There are many areas on campus where renewable materials and resources can be used, but currently are not pursued. Below is a brief list of some of these items. As time goes on, and more students become involved in AASHE, this list is expected to grow. Like the programs previously discussed, each of the items listed below must be evaluated for its total impact, both positive and negative. As we look at the trade-offs, it will be up to the administrator in each area to decide if it is worth the time and investment, and whether there is a net benefit to implementation.
3.1. Waste Fry-Oil to Bio-Diesel for On Campus Use Program
At the present time, Sodexo does not reuse the fry oil from the dining hall. Students met with the manger of the COG to discuss the possibility of converting the fry oil to biodiesel. The manager was very willing to participate in such a program. The students also located a local firm that would convert the waste oil on campus, and return a portion of that oil back to campus for our own use. This project will take some further review for trade-offs, and will require some contracts with the local vendor. This last item is not within the scope of the students’ abilities.
3.2. Conversion of Campus Grounds Equipment to Bio-Diesel
The engineering students contacted the Kabota Corporation about converting their small lawn vehicles to biodiesel. The Kabota Corporation said it was possible to convert the vehicles, but it would require new fuel pumps and injectors. This is because the biodiesel would damage the seals in the current equipment. Further discussions are needed as to the part numbers and costs associated with this conversion.
3.3. Dinging Hall Waste Conversion To Usable Compust for Grounds
Plant services currently purchases compost for the flower gardens on campus. Seattle University converts all of its dining hall food waste and yard waste into compost for campus usage. An automated composter of the size needed for GU’s dining halls is commercially available for $10,000 installed.
3.4. Recycled Paper Adoption
Many of our peer institutions are currently using recycled paper for classroom and office use. To convert to recycled paper is not a difficult upgrade, just a matter of vendor selection and quality verification. GU currently collects it office paper for recycling, but does not purchase the material back. The AASHE students want to encourage the university to modify its purchasing policy to include recycled office paper.
3.5. Paper Usage Reduction Program
A program that has been successfully adopted by many universities is a paper reduction program. These programs focus on reducing the number of copies of each form that are used to conduct business on campus. This included the adoption of electronic forms, and electronic notifications. A good example is GU adoption of electronic notification from payroll, but unfortunately, paper backup copies are still sent to each employee.
The AASHE students have also identified may classes that also used more paper than needed. Instead of putting a handout on Blackboard electronically, many faculty members still distribute paper copies, and some do both. Students as well often printout the electronic files posted on Blackboard instead of just reading them electronically. All of the actions lead to excessive paper consumption on campus.
The final area where paper is wasted is the University mailings. The university must be commended for the reductions they have made in recent years, but there is still room to improve. Admissions for example has reduced the number of mailings they send to each prospective student, and the alumni office has done the same. These mailing are the life blood of the university and are very important, but the question begs can more be done to reduce the amount of paper mailed.
3.6. Adoption of EV’s by Grounds Crew and Dining Services
A review of peer institutions and regional universities shows that several have adopted electric vehicles for on campus deliver and service. There are two approaches that can be used to accomplish this, one is to purchase purpose made vehicles, the second it to convert existing vehicles to electric drive. Whitworth for example purchased electric vehicles for use on campus. The AASHE students will conduct a technology review of each alternative and propose a cost/benefit analysis for each option. With this information, the administration would know which option would be the most cost effective, and would know the pay-off rate if it were to choose to pursue one of the options.
3.7. Anti-Bottle Campaing
Last spring, the AASHE member held a two day anti-bottled water campaign. During this campaign, flyers and free reusable water bottles were distributed on campus. GSI of Spokane supplied the bottle for distribution for free. This campaign helped the student on campus become more aware of the true cost of bottled water and the waste associated with their purchase. This coming year, the AASHE students with work with the Lug-a-Jug project to continue this promotion, with a net goal of banning commercially bottled water from campus.
