It is the summer season already on college campuses. For those of us in Facilities it means working hard, quick and smart to make needed repairs, renovations and complete deep cleaning all at the same time while we welcome conference attendees and other visitors to our ‘home’. While students and some faculty spend their summer elsewhere, it is our busiest time of the year. Eventhough we are completing tasks and projects at warp speed, we always operate with sustainabilty in mind. Just ’cause you aren’t here doesn’t mean we slow our recycling efforts and other initiatives we’ve committed to. Cleaning products, paints and other chemicals are “green” and are the same ones we use thorough out the school year. Cleaning air filters and replacing obsolete lighting with energy saving materials is a constant priority. One area we are preparing for as our graduating seniors are leaving the campus is getting ready for the freshman class to arrive at the end of August. Already we have ordered CFLs (Compact Florescent Light bulbs) for the class of 2014. Our gift to each freshman when they move in is that we provide a CFL for their desk lamps. It’s a nice gesture and you wouldn’t believe the folks who forget light bulbs. But we also have a pragmatic reason for our giveaway: saving energy and money. Last year we distributed 1100 bulbs. If the class of 2013 uses CFLs through their four years, the University of Rochester will save over $8,000 per year. Using a CFL helps the planet and allows us to better manage our resources. Are you using CFLs at home? In the office?
Sustainability at the University of Rochester – provided to you by Facilities & Services