Sustainability Accomplishments and Pending Projects: Fall 2008

October, 2008: Progress in minimizing the University's environmental impact continues in numerous areas and on many fronts. In 2004 we received the Ohio Governor Energy award for phase one of our conservation program. We are building upon our successes and we will continue to research and develop programs that save energy, conserve water and reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfills.


Pending Projects - Items We Are Exploring


  • Waterless urinals and low flow toilets installed to test on campus
  • Composting of food waste by a local vendor will remove over 150 pounds of waste per day from the landfill
  • Campus wide recycling program for paper and cardboard to reduce removal cost
  • The replacement of all Styrofoam products in Dining Services with biodegradable products to keep harmful contaminants out of the landfill
  • A pumping system to utilize the rain water runoff collected in the RecPlex holding tank for irrigation of green space to reduce water consumption
  • Rain gardens behind Virginia Kettering and Gosiger Hall to reduce rainwater runoff

Energy Conservation


  • Continued installation of motion-occupancy sensors throughout campus
  • Implementation of preventive maintenance program for all infrastructure systems
  • Purchase of a hybrid vehicle for Facilities Management
  • Efficient scheduling of all HVAC systems, purchase of premium-efficiency motors
  • New energy efficient windows were installed in Campus South, Chaminade and Kettering Labs
  • Assistance with UD Blackout and other Sustainability Club activities
  • Purchasings of Energy Star appliances for all residential units
  • Replacement of old, inefficient windows in academic buildings
  • Proper caulking or sealing of existing windows
  • Installment of Compact Fluorescent Lighting in neighborhood houses
  • Many flat roofs are being replaced with a highly reflective "white roofs" that significantly reduce heat absorption, helping reduce energy costs
  • Washing machines in Garden Apartments and Plumwood are being replaced with front-loading, water-saving models
  • Installation of Central Boiler Plant controls to significantly improve overall efficiency
  • Purchasing only 25 watt flourescent lamps versus 32 watt lamps. These lamps are much more expensive, but yield a good return on investment through energy savings
  • Exploring implementation of highly efficient LED lighting

Waste Management - Reduction in Waste sent to our Landfills


  • Decreased waste sent to landfills by 88 tons in 2006
  • Decreased waste sent to landfills by 124 tons in 2007
  • A projected 59% increase from 2005 to 2007 in total recyclable material removed from campus

Improving Recycling Opportunities


  • An organized, concentrated effort for student "Move Out" to recycle and donate unwanted items such as food, clothing and small household appliances was extremely successful, diverting 30 tons of waste from the landfill
  • During the demolition in Marycrest Hall, stainless steel, fan coils and heaters, aluminum, brass, cpper and numerous other items are being recycled
  • In refurbishing Baujan Field, all materials that were stripped were properly recycled
  • Gravel stripped off of roofs was recycled
  • Metal from the replaced windowas at Kettering Labs has been recyled
  • 1850 tons of asphalt was recycled from Parking Lot B and roadways
  • Material removed as a result of the Marycrest Hall and Gosiger Hall elevator modernizations was recycled
  • Placement of 45 additional exterior and 28 additional interior recycling receptacles
  • Placement of additional Waste Management recycling dumpsters in student neighborhood
  • Implementation of battery recycling program
  • Assistance with promoting ink cartridge recycling program
  • Implementation of a scrap metal recycling program
  • Recycling of numerous materials at Building 26
  • Reuse of furniture within UD (especially from Marycrest) or reallocation to other institutions
  • Recovering of quality reusable mattresses
  • Expanded recycling and recycling-education opportunities at Bombeck Center
  • Dining Services has been recycling used fryer oil for many years. The oil is used for both animal feed and bio-diesel ful and the University is reimbursed for this used product

Promoting "Green"


  • The Chapel renovation/expansion is a LEED registered project
  • Use of green-cleaning chemicals by Custodial Service Provider
  • The continued use of environmentally friendly paper towels, tissue and soap products
  • Installed signage designating some parking spots for Low Emitting and Fuel Efficient vehicles in parking lots B and C

Staff Development Initiatives


  • David Schmidt, Facilities Project Manager, is now a LEED Accredited Professional
  • Participation in Montgomery County Regional Taskforce on Sustainability

Land Management


  • A rain garden in front of the Powerhouse has recently been completed
  • Pervious pavers have been installed along University Circle to minimize runoff
  • New trees are planted, when a dead or diseased tree needs removed
  • Tree USA designation proposal to be submitted 2009

Committee on Environment


  • Formed September 2008

    • Committee Members:

  • Dr. Kevin Hallinan
  • Dr. Kelly Kissock
  • Bro. Don Geiger
  • Kathy Browning
  • Judy Caruso
  • Fiona Martin
  • Gordon Schweitzer
  • Beth Keyes

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