An Example of Princeton University in the Field of Environmental Protection - Essay Example

Princeton Sustainability Plan of October 2009 Introduction One of the biggest problems our society faces is the deterioration of our natural resources. The ozone layer has suffered drastic damage due to the irresponsible behavior of humans. The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that our planet is experiencing due to certain gases in our atmosphere trap energy from the sun (EPA, 2009). This energy is essential to keep our earth warm. The activities of households, businesses and non-profit organizations are negatively impacting our ecological system which is causing serious damage to the earth atmosphere. The release of CO2 gases emitted from the burning of natural gases, coal and oil is one of the primary reasons for the damage our atmosphere is suffering. Other factors include deforestation and population growth. Organizations of higher learning such as Princeton University should be contributing to solve the problem the problem instead of being part of it. The purpose of this paper is to create sustainability plan for Princeton University in order for the institution to lower the emission of pollutants that are damaging our environment. Princeton Profile Princeton is one the nations’ top research universities that is fully committed to undergraduate teaching. The motto of the university is “Princeton is the Nation’s Service and the Service of all Nations” (Princeton, 2009). The university has a diverse faculty and study alumni composition. There are 850 faculty members at Princeton and 7145 students of which 4850 are undergraduate students and 2295 graduate students. The school has a faculty to student ratio of 8.4 to 1. The school has a rich history due to the fact that it is the 4th oldest university in America since it was founded in 1783. Its educational mission is to prepare students to face the challenges of the future. Green practices The mission of Princeton University is to prepare students for the future. Based on this premise the non-profit organization should start setting an example on how to differentiate itself as far as implementing green practices that help solve the problems associated with the greenhouse effect. There are many strategies, practices, and approaches that can be implemented at Princeton to create a green platform. One of the areas where changes need to occur is in the transportation system. Princeton needs to minimize the need for using combustion engine vehicles. The majority of ozone pollution is caused by motor vehicles which accounts for 72% of nitrogen oxides and 52% of reactive hydrocarbons (Bluejay). The university could utilize its research facilities to set up a small biodiesel production plant. The biodiesel produced internally could be used to fuel a fleet of trolleys to transport students, visitors, and faculty members. The institution could also supplement the internal movement of faculty members through the use of electric gulf cars. Another massive transportation system that could eliminate the need for the college community to use cars is the purchase of a fleet of bicycles. The university could purchase 1000 bikes for open use by anyone inside the university. Special bicycle parking racks would be placed near every building. In order to protect the equipment from theft each bike would be equipped with RFID technology so that the security officers at Princeton could track them and ensure none of them leave the campus area. Lowering the electricity consumption of the university is another way to minimize the problem. The university must replace all of its light bulbs with energy savings lights. These light bulbs can save over 85% electricity in comparison with regular light bulbs. The university should replace the all of its appliances such as stoves and refrigerators used in the cafeteria and in other areas with energy saving appliances. The computers used in the multiple computer centers can be replaced with energy saving models. Regular maintenance tasks such as cutting the lawn can also have process improvements. New green lawnmowers such as the Solaris SP21HB utilize battery packs to replace the need for fuel. Certain models in the Solaris line have the capability to be charged utilizing solar chargers. The university could also produce some of the electricity it needs to keep its infrastructure running by utilizing solar panel technology. Influencing human behavior In order for the sustainability plan to work there has to be a commitment from both the students and the faculty. The faculty members could change their teaching practices by switching from traditional books to e-books. All assignment could be submitted electronically. Classroom notes and material can be sent electronically to the students. These practices could create a paperless environment. As mentioned earlier deforestation is one of roots of the problem. Along with classroom practices the people have to accept the massive transportation initiatives of the plan. Educating the community on the importance of these initiatives is imperative for the plan to work. The education process is going to take time because people typically resist change. Some strategies to spread the information are the use of open seminars on the subject, circulating informational pamphlets, and sending information directly electronically to the entire Princeton community on a repetitive basis. The school newspaper could contribute to the cause by including at least 5% of its content on green related news. Conclusion Princeton University is one the most prestigious universities in the world. The expectations placed on such an institution are higher. The organization has an opportunity to lead by an example and create a green university model that can motivate other institutions to do the same. Air pollution and deforestation are two the factors that are destroying our atmosphere. The Princeton sustainability plan includes initiatives such as production of biodiesel, solar power usage, biodiesel trolley fleet, use of electric vehicles, green lawnmowers, energy serving appliances, and availability of a large fleet of bicycles for the common use of the Princeton community. In order for the sustainability plan to work the people have to accept the changes and adapt their behaviors. Educating the community about the benefits of the plan is essential in order to get the cooperation of the students and faculty members. References Bluejay, M. Transportation Almanac: Statistics about cars, energy, pollution and more. Retrieved September 30, 2009 from http://bicycleuniverse.info/transpo/almanac.html Epa.gov (2009). Greenhouse Effect. Retrieved September 29, 2009 from http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/greenhouse.html Princeton.edu (2009). About Princeton: Overview. Retrieved September 30, 2009 from http://www.princeton.edu/main/about/ Read More