Brown and Green
The Office of Sustainability Newsletter
AVP's Message
I am proud to announce the full operation of the Dry Bridge solar project. As our cornerstone renewable energy initiative, this 40-megawatt solar farm will offset approximately two-thirds of Brown University's electricity emissions, eliminating 16,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually—equivalent to removing 3,500 gas-powered cars from the road. More than a renewable energy project, it embodies our institutional commitment to meaningful climate action.
What distinguishes this initiative is its innovative approach to land conservation. By strategically repurposing a former gravel mining site, we've avoided deforestation—a critical consideration in addressing Rhode Island's solar development challenges.
Our path to 100% renewable electricity by Fiscal Year 2025 represents just one step in a comprehensive sustainability strategy. The next frontier is decarbonizing our heating systems, a substantially more complex challenge. We are actively exploring cutting-edge solutions, including geothermal wells and electric heat pump technologies tailored to our historic campus infrastructure.
Electrification is not a destination, but a continuous journey of adaptation and innovation. We must persistently procure and develop renewable energy sources to drive meaningful change.
Our most ambitious target remains reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. The Dry Bridge Solar project brings us closer to this vision, demonstrating that institutional climate leadership is not just aspirational—it is imperative.
-Jessica Berry, Assistant Vice President
NEWS@BROWN
Brook St ENR New England Excellence in Sustainability Award
Brown University’s Brook Street Residence Hall was awarded the Excellence in Sustainability honor at the 2024 ENR New England Best Projects awards, recognizing the university's dedication to environmentally responsible design. The award, judged by sustainability experts Josh Rollins of Suffolk and Nate Russo of AECOM, was presented at the Best Projects 2024 awards event on November 22 in Boston. They highlighted the residence hall's innovative sustainability strategies, including energy savings and thoughtful material choices, which helped the project stand out. The judges assessed entries based on their overall sustainability approach and how each project exceeded baseline industry standards.
Events & Opportunities
Green Move-in
Last semester, the Office of Sustainability and Resiliency (OSR), supported by a dedicated group of 21 student volunteers, played a vital role in welcoming new students to campus and educating them about sustainability initiatives at Brown University. Throughout the move-in process, volunteers guided students and their families on how to properly recycle, ensuring that materials were disposed of responsibly. They also provided hands-on instruction on composting at the Sharpe Refectory, emphasizing the importance of reducing food waste as part of the university’s broader sustainability efforts.
In addition to these educational efforts, OSR distributed over a thousand energy-saving power strips to students during the Campus Resource Fair, empowering them to minimize their carbon footprint from the start of their time at Brown. The team also partnered with Brown Dining Services to provide reusable water bottles to incoming students, encouraging a culture of reduced single-use plastic consumption. These initiatives underscore OSR’s commitment to fostering sustainable habits on campus and creating an environmentally conscious community for all.
BEYOND BROWN
R.I. News:
Climate Central’s FloodRover will visualize RI under sea level rise
Climate Central's FloodRover project involves a Ford Lightning electric truck equipped with video, laser, and elevation data collection tools to create visual simulations of sea level rise and storm surge impacts along Rhode Island’s shoreline. This mobile system is designed to give communities a clearer understanding of how rising sea levels will affect local infrastructure, neighborhoods, and ecosystems. The data collected by FloodRover will be processed to generate augmented-reality simulations, allowing residents and policymakers to visualize potential flooding scenarios under different climate conditions. This is part of broader efforts to raise awareness and enhance preparedness for the increasing risks of coastal flooding due to climate change. The tool aims to help Rhode Island, a state particularly vulnerable to sea level rise, which could see a rise of nearly 9 feet by 2100, affecting its 400-mile coastline.
U.S. News:
Pongamia trees offer renewable energy, plant-based protein
Pongamia trees, native to India, Southeast Asia, and Australia, are now thriving in Florida as a sustainable alternative to citrus crops. They produce beans that can be processed into plant-based protein and biofuel. The trees require minimal maintenance, don’t need fertilizers or pesticides, and can grow in diverse climate conditions. Terviva, a company pioneering pongamia cultivation, sees this tree as a solution for renewable energy and food production, offering a profitable and eco-friendly option for former citrus farmers.
World News:
Fossil fuel use, emissions hit records in 2023
The researchers found that, in 2023, global fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions reached record highs, despite growth in renewable energy. Energy emissions exceeded 40 gigatons of CO2, while global primary energy consumption hit 620 exajoules. Fossil fuel use remained prevalent, particularly in emerging economies like China and India. Meanwhile, Europe's fossil fuel share dropped below 70% for the first time since the industrial revolution. The report highlights challenges in transitioning to cleaner energy sources as global demand continues to grow.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
As New York’s Offshore Wind Work Begins, an Environmental Justice Community Is Waiting to See the Benefits
As New York pushes toward offshore wind energy, Sunset Park in Brooklyn is at the center of a major project to support this green transition. The South Brooklyn Marine Terminal is set to become one of the nation’s first offshore wind ports, aiming to create over 1,000 unionized jobs while addressing the pollution burden on this working-class, predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Though construction has begun, Sunset Park residents remain concerned about how many jobs will actually benefit the local community. While the project’s labor agreements ensure fair wages, barriers like union membership may exclude many residents, particularly non-English speakers, undocumented workers, and those with incarceration histories.
Groups like UPROSE are advocating for a “just transition,” aiming to connect local workers with training for green jobs. Yet, questions persist about whether the project will live up to its promise of environmental justice.This project is a crucial test for New York: Can it balance labor standards, green energy goals, and genuine inclusion of historically marginalized communities? The success of Sunset Park’s wind port depends on making sure that the benefits of the green economy reach everyone.
LOCAL VENDOR SPOTLIGHT:
Winsor Dairy
Winsor Dairy, a beloved local creamery known for its high-quality, farm-fresh products, proudly partners with Brown University to offer its celebrated soft serve ice cream at the Sharpe Refectory. Established in Rhode Island, Winsor Dairy has long been praised for its rich, creamy flavors, once earning top marks in local ice cream rankings, as noted by Providence Journal’s review of the region's finest scoops. By sourcing their ingredients locally and maintaining traditional dairy practices, Winsor Dairy ensures that students and faculty alike enjoy a true taste of Rhode Island in every cone.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Isabella Garo ’24, a Political Science and Environmental Studies major, has a unique global perspective on environmental justice. Growing up in places like North Dakota and rural Germany, Garo’s appreciation for nature and community responsibility began early. “We collectively take care of our environment because it impacts everyone’s health,” she says, reflecting on her childhood experiences.
Her environmental activism took root during high school in England, where she participated in the Fridays for Future movement. Witnessing climate inaction and social unrest inspired Garo to focus her studies on the intersection of politics and environmental justice at Brown. As a peer advisor and researcher at IBES, she has explored energy policy and the role of rhetoric in climate legislation.
Beyond academics, Garo co-founded the Sunrise Brown chapter in 2022 and helped organize the inaugural College Climate Gathering in 2023. She is especially proud of fostering an inclusive space for students of color in the climate movement. “It’s really important to me that people feel welcomed and safe in this work,” she says. Garo is committed to building a more inclusive environmental movement, blending her passion for political science and sustainability.
RESEARCHERS @ BROWN
Health Symposium
On May 6, 2024, Brown University took a critical step toward addressing the pressing intersection of climate change and public health with its inaugural Climate Change and Health Symposium. The event aimed to educate the Brown community and the broader Rhode Island area on the multifaceted health risks associated with climate change, while also offering actionable solutions to mitigate these risks.
With Rhode Island already feeling the impacts of rising temperatures and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the symposium brought together a diverse range of experts to explore how healthcare, a significant contributor to emissions, could reduce its environmental footprint. The event, attended by 49 in-person participants and broadcast live as a webinar, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling these global challenges. Participants heard from leading figures, including physicians from across medical disciplines, Brown University’s BioMed faculty, and local community leaders such as Rhode Island Clean Water Action and ecoRI. Discussions ranged from the effects of greenhouse gasses on air and water quality to the rise in climate-induced infectious diseases. The symposium also showcased research through poster presentations, further highlighting the depth of ongoing work in this field.
Alison Hayward, MD, MPH, one of the symposium’s key organizers, emphasized the urgency of the event. “With the healthcare sector being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, it’s essential that we, as healthcare professionals and academics, lead the charge in reducing our carbon footprint. The symposium not only raised awareness but also empowered participants to become advocates for sustainable healthcare practices,” Hayward said. The event itself modeled eco-friendly practices. Attendees used QR codes for registration and conference materials, reducing paper waste. Vegetarian and vegan meals were served on compostable palm-leaf plates, with any leftover food donated to a local shelter. These efforts, along with the encouragement of ride-sharing and cycling to the venue, significantly reduced the event's carbon emissions.
By fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable practices, the Climate Change and Health Symposium laid the groundwork for long-term efforts in mitigating health-related climate risks. As the Brown community and Rhode Island look toward the future, this symposium marks a crucial turning point in the journey toward a more sustainable healthcare sector.
The film is out! Conference for All Life (COAL): A Simulated Reworking of COP28 at Brown
Last spring, the Sustainability Seed Grant project Conference for All Life (COAL) brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni as well as community stakeholders including local environmental organizations for a simulated reworking of global climate negotiations at Brown. Modeled after COP 28, the negotiations engaged participants into a two-day exercise of representation and dialogue, including human as well as non-human entities through a mix of smaller conferences and culminating in a large-scale mock negotiation. To learn more or watch highlights of this highly-interactive simulation, check out the film below!
Alice Plane, faculty lead for the project: "The Conference of All Life (COAL) has brought to me a renewed sense of what is possible in higher education, and beyond. It has reminded me that we have more allies than we may sometimes think. It has shown me a path whereby experiential empowerment can have very many ripple effects that cannot be planned for - they emerge."
SUSTAINABILITY TIPS
Recycle/Reuse:
Embrace sustainability by choosing reusable items like water bottles, containers, and shopping bags. Opt for secondhand textbooks, supplies, and electronics from thrift stores or fellow students to cut down on waste. When recycling, make sure to follow campus guidelines and properly sort materials to avoid contamination. Take advantage of Brown University Dining Services Reusable Container Program!
Sustainable Food Choices:
Make a positive impact by incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet and supporting local, seasonal produce. Dining halls often have sustainable options—choose foods that are organic or locally sourced to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Avoid food waste by only taking what you need, and repurpose leftovers creatively. By making conscious food choices, you help promote a healthier planet while nurturing your well-being.
Energy Saving Classroom Practices:
Encourage energy-saving habits in the classroom by turning off lights when natural daylight is sufficient and ensuring electronic devices are unplugged when not in use. Be mindful of heating and cooling, keeping doors and windows closed when HVAC systems are running. Making simple adjustments like these helps reduce energy consumption, creating a more sustainable learning environment.
Public Transportation:
Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transportation, biking, or walking to class. If you need to drive, carpool with friends to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Many campuses also offer discounted transit passes and bike-sharing programs, making it easier to choose greener commuting options. These small changes not only lower your environmental impact but also foster a culture of sustainable mobility within your school.
Eco-friendly Printing:
Adopt eco-friendly printing habits by only printing when necessary and choosing to print double-sided to save paper. Opt for recycled paper and refillable ink cartridges whenever possible. Additionally, utilize digital tools for note-taking, assignments, and sharing materials to reduce your reliance on paper altogether. These small changes reduce waste and conserve resources, contributing to a greener campus.
Educate & Advocate!
Be an advocate for sustainability on campus by joining or starting eco-focused student groups and organizing events that raise awareness about environmental issues. By educating yourself and others, you amplify your impact and drive meaningful change within your community! Visit Sustainability website for more information on student organizations.
OSR SUGGESTS
Farming While Black: Soul Fire Farm's Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land by Leah Penniman
“Farming While Black is the first comprehensive “how to” guide for aspiring African-heritage growers to reclaim their dignity as agriculturists and for all farmers to understand the distinct, technical contributions of African-heritage people to sustainable agriculture. Throughout the chapters Penniman uplifts the wisdom of the African diasporic farmers and activists whose work informs the techniques described―from whole farm planning, soil fertility, seed selection, and agroecology, to using whole foods in culturally appropriate recipes, sharing stories of ancestors, and tools for healing from the trauma associated with slavery and economic exploitation on the land. Woven throughout the book is the story of Soul Fire Farm, a national leader in the food justice movement.”
-Chelsea Green Publishing
Consider going to the library, buying a used copy, or shopping local!
