News
New Institute Strengthens JMU Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
From: Public Affairs
Oct. 7, 2009
Enhancing its commitment to environmental stewardship, James Madison University has formed the Institute for Energy and Environmental Sustainability. The new institute will coordinate the university’s current stewardship efforts while seeking opportunities to expand its research in environmental stewardship areas.
“JMU is taking an important step toward solidifying our statewide energy and environmental leadership role by creating a cohesive effort to establish partnerships toward a green economy,” said John Noftsinger, vice provost for research and public service at JMU.
Ken Newbold, JMU’s director of research development, will lead the IEES and will work with faculty to develop innovative solutions.
Environmentally sustainable endeavors under way at JMU include Valley 25x’25, which promotes obtaining 25 percent energy needs from renewable resources by 2025; the Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative; the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium; and the alternative fuel vehicle laboratory, which provides opportunities for students to convert and adapt vehicles to operate on renewable fuels.
The university has also created the Institute for Stewardship of the Natural World to coordinate environmental stewardship efforts across campus, advocate for priorities and challenge all members of the James Madison community to think critically about their role in achieving the long-term stewardship of Earth.
Information about IEES can be found on its Web site at www.jmu.edu/iees/.
