, water, and biological systems. They will be educated on the techniques and tools used to monitor the health of our environment. They will also gain an understanding of the regulatory infrastructure of state and federal agencies operating in New Jersey.

Communication, conflict resolution and leadership skills are also taught in this program to enable Stewards to be effective in community action and political discourse, where most environmental issues play out.

To read more about the Rutgers Environmental Steward program click here. Class size is limited, so register early. To register or for further information contact Meredith Jacob at (732) 398-5275.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Duke University's Online Masters of Environmental Management

December 12, 2013 Add Comment Edit

The Duke Environmental Leadership’s Master of Environmental Management (MEM) degree empowers environmental professionals to be leaders within their organization and tackle complex environmental issues. The curriculum provides critical skill sets in environmental management, economics, policy, conservation, and leadership. Coursework is designed to encourage students to immediately apply what is learned, resulting in real-time impacts within their organizations. This 2 year innovative online program is designed specifically for mid-career environmental professionals and business executives. The program is designed to balance rigor with flexibility, enabling students to maintain their commitments to their employers and families.
Students who enroll in this program are experienced professionals from across the world with varied expertise and from all employment sectors. Because cohorts are kept small, their environmental and leadership experiences are a unique and integral component to the learning experience.

MEM melds the Nicholas School of the Environment’s multidisciplinary curriculum with the flexibility of distance learning through a place and space learning model. The incorporation of five short, face-to-face sessions over the two-year program gives students the opportunity to experience the Duke community and to connect with peers and faculty. When not on campus, students connect online and engage with faculty and peers in real-time class discussions, not just discussion boards.

The MEM degree teaches students how to analyze and manage natural environments for human benefit and ecosystem health. MEM Students choose one specialized concentration for study (concentration descriptions below):

Coastal Environmental Management (CEM): The specific aim of this program is to train scientifically informed professionals to fill coastal policy and management, research, or advocacy positions in federal and state agencies, industry, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. learn more about the CEM concentration > Ecosystem Science and Conservation (ESC) The Ecosystem Science and Conservation (ESC) program area focuses on the natural science, policy, and management issues that relate to the stewardship of our natural resources. The defining feature of the program is a two-dimensional structure, consisting of a focal Concentration Area and an Approach.

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health (EEH): This program emphasizes interactions among human/environmental health and ecological processes. Graduates of the program have the skills to become analysts or consultants for private industry and public agencies that deal with health effects and environmental issues.

Energy and Environment (EE): This program aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively address energy and environmental challenges. Students who pursue the Energy and Environment program area will be well prepared for positions in the corporate, government and non-government sectors.

Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP): This program is designed to train decision-makers, those who offer them expert advice, and those who try to influence policy through the political process.

Global Environmental Change (GEC): This program provides an integrated package of fundamental environmental science, analytical skills, and management and policy training. The program is designed to provide the necessary background for a student to develop a career in public, private, or nonprofit sectors, or to pursue further studies in environmental science and policy.

Water Resources Management (WRM): This program enables students to understand the natural and social dimensions of water resources including biophysical processes, policy constraints, business opportunities, and economic realities. Graduates of the program will acquire the skills required to practice as analysts or consultants for employers engaged in managing and protecting water resources.

A virtual information sessions and live Q/A event will take place on

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 7:00 PM ET
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 7:00 PM ET
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 12:00 PM ET
Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 7:00 PM ET

Click here to learn more.

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Marylhurst Online MBA in Sustainable Business

December 11, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Marylhurst University offers online MBA degree programs that are taught by practitioner faculty dedicated to rigorous, relevant learning. Oregon's largest MBA program is ideal for serious and inspired professionals who aspire to be leaders in their fields.

Marylhurst has 115 years of experience that is now available in through the new frontier of digital technology. With a long tradition of ethical and moral strength, this institute of higher education enables students to apply the skills they learn today to your work they do tomorrow.

For more information click here.

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Five Green School Building Retrofit Initiatives

December 11, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Schools are increasingly part of high efficiency, low carbon efforts sweeping around the world. This is not only a pragmatic way of reducing carbon footprints, it also serves as a powerful educational tool for students. From the adoption of energy efficiency initiatives, to the installation of renewable forms of energy, green schools can make a substantial difference, today and in years to come.

Cost savings through efficiency and renewable energy programs are an important way to relocate funding to much needed areas. To illustrate the point if US public schools saved 10 percent on energy costs by, that would be free up enough money to hire 16,825 new teachers. Here are five examples of school retrofit programs:

1. Clark County School District (CCSD) in Las Vegas

In 2011 a lighting retrofit program in the Clark County School District (CCSD) in Las Vegas replaced existing fluorescent lights with new T-8 fluorescents in 152 of the older schools. In addition to reducing energy demand this project yielded a daily savings of $12,500 based on the 180-day school year. Nevada’s primary utility NV Energy partnered with the school district for the upgrade. The school district has seen savings of 21.4 million kWh annually since the retrofit, which equates to $2.25 million per year. In addition, in fiscal 2012, the district earned $790,000 in utility rebates for reduced electricity use to help offset its approximately $40 million per year utility bill.

In addition to energy and cost savings the district has reduced its maintenance costs associated with light replacement and air conditioning costs as these new lights don’t generate as much heat as conventional lighting.

2. Solar Schools

There are a number of interesting programs that help to make greener schools a reality. The NRDC has successfully launched its first-ever crowdfunding campaign, in support of their new Solar Schools initiative. As explained on NRDC’s Switchboard blog, Solar Schools is intended to help schools install solar panels by organizing a social platform and providing an interactive guide.

Early in December the NRDC exceeded their goal of raising $54,000 in a single month. They received funding from nearly 300 supporters all over the country, with contributions ranging from $1 to $15,000. A total of 79 school districts were nominated as possible locations for their pilot project.

The first Solar Schools pilot project will be launched in North Carolina in early 2014. In the coming weeks, our Solar Schools team will be working with local partners and communities to select the first wave of schools.

3. Kalispell School District #5

Ameresco is working with Kalispell School District #5, in Kalispell, Mont. to install over $3.29 million of energy and infrastructure improvements at 12 school buildings. The energy efficiency improvements are expected to save the district about $140,569 annually. After an extensive energy audit, Ameresco began construction which expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

The efficiency upgrades are focused on the HVAC infrastructure but also includes interior, exterior, and lighting control upgrades, water efficiency retrofits, building envelope improvements, boiler replacement, variable air volume conversion, variable speed pumping, temperature control systems upgrades, custom bus engine heater control system implementation, domestic hot water heater replacement. The project is expected to generate 1.2 million kWh in electric savings, 56,079 therms in natural gas savings, and 1,526,600 gallons of water savings annually.

4. University of New Hampshire

In 2013, the University of New Hampshire installed a new solar air heating system on the roof and south-facing wall of its science and research building, Kingsbury Hall. This project will save the university between $8,000 and $15,000 in energy costs per year.

5. Cambridge

Sometimes green school retrofit initiatives go beyond the physical plant of an educational establishment and extend into the wider community. This is the case for an ambitious public private partnership that is driving a $1.5 billion retrofit program in the university city of Cambridge, England. The new initiative is called the “Cambridge Retrofit Project,” it will reduce carbon emissions from buildings by 30 percent as of 2050. In addition to college buildings the program will also retrofit 20,000 commercial properties as well as 20,000 private homes.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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