Tulane celebrates Earth Day with updates on environmental projects
After years of planning and preparation, on-site solar electric generation is active on the uptown campus. Solar arrays are installed on the rooftops of Reily Student Recreation Center, the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life, The Malkin Sacks Commons and Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, providing 1,235 kilowatts of solar power capacity. Tulane’s on-site solar capacity is a component of the Bernhard Project Rise agreement launched in 2022 on the uptown and downtown campuses with the goals of resilience and climate action over the 30-year commitment.
Feedback from Tulanians in a survey conducted last year indicates keen interest in education and behavior change, green building standards, equipment upgrades and solar electricity generation to reach Tulane’s emission reduction goals. The university is using these priorities to update the Climate Action Plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
Beyond climate action, the survey demonstrated resounding interest in waste reduction. Tulane Hospitality and the dining services provider, Aramark, have partnered to address package and food waste across our dining halls and other food venues. Learn more about waste reduction and sustainability initiatives on the Tulane Hospitality sustainability initiatives page.
Students, staff and faculty will soon have the opportunity to engage in one of the most successful waste diversion initiatives at Tulane, the on-campus move-out donation collections. Now in its 11th year, the student organization Trash to Treasure works with the Center for Public Service, campus partners and local nonprofit organizations to divert gently used residential hall furnishings, nonperishable food, school supplies, Mardi Gras throws and cleaning products to reuse. Many of the collected items will be available in the fall at the move-in sale, a highlight of the campus move-in experience. Other items are donated directly to local nonprofit organizations. Collections begin on Saturday, May 3 and run through Friday, May 9. Donation distribution extends through Saturday, May 10. To learn more and get involved, contact the Office of Sustainability at recycle@tulane.edu.
