Projects Across Campus
USF is kicking off its Green Initiative by employing low cost changes at the operational level.
LED Christmas Lights
In an effort to further advance green campus initiatives and conserve energy the Grounds Department has purchased 40 new strands of LED Christmas lights for decorating the campus during the holidays. These new lights use 20% less energy compared to older lights used on campus. By replacing older lights we are committing to use the best technology with the lowest energy cost.
New Residence Hall
Construction on the new Clare Hall residential building began August 2008 with sustainability initiatives and products being implemented in this project.
As part of USF's green campus focus, Shawnee Construction (contractor) and affiliated subcontractors were asked to sign a Green Campus Construction Initiative agreeing to uphold sustainability practices, and resourcefully use or recycle all construction materials with minimal amounts sent to landfills.
Environmentally friendly products planned for the new facility include:
- low-flow shower heads, toilets, and aerators
- energy efficient windows and HVAC system
- room thermostats with external controls to prevent overuse during warm or cold weather
- blown cellulose insulation made from recycled newspapers
- LEED certified paint
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake at USF serves a several purposes: campus aesthetics, a resource for biology laboratory classes and research, and saving grace during inclement weather. It's a little known fact that for years storm sewers in nearby neighborhoods have drained into Mirror Lake. USF and the City of Fort Wayne together are permit holders for Mirror Lake's use as a storm water retention lake. Because USF values water quality and biodiversity in Mirror Lake, it is important that area residents prevent pollutants from entering storm sewers. A few simple rules of thumb will keep Mirror Lake clean and healthy.
- Never allow any chemicals to enter the storm sewer.
- Wash the car in the yard so the grass and soil and absorb and neutralize the soap and water. Chemicals break down more readily in soil than in water.
- Sweep your driveway and sidewalks, rather than hose them off.
- Keep leaves and other debris away from storm sewer drains.
USF will soon apply logos to campus storm sewer drains educating the public that the drains flow to a natural waterway. Consider that nearly anywhere you go in Fort Wayne, discharges to storm drains eventually go to the local St. Mary's, St. Joseph or Maumee Rivers. Since we get our drinking water from local water, the cleanliness of our rivers is vital. Often times the aquatic life that is most sensitive to pollutants are also the ones that are helping by filtering the water further. The cleaner the water, the greater biodiversity, and...the cleaner the water - a wonderful cycle when nature is in balance!
Recycling
Look for recycling centers throughout campus buildings. We accept materials from campus and from your home.
- plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, and cardboard
- collecting aluminum cans to be recycled through Habitat for Humanity
- collecting can tabs for Ronald McDonald House
- ink cartridges and toners recycled with proceeds to HEADS UP Foundation
- used fluorescent lamps
- used batteries
Recycled Paper
USF has been recycling paper and using recycled content paper on campus for years. All colored paper, white paper, and some cardstock used in the campus Copy Center are 30% post-consumer recycled content and Green Seal Certified.
USF’s promotional materials have now gone green as well. HPN Marketing, at USF’s, request has switched USF projects to recycled paper that is:
- 10% post-consumer recycled content
- not bleached with elemental chlorine
- acid free
- certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
- certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- certified by the Rainforest Alliance
Please further support our efforts by purchasing post-consumer recycled content always recycling paper whether you are on or off campus. Paper products recycled on campus can earn cash for the university for additional environmental initiatives.
Switching to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
The university has always looked to fluorescent lighting to keep energy costs down and continue to replace all incandescent light bulbs, as they burn out, with compact fluorescents. Our goal is to have all incandescent light bulbs replaced by the end of 2008. This is four years ahead of the current deadline. Currently, 65% of all light bulbs on campus are energy efficient bulbs. Read more on the switch across campus.
Any questions on compact fluorescent bulbs can be addressed to Plant@sf.edu. Operations will gladly help you find a solution to your home lighting needs.
Other Ways We are Making a Difference
- Using paper made from recycled paper products
- Using paper towels and toilet paper made from recycled paper products
- Testing occupancy sensors for energy conservation in bathrooms in Doermer, Trinity, and Pope John Paul II Center
- Purchasing picnic tables and benches from recycled plastic bottles
- Using electronic paper towel dispensers in Pope John Paul II Center
- Regulating thermostats and water heaters throughout campus to reduce energy waste
- Replacing incandescent lights with efficient compact fluorescent lamps campus-wide
- Replacing standard T12 style fluorescent tubes with even more efficient T8 tubes campus-wide
- Purchasing non-toxic cleaning products when able
- Using rechargeable batteries in lieu of disposable batteries
- Setting electronics to use energy saver features
- Investigating environment friendly options for controlling plant growth around Mirror Lake
- Aerating lawns and regulating frequency and time of day of mowing to reduce air pollution
- Purchasing electric equipment instead of gas, diesel, or kerosene powered when able
