How We Choose to Live
Physical Plant Steps Toward Sustainability
Major infrastructure and Physical Plant steps towards sustainability
include:
Energy
- Replacement of gas-powered work vehicles with electric vehicles
- Adding additional insulation when a roof is replaced.
- High efficiency boilers and chillers are installed in new construction and retrofits.
- DDC energy management system that is installed throughout campus includes capabilities of night setbacks, building night flushes, free cooling, occupancy scheduling, and early problem detection.
- Capacitor banks installed on motor control centers to improve power factor.
- Exit lights have been retrofitted to high efficiency LED's.
- Lighting controls have been installed in all new construction including lighting sweeps, occupancy sensors,ambient light sensors and dimming, photo controls, and motion sensors.
- Lighting upgrades to electronic ballasts and T-8 tubes in campus buildings.
- Replacement of old single glazed windows with high efficiency, low-E, argon filled double glazed windows.
Recycling
- Replacement of carpets with low VOC alternatives containing recycled material
- Mixed recycling, and recycling of all recoverable wood, metal, grease, oil, refrigerants, and containers
- Donation of furniture and other large items no longer needed by institution or students to local non-profit organizations
- Use of paper products with a substantial recycled content .
- Use of carpets that contain recycled content, and requiring that old removed carpet is recycled.
- Recycling of wood, metals, plastics, cardboard, greases, oils, cooking oils, plant materials, paper products, glass, computer equipment, photo lab chemicals, refrigerants, batteries, furniture, mattresses, appliances.
Using Environmentally Friendly Products
- Replacement of carpets with low VOC alternatives containing recycled material
- Banning acid based cleaners
- Use of environmentally safe, low mercury content flourescent tubes.
- Use of paper products with a substantial recycled content .
- Use of carpets that contain recycled content.
- Utilizing "Green" cleaning materials and methods.
- Use of slow release fertilizers to minimize runoff.
Water
- Water efficiency technologies employed throughout campus, including drip irrigation and low flow shower heads, toilets, and faucets. Waterless urinals are being explored
- Sensor operated lavatory faucets are used.