Overall Rating Bronze
Overall Score 34.89
Liaison Claire Jackson
Submission Date March 4, 2022

STARS v2.2

University of Alabama in Huntsville
AC-8: Campus as a Living Laboratory

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 4.00 / 4.00 Claire Jackson
Director, Utilities & Sustainability
F&O
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Campus Engagement

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Campus Engagement:
Charge: To provide guidance and direction for grassroots innovation on campus; to provide leadership in sustainability efforts and initiatives in our respective departments on campus; to enhance collaboration and partnerships across campus; to provide feedback and strategic guidance to the UAH Sustainability Program.

UAH is committed to the promotion of a more sustainable campus focused around energy, environment, and economics through its commitment to energy awareness, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility.
https://www.uah.edu/sustainability

Public Engagement 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Public Engagement?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Public Engagement:
The two-semester course tasks students with planning, analyzing, and designing a complete civil engineering design project – often based on an actual one from the surrounding community. During the fall, they complete the preliminary site layout with a cost estimate, an environmental site assessment, a traffic plan, a grading and drainage plan, any permitting needs, and a preliminary structural design of a feature on the project site; the spring, meanwhile, includes further development of the structural component, a LEED assessment, an erosion control plan, a utility plan, stormwater detention designs, and a final cost estimate.
https://www.uah.edu/i2c/news/12228-construction-site-serves-as-outdoor-classroom-for-uah-civil-engineering-majors

Air & Climate 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Air & Climate?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Air & Climate:
Students in atmospheric science have worked on instruments such as portable weather stations that collect temperature and air quality data. This data is used for research purposes.

Buildings  

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Buildings?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Buildings:
https://www.uah.edu/i2c/news/12228-construction-site-serves-as-outdoor-classroom-for-uah-civil-engineering-majors
To the casual observer, the construction site for the D.S. Davidson Invention to Innovation Center (I²C) is exactly what it appears to be – the future home of a regional initiative that will foster, promote, and accelerate the commercialization of technology-based ventures through incubation, co-working, mentorship, funding, and strategic support. But for the civil engineering majors in Christine Robinson’s class at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), it’s a hands-on learning environment that contextualizes the academic content of their senior design capstone course.

Energy 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Energy?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Energy:
The Green Club has a shed for their community garden that is powered solely by solar panels that feed into batteries. With this they also charge their equipment needed for the maintenance of the garden without having to use gas.

UAH Electric Vehicle Club is a student organization in which students can directly participate in engineering projects pertaining to the creation and�modification of electric vehicles. The club seeks to give students hands-on experience with engineering projects that they can both enjoy and be proud of. Any students are welcome to join by coming to meetings.
https://uah.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ev

The UAH CEL is part of the UAH Rotorcraft Systems Engineering and Simulation Center (RSESC), and is involved in the research and development of sustainable energy systems and energy-related technologies.
https://www.uah.edu/rsesc/charger-energy-lab

Food & Dining 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Food & Dining?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Food & Dining:
The Green Club has a Community Garden that allows students that live on and off campus to grow food on campus. There is also a compost bin located in the garden. This allows student to divert the food scraps made from their produce away form landfills and is used to produce more food.

The Student Vegan Association seeks to provide a network of support to vegan students at UAH, as well as spread awareness of the health, environmental, and ethical benefits of a plant-based diet.
https://uah.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/sva

Grounds 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Grounds?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Grounds:
The pedestrian-friendly greenway, features large heirloom trees, native vegetation, a variable planting palette, a water-efficient irrigation/fertigation system, and LED lights with motion sensor and timers.

https://www.uah.edu/news/campus/uah-residence-hall-and-greenway-earn-recognition-for-sustainability-excellence


The UAH Community Garden was created to build a stronger sense of community and increase awareness of local food production and sustainable agriculture. Garden plots can be rented by students, faculty, and staff. Gardeners work together to care for their plots, participate in garden workdays, and grow produce in an environmentally sustainable way

Purchasing 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Purchasing?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Purchasing:
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are committed to helping small businesses thrive through comprehensive business counseling and training.
The SBDC and PTAC at The University of Alabama in Huntsville serve seven Alabama counties: Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Cullman, Jackson, Marshall and Dekalb.
https://www.uah.edu/sbdc

Transportation 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Transportation:
Charger Cycle's efforts focus on sustainability by creating a safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly campus. The Charger Cycle program is also aimed at alleviating some of UAH’s transit and parking problems.
100 Charger Cycles are available for checkout through University Recreation at the University Fitness Center.

UAH Electric Vehicle Club is a student organization in which students can directly participate in engineering projects pertaining to the creation and�modification of electric vehicles. The club seeks to give students hands-on experience with engineering projects that they can both enjoy and be proud of. Any students are welcome to join by coming to meetings.

Waste 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Waste?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Waste:
The UAH Sustainability and Stormwater Committees have hosted Litter Pickup Events with the Green Club throughout the year to remind us that each of us has a role to play in making sure our water stays clean for use and recreation.
The Green Club is a community of students concerned about negative environmental impact and how to minimize waste. Participants are motivated to increase sustainability on the UAH campus and in the greater Huntsville area.

https://www.uah.edu/oehs/stormwater/green-club-pond-clean-up

Water 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Water?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Water:
Dr. Tingting Wu is a professor in the Civil Engineering department whose research centers on physicochemical methods for water and wastewater treatment. The goal of her research group is to develop innovative water treatment/reuse technologies that can help our society address critical water quality challenges and promote water sustainability. Their current research focuses on advanced oxidation, electrodisinfection, synergistic integration of multiple treatment processes, contaminants of emerging concern.

Coordination & Planning 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Coordination & Planning:
A student works for the UAH Sustainability office to collect data on sustainability standards in various departments of the university to complete the AASHE STARS report. The student also coordinates and plans events with the sustainability-orientated clubs throughout the semester.
There are also 3 student members on the Sustainability Committee.

Diversity & Affordability 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Diversity & Affordability:
UAH has an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) to promote diversity and affordability. The ODEI is committed to improving social and cultural awareness and encouraging self-understanding through education, training, and engagement with others. By offering enriching programs that that promote cross-cultural perspectives and create mutual opportunities for exchange, they hope to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, ages, religions, languages, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations.

Investment & Finance 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Investment & Finance:
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are committed to helping small businesses thrive through comprehensive business counseling and training.
The SBDC and PTAC at The University of Alabama in Huntsville serve seven Alabama counties: Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Cullman, Jackson, Marshall and Dekalb.
https://www.uah.edu/sbdc

Wellbeing & Work 

Is the institution utilizing its infrastructure and operations as a living laboratory for applied student learning for sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work?:
Yes

A brief description of the projects and how they contribute to understanding or advancing sustainability in relation to Wellbeing & Work:
Charger Cycle's efforts focus on sustainability by creating a safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly campus. The Charger Cycle program is also aimed at alleviating some of UAH’s transit and parking problems.
100 Charger Cycles are available for checkout through University Recreation at the University Fitness Center.
Memberships to the University Fitness Center are open to everyone on campus including the general public. The UFC provides a multitude of programs
https://www.uah.edu/university-recreation

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s living laboratory program is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.