Merced's new Sustainable Campus
From: Pat Maxwell
Series: February 2007 - Isla Earth Radio Series
Length: 01:30
Also in the February 2007 - Isla Earth Radio Series series
Texas Park Has Bad Air Day
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Big Bend National Park has some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. It's in the boonies of southwest Texas, yet it has the smoggiest air of any of the parks ...
A Tale of Two Birds
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
This is a tale of two marsh birds that live on opposite sides of the United States. They belong to the same species, and prefer the same kind of habitat. But while one is ...
Restoring a Fragile Marine Ecosystem
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
A study in the journal Nature found that up to 90 percent of the larger specimens of these species have disappeared from the world's oceans.
New Meters Could Help Conserve Energy
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From: Pat Maxwell
The EPA says that the average home produces more greenhouse gases than the average car.
Understanding Fish Migration Patterns
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Tracking whale sharks is a tricky business. But conservationists have come up with a hi-tech solution, an ingenious new device that allows researchers to track fish ...
Citizen Scientists help Protect Amphibians
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Amphibians have existed for 300 million years. But in recent decades, 168 species are believed to have gone extinct, and almost 2,500 others are disappearing in a hurry.
Reduce Home Water Use
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Americans use a lot of water. In fact, the average American uses more than 100 gallons every day.
Mobile Urban Farms
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Ken Dunn transforms unused urban land into productive gardens.
Trees Offsetting Vehicle Emissions
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
Filipinos are aiming to improve the quality of the air they breathe by planting trees on the country's roadways.
Creatures in Love
(01:30)
From: Pat Maxwell
To celebrate Valentine's Day, we're going to look at the mating habits of three very different creatures.
Related Pieces
Piece Description
Colleges and universities are jumping on the green building bandwagon. The University of California at Merced is being built from the ground up using green-building principles. The idea is to meet the needs of today's students without compromising the ability to meet the needs of tomorrow's students. The school's buildings will all meet or exceed the Green Building Council's LEED Silver Standard. To save energy, they?ll be equipped with state-of-the-art mechanical and electrical systems. And the shading and window scheme is designed to reduce the need for air conditioning. To conserve water, the campus will be landscaped with drought-resistant plants, and use a high-efficiency irrigation system. Rainwater capture systems are planned for the future, and grey water will be recycled for irrigation. Grey water is water that's been used for bathing, laundry, or washing dishes. And the campus will be a biker's paradise, offering an extensive system of bicycle facilities. All of these eco-friendly plans will save money in the long run, and help to conserve the world?s precious resources. Smart, savvy, and making the grade -- just what you?d expect from higher education.
