Communicating ecological knowledge and sustainability to the public

Background/Question/Methods Eastern Connecticut State University's Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) exemplifies the expanding role of Sustainability Research and Application Centers as it leverages the impartial academic discipline of a University to promote ecology and sustainability beyond the campus walls. Through the work of the its staff, faculty members and student interns, ISE supports the development of sound public policy; promotes the implementation of technically and economically feasible sustainable practices; provides educational outreach to the public through the school systems and professional organizations and objective information to support a more sustainable energy future for Connecticut. Recently, ISE's staff and students worked with members of the Connecticut General Assembly to research and create new laws which; provide incentives for in-state producers of Biodiesel; and regulations which upgraded building standards to LEED Silver for all major state funded construction projects, including public university buildings and local school. In addition, through its Energy Star partnership with EPA, ISE students and staff facilitates benchmarking, carbon foot printing and facility operations training for building managers in Connecticut's communities and state agencies.

Results/Conclusions The activities of the Institute for Sustainable Energy provide Eastern students pursuing careers in Environmental Management, Biology, Political Science, Economics, Business and Sustainable Energy Studies with real world work experiences, service learning options and undergraduate research opportunities consistent with the University's Strategic Plan. For its efforts, Eastern has been recognized as an Energy Star Partner of the Year by the US EPA, as well as having received numerous awards from regional EPA, CT DEP and state organizations. Universities interested in expanding their ecological and sustainability efforts beyond the campus community, either to influence public policy in their region or to provide community based service-learning opportunities for students may find the Institute for Sustainable Energy application center model adaptable to their setting.