Welcome back, Panthers!
Live Sustainably at Chapman
To those who may be new to campus or returners who could use a refresher, here are a few tips on how to reduce your ecological footprint while living in a Chapman residence hall! Living sustainably starts with small, everyday actions that can create a big impact on our environment.
Save Energy: Keep your thermostat between 70-76° F to save energy, and remember to turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
Conserve Water: Turn off the shower faucet while shampooing and scrubbing to save gallons of water each shower.
Maximize Ventilation: Open windows to let in a cool breeze instead of using the air conditioner.
Recycle & Compost: Make sure you and your roommates are on the same page about waste sorting practices—where you will be storing recycling and compost, rotating who will take it to the trash room, making sure all your housemates know how to properly sort waste.
Report Leaks: If you spot any leaks, be sure to report them to Facilities Management so they can be fixed as soon as possible! Enter a work request here.
Sustainable Transportation: Consider setting up a carpool system with your roommates or use shuttles whenever possible when living at Panther Village, Chapman Grand, and Chapman Court.
Chapman Community Gardens
Community Garden Party
Next Wednesday, September 4th, from 12pm-2pm the Office of Sustainability will be hosting a Garden Party on the Davis Quad to launch the Davis and Chapman Grand Community Gardens for the semester! Stop by to plant a seedling to take home or plant in a garden bed and cool down with a FREE Contra iced coffee or tea. Sign-ups for both community gardens will be available at the event. Find more information on the event here.
Chapman Grand Community Garden Opening
The Office of Sustainability is excited to unveil the Chapman Grand Community Garden in partnership with Student Government Association through the Chapman Green Fund! This new green space will allow residents with the opportunity to develop their green thumbs and engage in sustainable gardening by growing their own produce. The reservation form for the Chapman Grand Community Garden is now open!
Ecolympics Fall 2024
Ecolympics is back! This year all of the on-campus residence halls will be competing to see who can reduce their electricity usage the most. Try unplugging electronics when not in use, shutting off lights, and reducing overall electricity consumption to help your res hall get ahead! The competition will run in October and November and the winners will be announced in December. If your dorm reduces their energy consumption the most and wins the Ecolympics, you and the rest of the dorm hall residents will each be awarded $50 in Panther Bucks directly to your Chapman account!
Sustainable Features on Campus
Whether you’re new on campus this year or just need a refresher, check out some of Chapman’s sustainable features to start the semester off right. Many of our sustainability resources are available to view on our website, including maps, initiatives, goals, and values.
Compost Bin Map
Water Bottle Refill Station Map
Solar-Powered Charging Tables
There are benches equipped with solar-powered outlets and charging ports located on the Davis Quad and Masson Family Beach Club (by the pool and volleyball court.) These solar-powered stations contribute to the university's commitment to sustainability, utilizing renewable energy to meet the everyday needs of the campus community!
EV Charging Stations
If you drive an electric car, use the Chargepoint app to easily locate one of the many EV charging stations we have across campus.
Article Picks
On the island of Molokaʻi, residents are taking charge of their energy future by embracing community-driven renewable energy solutions. With high energy costs and limited access to reliable power, many locals have turned to off-grid living. Through initiatives like the Molokaʻi Community Energy Resilience Action Plan and Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative, the community is transitioning to renewable energy sources. These projects not only provide energy security but also foster local workforce development and economic opportunities. Molokaʻi's efforts offer a powerful example of how grassroots action can drive sustainable change and energy independence.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics recently coming to a close and the announcement of the LA Olympics in 2028, questions about the carbon emissions related to the games are becoming more and more important. Suggestions to reduce the size and limit the amount of tourists could be the key to managing the skyrocketing carbon emissions resulting from the events. The changing landscape of many previous Olympic cities create many uncertainties for hosting future games. However, organizers are accounting for all carbon emissions in planning for a more sustainable Olympics.
In 2001, German biologist Martin Wikelski had a vision to track wildlife around the world using small sensors to better understand our planet. After years of challenges, his project, called ICARUS, is now moving forward. By placing tiny tags on animals, scientists can gather valuable information about their movements and environmental conditions. This data will help us better understand how climate change and other factors affect wildlife, leading to more effective conservation efforts. ICARUS is set to launch in 2025, bringing us closer to protecting our planet's biodiversity.
