University Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability Coordinator Helps Make Campus Green
In early 2008 the University took a major step forward in its commitment to creating a campus that is environmentally friendly by hiring a sustainability coordinator who is overseeing the implementation of a wide range of initiatives.
Mark Stimson says that whether it’s energy or food or any other resource, his role is to help the University move toward use of local and sustainable sources.
An initial focus is on the Sustainable Living department, which has already been retrofitting its area with daylighting technologies, high-performance fixtures, solar hot water, and a wind generator and photovoltaic panels for power.
Also under way is the installation of geothermal systems for heating and cooling campuswide. The goal is to reduce demand through the use of various technologies and then meet that demand with sustainable sources.
Mr. Stimson said that it’s not just a matter of being more in accord with the environment, but also that there’s a serious financial consideration, since the University had been spending around $1 million per year on electricity and natural gas.
“There's a definite cost as things roll out, but there will be a great payback,” Mr. Stimson said. “Electricity and natural gas prices are only going to increase.”
Geothermal technology takes advantage of the relatively constant temperature below ground of around 55 degrees to help cool the air in the summer and to warm frigid winter air to 55 degrees so that heating systems need only add incremental warmth.
Mr. Stimson says that this transformation of campus will entail a lot of physical labor — work that will be done by students, interns, volunteers, work/study students, University staff, and contract workers. But he’s undaunted, given the enthusiasm of the students.
“There’s an amazing level of energy and enthusiasm here. It’s mind boggling — and growing fast. A lot of students are coming. It’s an exciting place to be.”
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