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Released 10/04/07

Environmental Initiatives Going Strong

One year after the College implemented a single-stream recycling program, environmental initiatives are flourishing on campus. According to Health and Safety Officer Robert Daniels, the College recycled 82 tons of paper, cardboard, and glass and plastic containers in the last academic year, up from 42 tons the year before.

"We are also phasing in single stream recycling into the residence halls, which will increase the amount of materials were recycling even more," said Daniels.

Daniels is charged with overseeing environmental issues at the College, making sure that the facility complies with state and federal regulations. For example, he monitors emissions from boilers and generators for their impact on air quality. He checks runoff into campus storm drains, which empty into Lake Ellie and ultimately Patch Reservoir. And he facilitates the safe disposal of hazardous waste from science labs and office equipment.

"Theres a lot going on," Daniels said. "We sent 40 tons of furniture and equipment from the Administration Building to a national clearing house, where materials will be distributed for re-use, not trashed. We're recycling toner cartridges from laser jet printers and photocopiers, as well as batteries. IT is installing new Energy Star certified computers. We are also working with Chartwells to explore environmentally friendly alternatives to dispose of food waste and our Groundkeeping Department is experimenting with the use of Biodiesel fuel in their equipment."

The College is also about to complete a major new environmental initiative: the installation of solar panels on the roof of the LRC. Five photovoltaic arrays, consisting of 550 individual solar panels, will generate 100,000 watts, or 100 kilowatts, of electricity. "The panels will supply about 10 to 20 percent of the buildings energy use." The arrays will produce electricity for approximately 30 years, and possibly as long as 50 years.

The $870,000 project has been in the works for almost two years and is funded with a $560,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and $310,000 Clean Energy Renewable Bonds, repayable over 15 years with no interest. "With the credit the College will receive for using clean energy, the cost will be less than buying the equivalent amount of energy from National Grid," he said.

Now that funding has been secured, RFPs have been posted and Daniels expects the solar arrays to be installed well before spring 2008. "Solar energy will save the College money in the long run, especially if energy costs continue to escalate as they have over the last several years," he said.
For information about the Colleges recycling programs and other environmental initiatives, go to www.worcester.edu/greencampus.
 

Photography by Campus Photographer Erika Sidor