At Brandeis University in Massachusetts, school officials listen to the opinions of its enrollees. In recent years, the Brandeis Sustainability Fund has supported five student ideas on how to make the university more environmentally friendly.According to the school, the fund was established by a campus-wide referendum. As a result, learners give an extra $15 per year toward a fund for student-proposed eco-friendly projects.
In the past, the initiative has garnered more than $47,000, which was used to launch several new programs. For example, Smart Meters were installed to monitor electricity use at selected buildings on campus to promote awareness of energy usage. Cold frames were also added to the campus garden to increase the size and utility of the space.
Additionally, the school installed a micro-turbine, which is part of an energy-efficient lighting pole system.
"The idea was for the projects to address environmental issues on campus in a way that would impact students, because it's the students' money," said Janna Cohen-Rosenthal, Campus Sustainability Coordinator.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers can use the principles of biology and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal as well as public health issues.
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