| Category |
Possible Disciplines |
Topics |
| Buildings |
Biology/Environmental Studies |
Develop a study of bird/building collisions on campus and recommend bird safe guidelines for campus buildings. |
| Buildings |
Geography/Environmental Studies |
Develop a neighborhood green building tour (City of St. Paul). |
| Buildings |
Environmental Studies |
Analyze LEED existing building certification for Macalester and recommend action. |
| Buildings |
Environmental Studies |
Investigate alternatives to standard air conditioning for EcoHouse. |
| Buildings |
Environmental Studies |
Analyze energy audit and recommend actions. |
| Buildings/Water |
Environmental Studies |
Analyze the potential for waterless urinals in Olin Rice. |
| Community Engagement |
Education |
Create hands-on displays and activities for sustainability tours for school groups. |
| Community Engagement |
Geography |
Create a GIS map of a Macalester Sustainability Tour. |
| Community Engagement |
Geography/History/Biology |
Develop a field guide to Macalester and the surrounding environment with cultural and environmental points of interest. |
| Community Engagement |
Environmental Studies |
Research sustainability in athletic departments in schools across the country. |
| Community Engagement |
Environmental Studies/Biology |
Develop potential signage for sustainable landscaping projects. |
| Community Engagement |
Biology/Education |
Develop a sustainable landscaping tour of campus. |
| Community Engagement |
Psychology/Environmental Studies |
Analyze the reasons for and impact of cigarette bud pollution on campus and recommend actions. |
| Energy |
Economics |
Research energy efficiency investments on campus - how they compare with endowment returns. |
| Energy |
Environmental Studies |
Research the effectiveness of the energy star mini-fridge policy in the dorms and recommend actions. |
| Energy |
Environmental Studies |
Develop a way to display real-time energy monitoring systems for campus buildings. |
| Energy |
Psychology |
Develop an energy reduction outreach plan or event for dorms and/or offices. |
| Energy |
Environmental Studies |
Analyze options for the use of biodiesel equipment. |
| Environment |
Environmental Studies |
Research light pollution on campus - impact on surrounding area and create mitigation strategy. |
| Food Service |
Psychology |
Research reactions to Bon Appetit's Low Carbon Diet Changes
and how to increase acceptance. |
| Greenhouse Gas Emissions |
Statistics/Environmental Studies |
Analyze the CO2 data from Markim Hall. Why does the graph look odd? |
| Health |
Environmental Studies |
How are health and well being connected to sustainability at Macalester? Recommend changes. |
| Purchasing |
Environmental Studies |
Develop a Sustainable Events at Macalester guidebook. |
| Purchasing |
Geography |
Create a GIS map of community sustainability businesses/institutions. |
| Purchasing |
Psychology/Environmental Studies |
Research the effectiveness of paper reduction campaigns in the Library and Computer labs. |
| Transportation |
Economics |
Conduct a cost benefit analysis of Macalester vans - could a more fuel efficient or alternatively-fueled model create a net gain for the school? |
| Transportation |
Geography/Environmental Studies |
Create a bicycling plan for the campus. |
| Transportation |
Environmental Studies/Geography |
Compare air travel emission from Carleton and Macalester. |
| Waste |
Psychology/Environmental Studies |
Research the effectiveness of different communication options on dorm (or office) recycling rates. |
| Waste |
Event |
Develop composting awareness events for campus. |
| Water |
Geology/Environmental Studies |
Analyze the effectiveness of storm water projects on campus. |
| Water |
Biology/Environmental Studies |
Water usage - how is it used and how can usage be reduced
cost-effectively? |
| Water |
Geography/Geology |
Research location and history of underground river on campus. |
