CLU students turning houses green

Class devising eco-friendly plan for residences

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Students in Jean Sandlin’s “Business and Professional Communication” class took on a request from the university’s administration to reduce the carbon footprint of two student residences.

Photo: Brian Stethem

(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Nov. 24, 2008) California Lutheran University students are turning two campus residences into green houses.

Students in Jean Sandlin’s “Business and Professional Communication” class took on a request from the university’s administration to reduce the carbon footprint of two student residences.

The students learned about sustainability practices and costs and then, with the interviewing and other business communication skills they were learning, surveyed the 11 residents of the houses about their living habits and their willingness to adopt more environmentally friendly measures. The students then developed plans to reduce waste and cut back on water and energy use that they think the residents will be willing and able to follow. They have a $4,000 budget for the improvements.

Using negotiation, consensus-building and presentation techniques, the students will take their ideas for new practices and retrofitting to the residents and then take their final plans to the university administration. The changes will be implemented during the winter break.

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