NDSU Facilities Management Sustainability in Brief
The Facilities Management Department has been working to reduce the University’s carbon footprint and instill a more environmentally friendly atmosphere on campus. As an overview, here are some of the less obvious things we are doing.
We commissioned our first US Green Building Council LEED certified building and will seek LEED-Platinum certification on another building project once construction funds are identified. We review all building projects for sustainability and possible LEED certification and have already implemented the use of geothermal energy into one of our buildings.
An energy performance contract has been entered into which calls for energy audits and evaluations to identify energy saving measures and related deferred maintenance projects. It will greatly help NDSU to get a true sense of its energy usage and reduce our energy footprint. We have explored the feasibility and cost effectiveness of incorporating wind and solar energy use on campus, too.
Our heating plant is a multi-fuel capable (coal, gas, and fuel oil) facility, burning primarily non-lignite coal because of its high BTU, low sulfur and CO2 emissions. Instantaneous hot water heaters are being installed in buildings to eliminate large, hot water storage tanks and the energy required to maintain water temperature in the tanks. We are converting to energy efficient lighting and using LED lighting where applicable. Electric GEM vehicles and hybrid vehicles are being added to our fleet, as well.
The transit service has been expanded to reduce the need for vehicles on campus and carpooling has been encouraged within our department. Additionally, we have increased the number of bike racks and motorcycle parking spaces to allow for alternative transportation options to automobile use.
New and different varieties of trees are being planted near roads and parking lots to reduce the “heat island effect”. We are also seeking to become certified through the Arbor Day Foundation as a “Tree Campus USA” university.
Our custodial staff works primarily during the day. This reduces the need for having lights and HVAC on throughout the night and saves electricity. The use of Green certified cleaning chemicals and processes have also been incorporated for their use. We are working to expand our recycling program and have already added new outdoor containers across campus that allows for collection of recyclable materials along with solid waste.
The NDSU Facilities Management Department continues to actively seek more environmentally appropriate solutions as we go about our business on campus and beyond.
