A long-term commitment
In recent years, initiatives led by the Student Government Association (SGA) have created campus-wide recycling programs and a “Green Bikes” program. last year the student leaders worked with Sodexo, the College’s food service provider, to go “tray-free” in the two campus dining facilities. Assumption’s campuswide recycling program efforts include the usual products -cans, bottles, cardboard and paper. In addition, the maintenance area also recycles batteries, scrap metal, light bulbs, ballasts, vehicle and cooking oil, refrigerants and food cans. “We have a growing list to which we will add items, especially at certain times of the year,” said John langlois, director of auxiliary services. For example, several campus offices work together to recycle cardboard during move-in day in August, and both cardboard and recyclable electronic items during finals week in May. Books are also recycled at the end of each semester. The student-run Green Bikes program is in its second year. The SGA and Plourde Recreation Center financed the purchase of eight bikes, helmets and locks. Students can sign out a bike to use for transportation or recreation. “More than 250 different students have used the bikes, which have been signed out more than 400 times this year,” said Scott Butch, assistant director of recreational sports. This has helped keep a few more cars off the campus roads and has provided an additional outdoors exercise option, as well as another mode of transportation. This semester the switch to tray-free dining has required an adjustment by those who usually load up their trays in Taylor Dining Hall and Charlie’s Café. The inconvenience of the new no-tray policy -except for those with physical disabilitities – is offset by the reduction in food waste and the use of detergent chemicals, water and energy,
Energy efficiency • Campus recycling
“The College aggressively pursued initiatives aimed at conserving energy even before the sustainability/green terminology came into vogue,” said Jerry Barilla, director of business services. “With support from Mass Electric, the College replaced lamps and ballasts throughout campus with every advanced lighting technology, dating back to the early ’90s.” In addition, Barilla pointed out, upgrades to boost energy efficiency on campus have been made almost annually to the College’s many mechanical systems. “Every capital project we consider is scrutinized for opportunities to install and operate efficient systems,” he explained. “The College has invested in an energy management system that controls heating, cooling, and lighting systems so that minimal energy is expended when buildings are not in use. The College is very conscious of the importance of conserving energy and supporting sustainability and continually engages in efforts to achieve those goals.” In late 2005, Assumption completed a $2.5 million energy and water-saving retrofit of nearly two dozen campus buildings. lighting systems were upgraded and water-saving measures were installed to save the College nearly 3 million gallons of water annually. Heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems were upgraded. That year and each year since, old windows have been replaced with energy efficient, insulated windows. Also, the roofs of several buildings have been repaired or replaced.
Student-initiated programs
according to Mike Ward, Sodexo’s general manager on campus. Ward cites statistical estimates that show that, without trays, one ounce less of food is wasted per meal and Taylor Dining Hall serves 2,100 meals daily.
Renewable energy Assumption uses a substantial portion of renewable electricity to meet its energy demands. “We purchase our local delivery service from National Grid,” said langlois. “But we bid out our commodity to electricity providers. In our contract with TransCanada, an electricity and utilities supplier in Canada and the northern U.S., there is a provision that 30 percent of the power we purchase is hydroelectric power. There is a small fee attached to it, but it is a worthwhile, environmentally responsible investment by the College.” Solar power is another energy source Assumption has investigated for several years. The College began a structural engineering study to determine if solar photovoltaic panels could be installed on Taylor Dining Hall and Emmanuel d’Alzon library. Unfortunately, in October the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative temporarily suspended a rebate program due to its overwhelming popularity, which caused the College to put the project on hold. “We plan to revisit this option again in 2010 or when the rebate program is reinstated,” said langlois. He had estimated that installing solar panels on these two buildings would provide between two and three percent of the College’s electricity needs and, if successful, a solar program on campus could grow considerably in the future.
Water conservation • Green Bikes program • Tray-free dining
Going green is a catchy phrase, a hot topic and a socially and environmentally responsible course of action. Individuals, families, businesses and colleges across the nation have been examining their habits and practices to identify where sustainability efforts can reduce carbon footprints and perhaps cut costs as well. Comprehensive sustainability plans initially can require a considerable investment of time and resources, but the long-term energy savings and reduced environmental impacts can add up to wise stewardship. Assumption’s ongoing sustainability initiatives are designed to create a “greener” campus.
Other initiatives The College’s primary green initiatives are supported by several campuswide committees and advocacy groups. For example, the Social Justice Committee, comprised of faculty, administrators and students, is focused on sustainability efforts this year. The group, along with a student environmental club and others promote sustainability awareness through Earth Week activities, an annual residence hall recycling competition, panel discussions, film screenings and other events.