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With the publication of the College Sustainability Report Card 2010, more than 1,100 school survey responses from over 300 institutions are now available online. In total, these surveys offer more than 10,000 pages of data collected from colleges and universities during the summer of 2009. To access surveys from other schools, go to the surveys section of the website. To see grades, or to access additional surveys submitted by this school, please click the "Back to Report Card" link at the beginning or end of the survey.
Name: James H. Watters
Title: Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration
Date survey submitted: July 21, 2009
ADMINISTRATION
SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
1) Does your school have its own formal sustainability policy?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe and provide URL, if available: RIT is committed to conducting its operations in a sustainable way that prevents pollution, complies with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and improves its environmental performance. The policy outlines our sustainable focus points, which includes excellence of a sustainable curriculum and advancement of sustainable research and development of technology. http://www.rit.edu/fa/ritgreen/strategy.html
2) Has the president of your institution signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)?
[ ] No
[X ] Yes. If completed, please provide the date the GHG Report was submitted to the ACUPCC: The Institute commitment has been forwarded and confirmed by ACUPCC on 04/27/2009.
3) Has your institution signed the Talloires Declaration?
[ X ] No
[ ] Yes
4) Is there a sustainability component in your institution's master plan and/or strategic plan (check all that apply)?
[ ] No
[X ] Yes, in the master plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The University has developed future expansion plans to minimize the disturbance or incursions on mature tree groves and to avoid mitigating any of the sizable wetlands interspersed on the campus. The University has designated certain areas for the creation of expanded wetlands and enhanced wildlife habitats through the plantings of native grasses and vegetation.
The University is currently engaged in planning the expansion of comprehensive bikeways throughout the campus, utilizing a national design expert for this layout. It is anticipated that all of the new bikeways will be constructed during the 2010-2011 timeframe.
The University is constantly involved in space planning to efficiently backfill and renovate space within the existing campus footprint rather than creating additional expansion space.
RIT has adopted a policy to minimally obtain LEED certification for all new construction “whenever it is reasonable to do so.”
[ X] Yes, in the strategic plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: Sustainability is an important pillar of the Institute’s strategic plan. The signing of the President’s Climate Commitment is evidence of this dedication. http://www.rit.edu/fa/ritgreen/commitment.html
ADVISORY COUNCIL
5) Does your school have a council or committee that advises on and/or implements policies and programs related to sustainability?
[ ] No
[X ] Yes
If you answered "No" to question 5, please proceed directly to question 11.
6) Please provide the name of the committee and list the number of meetings held since August 2008.
Name: Committee for Sustainable Practices (CSP)
Number of meetings: 6 (2008-2009 fiscal year)
Name: Campus Environment Committee (CEC)
Number of meetings: Approximately 25 per year
7) Please provide number of stakeholder representatives on the committee.
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Comm. for Sust. Practices
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Campus Environ. Comm.
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2
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Administrators
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1
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Administrators
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5
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Faculty
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12
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Faculty
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5
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Staff
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Staff
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2
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Students
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Students
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1
1
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Other (please describe)
Ex officio
Trustee
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1
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Other (please describe)
Ex officio
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8) Please provide the name of the chair(s) of the committee for the 2009-2010 academic year, and indicate which stakeholder group the chair(s) represents.
If 2009-2010 academic year information is not yet available, please provide information for 2008-2009 instead.
Name of chair(s): Committee for Sustainable Practices: James H. Watters, Administrator
Campus Environment Committee: John Waud, Faculty
Position(s) (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, student):
9) To whom does the committee report (e.g., president, vice president)?
Committee for Sustainable Practices: Sr. VP, then to President
Campus Environment Committee: Academic Senate
10) Please list key issues/programs that the committee has addressed or implemented since August 2008.
Key issues/programs that the group has addressed/implemented since August 2008:
Progress made on each of these issues since August 2008:
Committee for Sustainable Practices
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Initiative
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Status
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Development of the RIT Green website
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Website is live and regular updates are posted with new/current information.
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New Parking Policy has been implemented
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This has effectively limited excessive driving on campus by restricting 635 students from purchasing reserved sites and it has effectively encouraged the use of mass transit and bicycles.
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Investigation of whether geothermal heating could be available to heat the Global Village complex.
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The investigation test bores proved that this would not be cost effective due to geological limitations in the area.
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Creation of a central depository for student sustainability projects
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Complete. This depository resides in our library so it has broad access.
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Sustainability Assessment
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We are currently conducting a self assessment of our internal sustainability efforts and goals.
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Suggested that the institute join the AASHE
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Done.
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Organized an energy competition within the Greek housing community
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Increased awareness of energy use; program is planned to be extended to other student residential areas.
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A review of recycling efforts.
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Funding was allocated for additional student positions to assist in the recycling effort.
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LEED Certification
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University adopted policy to minimally obtain LEED silver certification for all new construction “whenever it is reasonable to do so.”
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Future campus development
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University will seek to increase the ratio of building square footage to land square footage and create more green space as part of site planning activities.
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Campus Environment Committee
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Initiative
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Status
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Develop a job description for a Campus Environmental Coordinator
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Description is complete. A proposal is being developed to secure funding for this position.
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Draft guidelines that support the “green commitment in the Institute policy and procedures manual
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It is anticipated that the “sustainable practices” will be forwarded to the Academic Senate for action during AY 2009.
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Monitor and report on wildlife activities on campus as well as evaluate the possibilities for restorative plantings on the undeveloped parts of RIT’s campus.
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A second draft of the proposal for restorative plantings has been prepared. Intend to bring to Academic Senate early in AY 2009.
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Enhance the promotion and coordination of environmental events and competitions within RIT, among universities and within the region.
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Committee members coordinated a three-session meeting for the Low Carbon Diet Challenge; helped to coordinate the national Global Warming Teach-In events; helped coordinate the Envirothon.
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Review the environmental organizations on campus to support a collaborative relationship among these groups.
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Five current groups were identified. In addition, two informal initiatives have been put in place to facilitate networking and communication.
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SUSTAINABILITY STAFF
11) Does your school employ sustainability staff (excluding student employees and interns)?
[ ] No
[X ] Yes. Please provide titles and number of sustainability staff.
[# 1 ] Number of full-time staff (in FTE). Titles: [ Sustainability Manager ]
[# 1 ] Number of part-time staff (in FTE). Titles: [ Manager, Real Estate Operations ]
In addition, the Golisano Institute for Sustainability employs and will continue to employ a number of faculty and staff dedicated to research, education and training of others in various aspects of sustainability. Also, the implementation and initiation of sustainability practices on campus have become part of many positions at the University.
12) Does the head of the sustainability staff report directly to the president or another high-level administrator (e.g., vice president, vice chancellor)?
[ ] N/A
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe: The Sustainability Manager reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration in committee on high level sustainability initiatives. On a day-to-day basis, he reports to the facilities manager.
OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT
13) Does your school have an office or department specifically dedicated to furthering sustainability on campus?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe (including name of office or department and year created): The Institute has created the Golisano Institute for Sustainability which is a major Ph.D. level academic and research program to advance the science of sustainability in a variety of disciplines.
RIT’s Facilities Management Services has been charged to implement and improve sustainability practices across campus. As a result, a new full-time position of Sustainability Manager was created in 2008 to carry out these activities.
WEBSITE
14) Does your school have a website detailing its sustainability initiatives?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please provide URL: http://www.rit.edu/fa/ritgreen/
GREEN PURCHASING
15) Does your school have a formal green purchasing policy?
[ ] No
[ X] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to full policy, if available:
1) RIT will strive to conduct its activities in an ecologically and economically sound manner and will promote responsible consumption and environmental sound practices among all members of the University community. (see the following link for the full policy: http://www.rit.edu/fa/ritgreen/procurement.html
2) Recycled Products
Subject Number: 5.01
Date issued: 1/1/95
Revised: 9/30/99
Policy:
RIT is deeply concerned about the unprecedented scale and speed of environmental pollution and degradation, and depletion of natural resources. The RIT community, must take a leadership role in conducting activities as responsible stewards of the physical environment and using educational activities to promote environmental awareness, local action, and global thinking.
In our university function, RIT will strive to conserve natural resources and support their sustainable use; conduct affairs in a manner that safeguards the environmental health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and community; strive to eliminate litter; reduce the use of toxic substances and the generation of wastes and promote strategies to reuse and recycle those wastes that cannot be avoided; and purchase renewable, reusable, recyclable, and recycled material.
Purchasing will consider full compliance with the law to be the minimally acceptable standard and will recommend products that avoid harm to public health and the environment. Website: http://finweb.rit.edu/purchasing/policies/manual.html#special1
16) Does your school purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products?
[ ] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[ X] All – copiers and computers and any other available products.
17) Does your school purchase environmentally preferable paper products (e.g., 100 percent post-consumer recycled content, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council)?
[ ] No
[ X] Some. Please describe: unbleached napkins, compostable clam shell take-out containers made from reed based materials, compostable cups and silverware made from PLS products and similar products. The University uses hand towels that are 85% post-consumer recycled content and toilet tissue is 75%.
[ ] All. Please describe:
18) Does your school purchase Green Seal, Environmental Choice certified, or biorenewable cleaning products?
[ ] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[ X] All. Please describe: RIT purchases primarily Green Seal Certified products from a local manufacturer (Rochester Midland Corporation – EnviroCare product line) for our routine, everyday cleaning. Our cleaning staff has also been trained by Rochester Midland Corp. in their Green Housekeeping Program in conjunction with the Green Seal certified products.
19) Are your school's computer/electronics purchase decisions made in accordance with standards such as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)?
[ ] No
[ X] Some. Please describe: We buy the standard Dell Desktop which is EPEAT Gold.
[ ] All
20) Does your school use only pesticides that meet the standards for organic crop production set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or Canadian Organic Standards (excluding on-campus farms)?
[ X] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[ ] All
CLIMATE CHANGE & ENERGY
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY
21) Has your school completed a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory?
Please check all that apply.
[ ] No.
[ X ] In progress. Please describe status and provide estimated completion date: ACUPC deadline for RIT GHG inventory is May 15, 2010. Anticipated completion – February 15, 2010.
[ ] Yes. Please provide total annual GHG emissions (in metric tons of CO2e). Also, include the start date for each year as well as the URL to each inventory, if available online, or attach the document.
2008:
2007:
2006:
2005:
COMMITMENT TO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION
The purchase of carbon offsets does not count toward greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions for this indicator. They are counted in a subsequent indicator.
22) Has your school made a commitment to reducing GHG emissions by a specific amount?
[ X ] No
[ ] Yes. Please list details.
Reduction level:
Baseline year:
Target date:
If you answered only "No" or "In progress" to question 21, please now skip to question 27.
REALIZED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
23) Has your school achieved a reduction in GHG emissions?
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. Please list details.
Percentage reduced:
Baseline year:
Date achieved:
24) Please provide the total heating and cooling degree days averaged over the past three years.
Data on total degree heating and cooling days is available at: http://www.degreedays.net/. This information will be used to help reduce bias between schools in different climates.
Cooling degree days average over the past three years:
Heating degree days average over the past three years:
25) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-thousand-square-foot basis for the past three years.
Per-Thousand-Square-Foot Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total maintained building space in thousands of square feet.
2008:
2007:
2006:
26) Please provide GHG emissions figures on a per-full-time-student basis for the past three years.
Per-Student Emissions = Total CO2e in metric tons / Total number of full-time enrolled students.
2008:
2007:
2006:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
27) What programs or technologies has your school implemented to improve energy efficiency (e.g., cogeneration plant, retrocommissioning of HVAC systems, performing system tune-ups, temperature setbacks)?
ENERGY CONSERVATION
28) Do you facilitate programs that encourage members of the campus community to reduce energy use (e.g., cash incentives, signs reminding individuals to turn off lights and appliances)?
[ ] No
[X ] Yes. Please describe:
- Institute installed occupancy sensors that turn off the light if no one is present in the area. Most of the sensors are interconnected with HVAC control system to turn off the HVAC during the unoccupied time.
- Institute has posted signs to remind and encourage all users to turn off not needed lights.
- A periodical reminders are sent before holidays instructing all users on proper turning down the unneeded appliances, computers and printers, turning off lights before leaving, and closing all operable windows.
- The Institute closes during the holiday break for approximately 10 days. The driving factor in this decision is to reduce energy usage during this quiet academic period.
- Facilities are conducting informational meetings with students, instructing them how to save energy, designing competitions, etc.
- Greek Houses conduct energy saving competition. The winning team is rewarded with green cleaning products.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
29) Does your school generate renewable electricity?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please specify percentage of overall electricity generated from each of the following sources and describe details below.
[ %] B100 biodiesel
[ %] Clean biomass
[ %] Concentrating solar power (CSP)
[ %] Geothermal
[ %] Low-impact hydropower
[ > 1%] Solar photovoltaics
[ %] Wind
[ %] Other
Description: The CAST building is equipped wit 2.2 kW solar array connected to campus energy grid.
30) Does your school have solar hot water systems?
[ X ] No. The University has done extensive studies and solar does not appear to be a viable technological solution for the University in this general region.
[ ] Yes. Please specify number of systems and total BTUs generated annually, if available:
RENEWABLE ENERGY PURCHASE
31) Has your school purchased electric energy from renewable sources or renewable energy credits (RECs)?
RECs and electricity from renewable sources must be Green-e certified or meet the requirements of the Green-e standard.
[ ] No
[X ] Yes. Please describe. A 24- month contract for delivery of Green-E certified power as per www.green-e.com
Date of most recent contract: 06/12/2009
Quantity (kWh): 228,000 kWh
Percentage of your total electric energy use that it represents: 2.853
32) Has your school purchased non-electric energy from renewable sources?
[ X ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe.
Date of most recent contract:
Quantity (BTUs):
Percentage of your total non-electric energy use that it represents:
ON-SITE COMBUSTION
33) Please provide total BTUs of energy for heating and cooling from on-site combustion: The major boilers on campus have a total 160 MMBtuh for the heating plants. We have some small boilers for heat pump systems and small steam boilers that require approximately 3000MBH.
34) Please list each fuel source (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil) and the percent of overall BTUs derived from that source: Gas – 100%
35) Is any on-site combustion for heating and cooling derived from renewable sources?
[ X] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe.
Percentage on-site combustion derived from renewable sources: [ %]
Total BTUs of energy generated from renewable sources: [# ]
Description of renewable energy sources used for on-site combustion for heating and cooling:
FOOD & RECYCLING
The food portion of this category is covered in a separate dining survey.
RECYCLING OF TRADITIONAL MATERIALS
36) Please indicate which traditional materials your institution recycles (check all that apply).
[ ] None
[X] Aluminum
[X] Cardboard
[X] Glass
[X] Paper
[ ] Plastics (all)
[X] Plastics (some) Monroe County only accepts types 1 & 2 plastics.
[ ] Other. Please list:
37) Diversion rate: [ 41.7 %] This is the 2008 diversion rate.
RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE
38) Does your institution have an electronics recycling program?
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. If available, please indicate the total annual weight or volume of each material collected for recycling or reuse.
[ X ] Batteries
[ X ] Cell phones
[ X ] Computers
[ X ] Lightbulbs Recycled 3,790 lbs. of fluorescent light bulbs
[ X ] Printer cartridges
[ X ] Other E-waste. Please list: Pedometers, PDAs and literally ANY electronic. In 2008, recycled cumulative 14.09 tons of E-waste. Policy described at:
http://finweb.rit.edu/purchasing/surplus/
COMPOSTING (ASIDE FROM DINING FACILITIES)
39) What percentage of your campus's landscaping waste is composted or mulched? [ 100% ] We are composting 100% of landscaping waste.
40) Do you provide composting receptacles around campus in locations other than dining halls (e.g., in residence halls, offices, academic buildings)?
[ X] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
SOURCE REDUCTION
41) Do you have any source-reduction initiatives (e.g., end-of-semester furniture or clothing swaps and collections)?
[ ] No
[ X] Yes. Please describe:
1) There is a campus surplus room where all extra furniture and furnishings are brought to be reused or given away. There are also campus-wide collections at the end of the year for people to get rid of their old clothes and other things. There is currently research being done on campus to study the feasibility of implementing a thrift store.
2) An initiative known as the Student Care and Relief Fund (SCARF) was initiated several years ago. It involves the collection of slightly used winter clothing from faculty and staff of the university. The clothing is then distributed to needy students/families, especially to those students from foreign countries that may not understand the harsh winter weather and have come to campus unprepared. Last year, approximately 100 students visited the SCARF closet and we gave away 73 coats, 31 scarves, 61 pairs of gloves, 46 hats, 16 pairs of boots and other miscellaneous items, such as sweatshirts.
Other initiatives that have been organized to recycle clothing include a collection of women’s suits and work apparel to assist our female students that need suitable apparel for job interviews. A collection was also made of used jeans, which were distributed to a local center for the less fortunate.
3) A partnership with Flower City Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore has also been established. Each year the University refreshes five apartment buildings which involves the replacement of furniture as well as carpeting, lighting, etc. We now donate the furniture to FCHH where it is resold through their store and the funds used to support their program. We also donate old light fixtures, mirrored closet doors, etc. which can be reused. This recycle program eliminates the need to send the articles to a landfill.
4) We also partner with ABVI Goodwill and place clothing donation drops on campus. This spring they received 9,800 lbs. of clothing which would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
5) The Division of Finance and Administration has developed a program to make excess office supplies available to others within the division that may need them. If the program is successful, it may be expanded across the University. http://apps.rit.edu/fa/ritchieslist/
GREEN BUILDING
GREEN BUILDING POLICY
42) Does your school have a formal green building policy?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to the full policy, if available: All qualified recently constructed building must be LEED Silver certified at the minimum. Buildings whose design prohibits realization of the prerequisites must be, wherever possible, completed to LEED Certified specification.
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
43) Please indicate LEED-certified buildings.
[# 1 ] Total number of LEED-certified buildings.
[ 42,956 sq ft] Certified-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST)
[ sq ft] Silver-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Gold-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Platinum-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
44) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED certification criteria but are not certified.
[# 1 ] Total number of buildings that meet LEED criteria
[ sq ft] Certified-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Silver-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Gold-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ 53,000 sq ft] Platinum-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: University Services Center Building, pending LEED certification with credits accumulated to receive LEED Platinum.
45) Please indicate buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# ] Total number of ENERGY STAR buildings. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
RENOVATIONS AND RETROFITS
46) Please indicate LEED-EB certified buildings.
[# ] Total number of LEED-EB certified buildings. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
47) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED-EB certification criteria but are not certified.
[# 1 ] Total number of buildings that meet LEED-EB criteria but are not certified. Please list building names: Center of Bioscience and Technology
[ 54,000 sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
48) Please indicate renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# ] Total number of renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
49) What energy-efficiency technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, motion sensors, ambient light sensors, T5 lighting, LED lighting, timers, laundry technology)?
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of maintained building space have been retrofitted with motion sensors; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data).
- Replaced low efficiency incandescent lights with high efficiency fluorescent lights and light ballasts in approximately 70% of building space.
- Installed over 300 Variable Speed Drives to reduce electrical consumption of large electric motors.
- Converted 60 fume hoods to DDC system to modulate air flow in reference to a sash position.
- Implemented variable discharge air setpoint base on the status of heating and cooling requests in each building equipped with VAV systems.
- Installed new DDC automation in approximately 90% of campus office space, classrooms and auditoriums.
- Added motion sensors to control lights and HVAC in about 50% of campus classrooms and offices.
- Started program of V-belt replacement and installed Gates belts to eliminate power loss of large motors due to sheave seepage.
- Installed several BTU Meters to better understand building thermal profiles and their needs at different times of the year.
- Installed energy recovery systems to lower energy demand in a building equipped with multiple fume hoods.
- Implemented ‘daylight harvesting’ in three buildings.
- Converted approximately 85% of fixed volume air flow systems to variable volume responding to space demand.
- Exit lights were converted to LED or compact fluorescent. .
- Existing old boiler plants are being centralized to improve incremental efficiency.
- Upgraded Campus walkways with high efficiency lights
- New Preventive Maintenance System was implemented to assure proper care of HVAC equipment
- Institute added ‘Floating Holidays’ that allow significant reduction of energy during Institute’s closeout time.
- Implemented energy policy with goal to maintain nationally recognized temperature standards of approximately 68 degrees in the heating season and 75 degrees in the cooling season in Institute classrooms and offices.
- At President’s residence, which is used for numerous university and community events:
- replacement of incandescent lighting with fluorescents;
- multiple zoned thermostats with energy-saving settings that reflect actual use of the space;
- significant reduction in pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilizer in landscaping;
- Reduction/elimination of disposables (plastics and bottled water) at events at President’s residence;
- composting of all food waste;
- Diversion of votive candles used at events from the waste stream
- replacement of chlorine-based pool maintenance with a Chlor-Free system;
- a full energy audit is currently being conducted. The implementation of findings is expected to result in significant savings.
50) What water-conservation technologies have you installed in existing buildings (e.g., low-flow faucets, low-flow showerheads, waterless urinals, dual-flush toilets, gray water systems, laundry technology)?
For each technology, please indicate the number and type of fixtures installed, and the number of buildings in which those fixtures are installed. If possible, include either the percentage of the overall campus fixtures each type represents or the percentage of overall maintained building space that has been renovated with the technology (e.g., 20 buildings representing 10 percent of the maintained building space have been retrofitted with low-flow faucets; thus, 10 percent of the total maintained building space in square feet would be the desired data).
A number of these technologies have been used throughout campus. However, we have no fixture inventory at this time, so we are unable to provide this level of information.
51) What percentage of your institution's non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is diverted from landfills?
[ 50-75 %]
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES
52) Are there any sustainability-themed residential communities or housing options at your school?
[ X ] No, but see below
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below.
Name of program: Type of community (e.g., hall, building, house):
Number of students involved:
Additional details: An Energy competition was conducted in several Greek community houses last year, as well as one residence hall. This program was initiated to increase awareness of energy usage and ways to reduce that usage. Several fraternities and sororities participated. The program will be expanded this year and eco-reps will be established for each building.
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
53) Does a portion of your new student orientation specifically cover sustainability?
[ ] No
[X ] Yes. Please describe how sustainability is incorporated (e.g., information sessions, green tour): The Source handbook, which is provided to all new students, includes a section on the importance of sustainability and some strategies for students to reduce their carbon footprints. The RIT New Student Survival Guide, which is mailed to all first year and transfer students in May, includes a section about the importance of proper recycling habits. All incoming freshmen will be provided with BPA-free mugs so they can take advantage of discounts in our dining halls for bringing their own mug instead of using disposable cups.
INTERNSHIPS/OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
54) Does your school offer on-campus office-based sustainability internships or jobs for students?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please provide number of students and average number of hours worked weekly per student:
[# 2 ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: 20-40 hours
[# ] Unpaid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
In addition, we have a multitude of student volunteers that work to promote sustainable activities and practices. For example, volunteer students and faculty work together to collect items for our electronics recycle days. In our program to reduce energy usage in some of our residential facilities, a house sustainability leader worked with others in his/her area to promote this competition and teach others.
55) Does your school have residence hall Eco-Reps or other similar programs to promote behavioral change on campus?
[ X ] No, but a proposal to implement an eco rep program was initiated last year. It is currently on hold, pending funding.
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below, and indicate URL if available:
[# ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[# ] Positions that award academic credit. Average hours worked weekly per student:
[# ] Uncompensated positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
56) Does your school have active student-run organizations devoted to sustainability efforts on campus?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please provide total number of active organizations, names of organizations, a brief description of each, and URLs, if available:
Student Environmental Action League (SEAL) (www.rit.edu/seal)
Get RIT Environmental Education Now (GREEN)
Engineers for a Sustainable World (http://www.rit.edu/sg/esw/photos/)
Society of Plastics Engineers (http://campuslife.rit.edu/main/clubs/all)
RITVeg (http://campuslife.rit.edu/main/clubs/all)
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES AND COMPETITIONS
57) Does your school organize any sustainability challenges/competitions for your campus and/or with other colleges?
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please list details for all competitions.
Name of competition: Greeks go Green
Year initiated: 2009
Frequency of competition: annually
Participants: varies
Incentives: Mostly a “fun” competition. Winners received green cleaning products
Goal of competition: Promote sustainable living among students
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced: 3% reduction overall
Lasting effects of competition: Increased environmental awareness
Website: http://www.rit.edu/fa/ritgreen/housing.html
Name of competition: Recylemania
Year initiated: 2007/2008 (RIT’s first participation)
Frequency of competition: annually
Participants: Entire campus
Incentives: Events held during the event to encourage and inform students. Raffles and food give-a-ways.
Goal of competition: Reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as possible.
Website: http://facilities.rit.edu/aboutus/departments/recycling/events/mania.html
Name of competition: Imagine RIT (Although this is an innovation festival, not a sustainability competition, there were several displays that highlighted sustainability, recycling and ‘green cleaning’ technology
Year initiated: 2008
Frequency of competition: Annually
Participants: Campus and Community Members
Incentives: School pride
Goal of competition: One example was a bicycle generated smoothie maker. Participants could pedal a bike, which powered a blender, and produced a fruit smoothie. The competition was in the time it took to produce the final product.
Website: http://www.rit.edu/imagine/
Name of competition: Green Vehicle Challenge
Year initiated: 2009
Frequency of competition: (?)
Participants: Several University departments
Incentives: Antique Banjo from President’s collection or $1,000
Goal of competition: Create a vehicle that uses the least amount of energy.
Website: http://www.rit.edu/imagine/videos.php?file=green_vehicle_june2009
Name of competition: Environmental Jeopardy
Year initiated: 2008-09
Frequency of competition:
Participants: Hosted by Student Environmental Action League
Incentives: Nominal gifts
Name of competition: Project Runway
Year initiated: 2008
Frequency of competition: Annually
Participants: Hosted by Student Environmental Action League
Incentives: Nominal gifts
TRANSPORTATION
CAMPUS MOTOR FLEET
58) How many vehicles are in your institution's fleet?
[# 84 ]
59) Please list the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in each class.
[# 4 ] Hybrid. Please list makes and models: 2-Toyota Prius; 1-Toyota Camry Hybrid; 1-Ford Escape Hybrid
[# 3 ] Electric. Please describe type of vehicles: 3-GEM cars
[# 2 ] Biodiesel. Please describe type of vehicles and list biodiesel blend(s) used: 1-Chevy Silverado (B-20); 1-Ford E350 Van (B-20)
[# 6 ] Other. Please describe: 3-Ford Escape Hydrogen; 2-Dodge Grand Caravan FlexFuel; 1-Chevy Impala FlexFuel
60) What is the average GHG emission rate per passenger mile of your institution's motorized fleet?
[# ] pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per passenger mile traveled. This question will be accurately answered only after GHG emission inventory, currently being worked, is completed.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
61) Does your school offer incentives for carpooling?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ X ] No, but this is being actively considered.
[ ] Yes. Please describe details of the program including the type of the incentive and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students):
62) Does your school offer public transportation subsidies?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe the program including the size of the discount (as a percent of full price) and eligible community members (e.g., faculty, staff, students): In order to increase the frequency of public transportation stops on campus, RIT has subsidized the local transportation authority to provide seven additional trips to campus to service the RIT community. All faculty, staff and students are eligible to ride this subsidized transportation. However, there is no discounted fare. The subsidy applies to bringing the buses on campus more often. RIT also fully subsidizes a shuttle service to/from a nearby apartment complex with 900+ beds. There is no cost to the RIT community riders of this transportation.
63) Does your school provide free transportation around campus?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[X ] Yes. Please describe: On-campus shuttle service from apartments to campus and vice-versa from 7:30 am to 1:30 am to all RIT faculty, staff and students.
64) Does your school operate a free transportation shuttle to local off-campus destinations?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe: Weekday evenings and all-day weekend off-campus shuttles to local retail and entertainment locations.
BICYCLE PROGRAM
65) Does your school offer a bicycle-sharing/rental program or bicycle repair services?
[ ] No
[ X* ] Yes. Please provide details below. * In process
Year created: 2009. Student group is expected to implement a program this Fall.
Number of bikes available: TBD
Fees for participation: TBD
Repair services provided: TBD
CAR-SHARING PROGRAM
66) Does your school partner with a car-sharing program?
[ X] No
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below.
Year created:
Total number of vehicles:
Number of hybrid vehicles:
Fee for membership:
PLANNING
67) Does your school have policies that support a pedestrian-friendly or bike-friendly campus (e.g., in the school's master plan, a policy prohibiting vehicles from the center of campus)?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[ X ] Yes. Please describe: The University’s master plan was recently revised and emphasis was placed on the reduction of deliveries to pedestrian areas in the center of campus. RIT has also identified a main pedestrian walkway (called the Quarter Mile). No vehicles are allowed on this walkway and this is enforced for the safety of the pedestrians. RIT has also identified bicycle-friendly routes through campus and is currently developing additional bicycle-friendly paths and parking. RIT also has fire gates in place to prevent vehicles from entering the center of campus where pedestrian and bicycle traffic is heavy.
68) What percentage of individuals commute to campus via environmentally preferable transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling, carpooling, using public transit)?
[ 12.5 %] RIT has a total population of approximately 18,000. Approximately 7,000 students live on campus. Of the remainder, approximately 1,500 commute to campus via environmentally preferable means. This gives a result of 13.6%. If the “on-campus” residents were factored into this calculation, the percentage increases to over 40%.
STATISTICS
69) Campus setting:
[ ] Rural
[ X] Suburban
[ ] Urban
[ ] Other. Please describe:
70) Total number of buildings: [# 245 ]
71) Combined gross square footage of all buildings: [# 5,375,025 ]
72) Full-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 13,501 ]
73) Part-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 2,993 ]
74) Part-time enrollment as a proportion to a full-time course load: [# 998 ]
75) Percent of full-time students that live on campus: [ 42.7 %]
Questions 76-87 are for informational purposes only; responses will NOT be included in the Report Card evaluation process.
OTHER AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGAGEMENT
Please mark an "X" next to each item that applies to your institution.
76) Outdoors club: [ X ] Cycling Club, Electric Bike Club, Alpine Ski and Snowboard Club, Equestrian Club, RIT Kite Flying Society, Sailing club; Ultimate Frisbee; Human Powered Vehicle Team, Running Club, Sailing Club, Scuba Club, and others.
77) Disposable water bottle ban: [ ]
78) Participation in Recyclemania: [ X]
79) Student trustee position: [ ]
80) Environmental science/studies major: [ X ]
81) Environmental science/studies minor or concentration: [ X ]
82) Graduate-level environmental program: [ X ]
83) Student green fee: [ ]
84) Alumni green fund: [ ]
85) Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects: [ ]
86) Campus garden or farm: [ X ]
87) Single-stream recycling: [X ]
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