What efforts are we making to increase sustainability on campus?

Sustainability refers to development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Clearly, such efforts fall under the umbrella of Pro Humanitate. To this end, we continue to implement and monitor sustainability efforts around campus. Jim Alty, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management, notes the following initiatives:

• Recycling. There is a significant recycling program on campus which diverts over 10% of the campus waste from landfills on an annual basis, including paper, aluminum cans, plastics, furniture, automotive oil, batteries, and antifreeze. Landscape clippings and leaves are recycled into compost for campus.
• Reuse. We hold a surplus property sale annually to dispose of unneeded equipment, supplies, furniture, vehicles and other items. We also refurbish and reissue or resell ThinkPads each year.
• Energy. We are reducing energy consumption by upgrading the central steam plant and chilled water plants (which comprise about 30% of campus electricity used) and installing more efficient light fixtures, bulbs, and HVAC motors.
• Water. The campus has installed low-flow shower heads across the campus in residence halls and recreational facilities to reduce water use. We are investigating the feasibility of installing waterless urinals and dual-flow toilets across campus to reduce water use.
• Biodiesel. We have recently begun using faculty-and-student-produced biodiesel – made from the waste grease generated by the dining operation – in campus vehicles and landscape equipment.
• Campus Kitchen. The implementation of the Campus Kitchen program last year means that food that is prepared but not served in campus dining facilities is offered to those in the local community who need nourishing meals.

This is not to say that our work towards sustainability is complete. As we create and implement our Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan, sustainability is a logical and important component. However, much can currently be done on a daily basis as well. On campus, 40% of recyclables are contaminated and therefore discarded. As we all make efforts to recycle properly, Facilities Management estimates we can increase our on-campus recycling from 10% to 35% of our total waste. Recycling and similar practical efforts, such as setting thermostats at reasonable ranges and walking/biking/shuttling, are as important as the policies and development created by the Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan. The University welcomes any additional 'green' ideas from students and community members.