Vanderbilt received a Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for The Commons as one of 14 award winners recognized statewide for their positive impact on the state’s natural resources.
Black + Gold = Green
When it comes to sustainability, Vanderbilt is rewriting the equation. Read the full story in the Vanderbilt View.
Electronics Recycling Event a Huge Success
The Vanderbilt-sponsored Electronics Recycling Event filled 25 tractor trailers with electronics for recycling, with more than 1,000 people dropping off items during the community recycling event.
Vanderbilt Takes First Steps at "Greening" Commencement
Vanderbilt evaluated Commencement and related activities to see where "greener" practices could be adopted.
EPA honors university as a "Best Workplace for Commuters"
by Jim Patterson, Vanderbilt Register
Vanderbilt has been added to a government list of best workplaces for commuters in recognition of its efforts to reduce pollution, commuting costs, traffic congestion and employee stress.
"Vanderbilt's recognition as a Best Workplace for Commuters is just another example of our commitment to the safety and health of employees and the conservation and improvement of environmental quality in our community," said Kristen Shepherd, senior safety officer at Vanderbilt Environmental Health and Safety.
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation began the Best Workplace for Commuters program to honor employers who reach a national standard of excellence with their programs to get employees to work safely, on time and free of commute-related stress. More information is available at www.bwc.gov/index.htm.
Vanderbilt pays the fare for any faculty or staff member who takes public transportation to and from work. Two parking garages on campus have programs that reduce parking fees by up to 75 percent for employees who agree to carpool.
The university also provides bike racks throughout campus, shower facilities for those who bike to work, and supports flexible work schedules and telecommuting when possible.
"If just half of all U.S. employees were covered under these commuter benefits, traffic and air pollution could be cut by the equivalent of taking 15 million cars off the road every year, saving American workers about $12 billion in fuel costs," said Margo Oge, EPA director of the Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "That's both cleaner air and real savings for families."
