Soldiers to Learn Sustainability Techniques at Arizona State University

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Jan 06, 2012, 05:30 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Jan. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The design and establishment of an online graduate certificate in sustainability leadership at Arizona State University for soldiers and civilians in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve was inaugurated Jan. 6 during a signing ceremony.

Participating in the event at the Army National Guard Bureau headquarters in Arlington, Va., were ASU President Michael M. Crow; Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Nelan, assistant to the director, Army National Guard; and Richard G. Kidd IV, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for energy and sustainability.

"This graduate-level certificate program introduces soldiers and civilians in the United States Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve to major principles in sustainability science," said ASU's Crow. "The men and women who participate in this program will learn to apply sustainability tools, techniques and concepts to meet standards for operational efficiencies, energy and water conservation, use of renewable energy sources, and waste minimization, all of which will enhance mission readiness and cost effectiveness."

The Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate at ASU is a custom-developed program featuring contemporary examples of sustainability challenges and opportunities relevant to missions and operations of the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. It was specifically designed to assist soldiers and civilians in furthering their education while moving the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve closer to their goals to be sustainable organizations.

The five-course online program is offered through ASU's School of Sustainability, which is the first in the nation to offer comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree programs in sustainability science. The courses in the program may also be applied toward a master's degree in sustainability.

The Army National Guard (ARNG) approached ASU with an idea to partner on the development of a sustainability program that will prepare soldiers to achieve future readiness requirements amid a changing military and increasingly limited resources. The ARNG provided a team of trainers, energy managers, logisticians and environmental specialists to work with ASU's School of Sustainability faculty in developing the specialized, Army-centric curriculum.

One of the courses, Sustainable Military Acquisition and Logistics, will provide practical approaches to applying sustainability principles to procurement and acquisition, transportation, and material. More information at http://sustainabilityonline.asu.edu/sustainable-army.

G.I. Jobs magazine recently cited ASU among the most "military friendly" universities in the United States.

SOURCE Arizona State University