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Take Action - All Islands
You've heard the expression, "Walk the Talk"? This is the place to discover how to do it! Check out these meaningful and enjoyable ways to help create a sustainable Hawaii!
(The listings below describe action opportunities on ALL ISLANDS -- for action opportunities on a SPECIFIC ISLAND, check the listings under that island's name.)
BUILDING DESIGN
Project title
Energy and Resource Performance Standards for University of Hawaii Buildings
Location
All campuses
Purpose and procedure
By establishing and following practical guidelines when designing new and renovating existing buildings, the University of Hawaii can reduce its energy and water needs, lower its operating costs, and enhance the overall indoor quality of life. For example, design strategies for new buildings could reduce energy demand by 40-70%, while retrofits in existing buildings could reduce energy demand by 20-40%.
This project will adapt for Hawaii’s climate a variety of energy-efficient illumination, temperature-control and water conservation methods being used successfully throughout the country, such as daylighting, heat-penetration reduction, and catchment. Engineers with specific areas of expertise will be contracted to develop building performance standards, which the University will incorporate into its design and construction bidding documents.
Status and next steps
The building performance standards now are being drafted. Next steps include an evaluation of the standards by the campus’ Energy Awareness Committee and other selected reviewers.
TAKE ACTION!
1. Help draft the building performance standards: smeder@hawaii.edu
2. Review the building performance standards: smeder@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Office of Sustainability
~ U.S. Department of Energy
~ Rebuild Hawaii Consortium (a network of public agencies, utilities and private businesses coordinated by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism that is working to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact in Hawaii’s buildings)
~ UH Manoa School of Architecture
~ Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.
More info
Stephen E. Meder, UH Manoa School of Architecture, ph. (808) 956-4906, email smeder@hawaii.edu
CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
Project title
The Sustainability Courtyard
Location
UH Manoa Campus (area bordered by Kuykendall Hall, the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, Sakamaki Hall, the POST building and Holmes Hall)
Purpose and procedure
The Sustainability Courtyard is being developed to provide an enjoyable outdoor gathering place that: (1) is invitingly alive with intellectual, cultural and aesthetic activities and features, (2) illustrates and interprets the principles and practices of sustainable living in a tropical educational environment, and (3) recreates a Hawaiian sense of place. It is a response to desires expressed by campus and community members at visioning events in early 2002 that have been incorporated into the strategic plans for both the system and UH Manoa campus.
Basic elements of sustainability will be demonstrated in Courtyard, including:
renewable energy sources such as solar and biomass;
water-saving methods such as mulching, rainwater catchment and drip irrigation;
landscaping using native and drought-resistant plants, and regional natural features such as rocks, mounds and ponds;
permeable (porous) surface materials;
healthful, vegetarian, organic, locally grown, ethnically diverse food;
tables, seating and decks made from durable, recycled materials;
waste reduction and recycling;
alternative transportation;
diverse intellectual, cultural and artistic, and wellness activities.
Status and next steps
Many demonstrations of sustainability are in place or well underway in the Courtyard, including:
the Ono Pono Café and Govinda's, the first two of several vendors offering delicious, sustainable cuisine;
tables and benches constructed of recycled plastic milk cartons;
beautiful and meaningful garden areas that utilize water-conservation techniques;
a recycling pilot project that will be expanded to the entire campus;
a bicycle “hub” with new racks and attractive landscaping;
an attractive and functional stage on which to hold performances, demonstrations and discussions.
Next steps include:
addition of a third vendor offering sustainable cuisine;
additional landscaped areas such as a native dryland forest;
implemention of a collection system, signage and educational materials for the recycling pilot project;
development of a solar power assessment project;
systems to capture rainwater and reuse gray water;
creation of a design for the proposed bicycle “hub,” including a roof for protection against sun and rain, permeable floor, security measures, and landscaping;
establishment of a cinema series featuring regular cultural, social, spiritual and environmental films
TAKE ACTION!
1. Assist or comment on sustainable food vendors: bmiller@hawaii.edu
2. Plant, mulch and weed gardens: adamsrox@hawaii.edu
3. For recycling pilot project - help with collection system: adamsrox@hawaii.edu; develop signs and educational materials: lindad@hawaii.edu; give input or secure funding for business plan: bmiller@hawaii.edu
4. Assist with solar power assessment project: smeder@hawaii.edu
5. Suggest features or comment on design for rainwater capture and gray water reuse systems: bmiller@hawaii.edu
6. Suggest features or comment on design for bicycle hub: hebshi@hawaii.edu (UHM Committee on Bicycling)
7. Suggest films for weekly cinema series: lindad@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Office of Sustainability
~ Hawaii Sea Grant College Program
~ Associated Students of the University of Hawaii (ASUH)
~ University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA)
~ Hawaii Bicycling League
~ IKOH (Invisible Kingdom of Humanity)
~ ECO (Environmental Conservation Organization)
~ UH Manoa Landscaping Section
More info
Dr. Bruce J. Miller, UH Office of Sustainability, ph. (808) 956-8645, email bmiller@hawaii.edu
DEMONSTRATION MODELS
Project title
Revitalizing the Hawaii Energy House
Location
UH Manoa Campus
Purpose and procedure
A revitalized Hawaii Energy House would be an excellent tangible focal point of a broad-based program that demonstrates the University’s visionary commitment to the principles of sustainability.
With the recent renewal of interest in energy self-sufficiency, a sustainability demonstration model such as the Hawaii Energy House is now more relevant than ever. Conceived of by the chair of the UH Manoa Department of Architecture as the prototype of an energy-efficient home in a tropical climate, the Hawaii Energy House won numerous national design awards and became widely recognized throughout the state as an example of the University of Hawaii’s technological innovation. It was built in 1976 with co-sponsorship from the Governor’s Office, Hawaii Housing Authority, state Department of Business and Economic Development, and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute. Upon completion, it was opened to the public for tours of its resource-saving features and received more than 12,000 visitors in one year.
Status and next steps
A local cable-TV videographer soon will be filming a short feature on the history and future of the Hawaii Energy House, and a local TV remodeling show has expressed interest in doing a series about the “green” renovations to the building. Next steps include locating funding partners, and architects, engineers and contractors who specialize in sustainability retrofits.
TAKE ACTION!
1. Join the Hawaii Energy House Revitalization Committee: bmiller@hawaii.edu
2. Help locate funding partners: bmiller@hawaii.edu
3. Advise on retrofit design and remodeling: bmiller@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Office of Sustainability
~ UH Manoa School of Architecture
More info
Dr. Bruce J. Miller, UH Office of Sustainability, ph. (808) 956-8645, email bmiller@hawaii.edu
ENERGY
Project title
Assessing the Solar Power Potential on UHM Rooftops
Location
UH Manoa Campus
Purpose and procedure
To take the first vital step toward providing the UH Manoa Campus with renewable energy from the sun, this project will use existing as well as new methods developed by the UH Manoa School of Architecture to quantify the prospective solar power available and estimate the cost of implementing a solar energy supply for the campus.
The assessment includes: (1) identifying building areas, orientations, rooftop slopes and materials, and estimating specific sunlight available; (2) determining optimal surfaces for solar collection, and the quantity and cost of photovoltaic modules to be applied to these surfaces; (3) comparing the estimate of available solar energy against an estimate of UH Manoa energy demand.
Status and next steps
The process of identifying optimal solar collection sites and estimating available sunlight is underway; estimating the cost of photovoltaic modules is next.
TAKE ACTION!
1. Assist with assessment: smeder@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Manoa School of Architecture
~ UH Office of Sustainability
More info
Stephen E. Meder, UH Manoa School of Architecture, ph. (808) 956-4906, email smeder@hawaii.edu
LAND AND WATER RESOURCES
Project title
Makiki Watershed Awareness Initiative, commonly known as Makiki WAI ("Wai" = Hawaiian for "water")
Location
Meet at the Makiki Forestry Baseyard, 2135 Makiki Heights Dr., just above the Hawaii Nature Center
Directions: From Punahou, heading towards the mountains, turn left on Nehoa St. At the first traffic light, turn right on Makiki Street. When you reach the Board of Water supply park, follow the left fork, which is Makiki Heights Road. Continue for approximately 0.5 mile until the road makes a sharp hairpin turn to the left (look for a row of mailboxes on the right side of the road). At the hairpin turn, continue straight ahead through a green iron gate (there is a sign that says Makiki Forest Recreation Area). Continue past the second closed but unlocked gate (volunteers are allowed past this gate...just close it after you!), all the way up the road almost to the end, just past the new Hawai`i Nature Center building on the right. There is a large parking area on the right for you to park. Walk up to the forestry baseyard at the top of the hill.
Purpose and procedure
The objective of the project is to restore a segment of the Makiki sub-watershed or ahupua`a to a more native Hawaiian forest, then use this restored segment as an educational tool for the public to learn more about their watershed and the history of Makiki Valley.
Status and next steps
Volunteers almost have completed:
improving a portion of Makiki valley sub-watershed by clearing a 2-acre section of the forest and replanting it with native Hawaiian plants;
implementing trail improvements, including the installation of two major redwood bridges;
establishing interactive watershed educational displays and signs
Next steps include finishing the above, plus:
graveling wet portions of the trail;
removing encroaching weeds from native plants, and installing rain catchment shelters
TAKE ACTION!
Volunteer every 4th Saturday of the month from 9 am to about 2 pm
2005 dates:
July 23 - August 27 - September 24 - October 22 - November 26 - December 24
For updates:
Na Ala Hele Hawaii Trail and Access System (see the "Click here for announcements" link at the bottom of the Oahu page)
What you'll be doing: weeding or clearing, painting bridges, laying gravel, watering, installing a new little trail with a park bench, and planting native Hawaiian plants. Hard, dirty but rewarding work! There are bathrooms and drinking water near by. Families are welcome but young children must be well supervised.
What to bring: long shirt and pants, bug juice, water and good shoes
Partners
~ Oahu Na Ala Hele Trails and Access program
~ Hawaii Nature Center
More info
Aaron Lowe, Oahu Trail Specialist, ph. (808) 973-9782, email alowe@hawaii.rr.com
MATERIALS USE AND RECYCLING
Project title
Recycling Pilot Project
Location
UH Manoa Campus, Sustainability Courtyard
Purpose and procedure
Although UH Manoa recycles a portion of the considerable amount of waste it produces, the bulk of it goes directly to Oahu’s landfill or its H-Power plant. By recycling its trash, the campus can get the most value out of already used natural resources, conserve raw resources, slow landfill growth, and support a recycling economy.
This pilot project will test collection systems, bins, signage and educational materials as a prototype for a campus-wide recycling program. Paper, plastic, aluminum and glass will be collected for recycling and redemption at four sites on campus that exemplify different usage types: Hawaii Hall (offices only), the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics (offices and classrooms), the Sustainability Courtyard (gathering place with food service), and Sherman Courtyard (gathering place without food service). Data on the types and amounts of materials collected will be compiled into a business plan with a cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate the environmental and economic advantages of the program.
Status and next steps
A collection system, signage and educational materials have been developed, and recycling bins are about to be placed at the four sites. A student recycler position has been advertised, and a masters in business administration student has volunteered to create the business plan.
TAKE ACTION!
1. Help with collection system: adamsrox@hawaii.edu
2. Give input on signs and educational materials: lindad@hawaii.edu
3. Give input or secure funding for business plan: bmiller@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Manoa Landscaping Section
~ UH Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO)
~ UH Office of Sustainability
More info
Roxanne Adams, UH Manoa Landscaping Section, ph. (808) 956-4023, email adamsrox@hawaii.edu
POLICY
Project title
UH Charter of Sustainability
Location
All campuses
Purpose and procedure
As one of the state’s largest consumers of energy and water, a significant contributor to its traffic load and waste stream, and a guardian of its cultural history, the University of Hawaii can play a key role in shaping our local, regional and global future, and can serve as working model of sustainability for the state, nation, Asia-Pacific area and the world. To guide the University on its path to a sustainable future, a broad-based network of student, faculty, staff and community members will develop a UH Charter of Sustainability that specifies fundamental principles, policies and practices which must be followed.
Status and next steps
A first draft of the UH Charter of Sustainability has been created. Comments and more input are needed to create the final draft.
TAKE ACTION!
1. Give input on Charter topics and suggestions for projects: lindad@hawaii.edu
2. Comment on first draft of Charter: lindad@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Office of Sustainability
~ UH Charter of Sustainability Committee Members
More info
Linda Day, UH Office of Sustainability, ph. (808) 956-9346, email lindad@hawaii.edu
STUDENT ACTIVISM
Project title
Na Koa `Aina (The Earth Warriors)
Location
UH Manoa Campus
Purpose and procedure
Starting this Fall 2005 semester, there is a new student environmental club at UH Manoa! We are a group of determined, passionate individuals striving to live lightly and spread knowledge. Our goals include: developing the FIRST EVER organic gardens on the UH Manoa campus, establishing a deeply caring network of like-minded individuals to promote sustainability on campus and throughout the community, and working with the UH Office of Sustainability on Earth Day and Campus Sustainability Day 2006!
TAKE ACTION!
More info
Uala Lenta, ph. (808) 756-0852, email koaaina@hawaii.edu , webpage Na Koa `Aina
TRANSPORTATION
Project title
Campus Bicycle Plan, and Model Bicycle “Hub”
Location
UH Manoa Campus
Purpose and procedure
UH Manoa is largely a commuter campus, adding approximately 10,000 vehicles to Oahu’s congested roadways daily. To encourage its students, faculty and staff to use bicycles, which are a cleaner, quieter, less costly, more healthful and non-polluting means of transportation, a Campus Bicycle Plan is being designed. The plan will consist of a network of bicycle paths that connect key campus destinations, including buildings, parking lots, bus and shuttle stops, "hubs" with showers and lockers, and a central maintenance/repair facility. As a first step in implementing the plan, a model bicycle "hub" will be created near the Sustainability Courtyard that may be used as a prototype for others on this campus.
Status and next steps
Plan - A draft has been created. Comments and more input are needed to produce the final draft.
Hub - New bicycle racks featuring superior frame support, optimum security against theft, an efficient use of available space, and an aesthetic design have been installed, as well as a permeable gravel surface and attractive plantings in the surrounding areas. The next step is to create a plan for the overall hub, including a roof for protection against sun and rain, security measures, additional landscaping and possibly a smoother floor.
TAKE ACTION!
1. Plan - Join the UHM Committee on Bicycling: hebshi@hawaii.edu
2. Hub - Suggest features or comment on design for bicycle hub: hebshi@hawaii.edu
Partners
~ UH Manoa Committee on Bicycling
~ Hawaii Bicycling League
~ UH Manoa Parking Operations and Transportation Services
~ City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services
~ UH Office of Sustainability
More info
Aaron Hebshi, UH Manoa Committee on Bicycling, ph. (808) 956-4717, email hebshi@hawaii.edu
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