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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: Jacek Ghosh
Title: VCU Director of Sustainability
Date survey submitted: July 22, 2009
ADMINISTRATION
SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
1) Does your school have its own formal sustainability policy?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe and provide URL, if available: VCU Statement on Sustainability:
Sustainability is the goal of maintaining a good quality of life for those who presently experience it, while expanding that quality of life to those who lack it; understanding and respecting the needs of future generations and the limits of natural systems within which quality human lives are necessarily embedded and dependent.
Sustainability includes, but is not limited to:
- The recognition of threats to the climate system inherent within the continued introduction of carbon into the atmosphere by human activity, especially through carbon-based energy production and consumption; necessitating action to reduce human carbon footprints, both at the individual, community and institutional levels.
- The identification and reduction of negative impacts from human activity upon human health (e.g., air and water pollution, other exposures to hazardous substances — both long-term and immediate, stress impacts, etc.).
- The identification and reduction of negative impacts from human activity upon ecosystem health (e.g., lost habitat, biodiversity, ecosystem function, etc.).
- The recognition of the finite nature of our resource base; necessitating the reduction, reuse and recycling of materials, the identification and development of renewable resources, and increased efficiency in our use of all resources.
- On-going dialogue among experts, lay-people, leaders and citizens for the purpose of learning more about the nature of these challenges, both from a technical and a human value-based perspective.
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: GHG Report submitted on March 5 ’09: Sightlines/CA-CP Calculator submitted on May 28 ’09. http://acupcc.aashe.org/ghg-report.php?id=753
3) Has your institution signed the Talloires Declaration?
[ ] No
[x] Yes in 1991. www.ulsf.org/programs_talloires_signatories.html#US
4) Is there a sustainability component in your institution's master plan and/or strategic plan (check all that apply)?
] No When
[ x ] Yes, in the master plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: The current VCU 2020 Master plan identified sustainability and green construction as one of its tenants and goals. The VCU Climate Action Plan will be appended to VCU 2020 Master Plan when it’s completed in May 2010.
[ ] Yes, in the strategic plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available:
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: VCU Sustainability Committee
Number of meetings:
VCU Sustainability Committee - 4 -11/17/08; 2/3/09; 4/7/09; 6/30/09
Administration Sub-Committee - 3 - 1/6/09; 3/26/09; 5/5/09
Climate Action Plan Sub-Committee - 5 - 12/10/08; 3/19/08; 4/16/09; 5/21/09; 6/18/09
Education, Research & Community Engagement Sub-Committee - 3 - 1/23/09; 3/18/09; 4/29/09
Waste, Foodservice & Transportation Sub-Committee - 3 - 11/11/08; 3/3/09; 6/5/09
7) Please provide number of stakeholder representatives on the committee. Total – 42. See attached list of VCU Sustainability Committee members.
[#17] Administrators
[# 7] Faculty
[#10] Staff
[# 8] Students
[# 0] Other. Please describe:
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):
Position(s) (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, student):
VCU Sustainability Committee
Name of Chairs:
Co-chair, Dr. Stephen D. Gottfredson, Provost & VP for Academic Affairs Position: Administrator
Co-chair, Mr. John M. Bennett, Senior VP for Finance & Administration Position: Administrator
Administration Sub-Committee
Name of Chair: Mr. Ed Bennett , Exec Dir of PPD/Deputy for FM Position: Administrator
Climate Action Plan Sub-Committee
Name of Chair: Mr. Carl Beckelheimer, Energy Manager Position: Staff
Education, Research & Community Engagement Sub-Committee
Name of Chair: Dr. Jacqueline McDonnough, Asst. Prof School of Education Position: Faculty
Waste, Foodservice & Transportation Sub-Committee
Name of Chairs:
Co-chair, Mr. Tom Diehl, Director of Recreational Sports Position: Administrator
Co-chair, Ms. Tamara Highsmith, Dining Sales & Services Manager Position: Staff
9) To whom does the committee report (e.g., president, vice president)? Dr. Michael Rao, President
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:
Goal: Completion of VCU GHG emissions inventory by May 2009 per Presidents Climate Commitment.
Goal: Establish a baseline year of GHG emissions at VCU and set a date for eventual carbon neutrality, i.e., no net emissions.
Goal: Develop a Statement of Sustainability for VCU.
Goal: Completion of VCU Climate Action Plan by May 2010.
Issue: Institute-wide purchase of at least 30% recycled content paper and paper products.
Issue: Reduction of unnecessary printing of e-mails.
Issue: Increase VCU Shareholder Engagement per Green Report Card.
Issue: Begin to develop sustainability curriculum for VCU students.
Progress made on each of these issues since August 2008:
Completed VCU GHG emissions inventory in March 2009 and posted on AASHE website.
Established the baseline year of VCU GHG emissions as 2008 and set a goal of no net emissions by 2050 - Climate Action Plan Sub-Committee.
Developed a Statement of Sustainability for VCU - Education, Research & Community Engagement Sub-Committee.
Issued a RFP to retain a consultant team to assist the VCU Sustainability Committee in developing a Climate Action Plan by May 2010 - Climate Action Plan Sub-Committee.
Policy instituted to promote purchase of at least 30% recycled content paper by VCU Office of Procurement & Payment - Administration Sub-Committee and Waste, Foodservice & Transportation Sub-Committee.
Policy instituted to offer sustainability e-mail taglines by VCU Technology Services - Administration Sub-Committee and Waste, Foodservice & Transportation Sub-Committee.
Recommendation made to VCU Endowment to consider allowing a university committee to provide recommendations to the Endowments’ investment managers for proxy items that are considered social or environmental issues - Administration Sub-Committee.
Developed Green Footprint sustainability survey that will be administered to incoming freshman in Focused Inquiry class in Fall 2009 – Education, Research & Community Engagement Sub-Committee.
Customize “VCU Goes Green” logo for units wanting their own logo eg., “VCU Works Green: for Facilities Management or VCU Lives Green” for Residential Life & Housing - Administration Sub-Committee.
VCU Sustainability Committee is integral part of university-wide initiative, VCU Year of the Environment (2009/2010).
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.
[# 2] Number of full-time staff (in FTE). Titles: Director of Sustainability, Sustainability Coordinator
[# ] Number of part-time staff (in FTE). Titles: [ ]
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
[x] No reports to Executive Director of Physical Plant/Deputy for Facilities Management
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
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): Department of Environmental Conservation established in March 2001. Energy Manager hired in August 2007. Director of Sustainability hired in July 2008.
WEBSITE
14) Does your school have a website detailing its sustainability initiatives?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please provide URL:
Sustainability www.vcugoesgreen.vcu.edu
Recycling www.vcu.edu/recycling/index.html
Surplus Property www.fmd.vcu.edu/fmdsurplus/fmdsurplus.htm
Energy www.fmd.vcu.edu/energyoverview.pdf
Dining Services www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSMA/VirginiaCommonwealth/Sustainability
www.campusdish.com/NR/rdonlyres/43E53247-B7AB-4FDA-8CB7-B701D676B57F/61197/market_810.pdf
Parking &Transportation www.bsv.vcu.edu/vcupark/Transportation.htm
Procurement & Payment www.vcu.edu/procurement/fafeb09.pdf
www.vcu.edu/procurement/famay09.pdf
www.vcu.edu/procurement/fajul09.pdf
Stuart C. Siegel Center www.siegelcenter.com/index1.php
VCU Rice Center www.vcu.edu/rice
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: VCU policy mandates the: reduction of the release of toxic substances; minimization of the discharge of pollutants into the environment; maximization of the use of recycled content and materials composed of sustainably managed renewable resources; maximization of the use of equipment that is durable; and maximization of the use of remanufactured components and energy star products should be purchased when available.
As a Tier III institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia, VCU complies with the following section in the “Rules” document for procurement. § 22. Preference for recycled paper and paper products used by the Institution. A. In determining the award of any contract for paper and paper products to be purchased for use by the Institution, it shall competitively procure recycled paper and paper products of a quality suitable for the purpose intended, so long as the price is not more than 10% greater than the price of the low responsive and responsible bidder or offeror offering a product that does not qualify under subsection
B. For purposes of this section, recycled paper and paper products means any paper or paper products meeting the EPA Recommended Content Standards as defined in 40 C.F.R. Part 247.
16) Does your school purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products?
[ ] No
[x] Some. Please describe: VCU policy mandates purchase of ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment for all classifications for which an Energy Star designation is available.
[ ] All
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: VCU policy mandates the purchase of only recycled paper and paper products except where equipment limitations or the nature of the document preclude the use of recycled paper.
[ ] All. Please describe:
18) Does your school purchase Green Seal, Environmental Choice certified, or biorenewable cleaning products?
[ ] No
[ ] Some. Please describe: VCU custodial providers currently purchase “green” cleaning products.
[ x] All. Please describe: VCU Green Cleaning Policy is currently being developed to LEED-GBOM standards. Current Green Seal Certified products used by Housekeeping include:
Stride Citrus HC – neutral cleaner
Alpha HP – multi-surface cleaner
Crew – bathroom cleaner & scale remover
Glance – non-ammoniated glass cleaner
Heavy Duty Prespray Plus – carpet care
Shampoo – carpet care
Aquaria – floor finish
Freedom SC – floor stripper
Other products used by Housekeeping that comply with Green Seal criteria are:
JonStone – daily cleaner
Alpha HP – bathroom disinfectant cleaner
Good sense HC – odor counteractant
Virex II – one-step disinfectant
Spitfire NB – non-butyl spray & wipe cleaner
Extraction Rinse SC – carpet care
19) Are your school's computer/electronics purchase decisions made in accordance with standards such as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)?
[x] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[ ] 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)?
[ ] No
[x] Some. Please describe: at the Walter L. Rice Education Building– first certified LEED Platinum Building in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In the normal course of grounds maintenance, pesticides that meet the standards for organic crop production are used whenever practical and available.
[ ] 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.
[ ] In progress. Please describe status and provide estimated completion date:
[x] 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: Scope 1 (37,147) + Scope 2 (76,043) + Scope 3 (23,585) = 136,775
2007: Scope 1 (36,183) + Scope 2 (67,832) + Scope 3 (26,724) = 130,739
2006: Scope 1 (35,296) + Scope 2 (72,359) + Scope 3 (24,613) = 132,268
2005: Scope 1 (34,407) + Scope 2 (69,237) + Scope 3 (22,584) = 126,228 URL:http://acupcc.aashe.org/ghg-report.php?id=753
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?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please list details.
Reduction level: No net GHG emissions by 2050
Baseline year: 2008
Target date: 2050
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?
[x] No Baseline year is 2008. VCU Climate Action Plan will be completed by May 15, 2010. The Plan will establish interim GHG reduction goals.
[ ] Yes. Please list details.
Percentage reduced: N/A
Baseline year: 2008
Date achieved: N/A
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: Average over last three years is 1,912 cooling degrees per annum.
Heating degree days average over the past three years: Average over last three years is 3,707 heating degrees per annum.
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: 20.4
2007: 21.4
2006: 22.0
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: 4.62
2007: 4.42
2006: 4.68
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)?
Lighting retrofits to largest twenty buildings
Recommissioned Siegel Center Ice Plant so it is fully operational
Installation of LED Lighting technology
Installation of room occupancy sensors
Steam trap and control valve replacements
Installation of steam meters on MCV campus
Installation of economizers on MCV campus Steam Plant
Installation of variable frequency drive boilers in MCV campus Steam Plant
Modified set points for cooling campus-wide
Established winter set point of 70F
Installed time clocks to turn off hot water heaters on Monroe Park campus when building unoccupied
Heat recovery for 100% outside air buildings
HVAC controls upgrades
Installation of variable frequency drives
Cross connecting small district chill water plants
CO2 monitoring control
Installed 20 outdoor air thermostats on small boilers on Monroe Park campus (68F limit)
Upgraded and/or added controls and sub-meters to boilers, chillers, pumps and air handling units to enhance load shedding.
Participate in Demand Response Program resulting in FY 08 Fuel Cost of Reduction of $1,007,713 thereby avoiding GHG emissions of 25,051,745 lbs of CO2e (or 11,363.4 MTCO2e).
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: Notice of VCU Semester Break (16 days in 2009/2010) by VCU TelegRam with reminder to turn off and/or unplug all plug-in loads, etc. for the Semester Break period. Use the TelegRam to tell the campus community about cooling and heating setpoints. The Residence Halls conduct contests where the Residence Hall with the least utility usage earns a pizza party. In conjunction with Recyclemania residence hall also conduct a similar contest.
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:
Walter L. Rice Education Center – certified LEED Platinum building – Sanyo Model HIP-195BA3 – 18 solar panels – total area 456.72 SF
Stuart C. Siegel Center – PV Solar Trash Compactor
Shafer Court Dining Center - PV Solar Trash Compactor
BigBelly Solar Trash Compactors
30) Does your school have solar hot water systems?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please specify number of systems and total BTUs generated annually, if available: One solar thermal system at Ginter House. The Heliodyne Solar Hot Water system generates 12,730 kBTU per annum providing approximately 77% of required annual energy.
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. Walter L. Rice Education Center
Date of most recent contract: 2008/09
Quantity (kWh): 45,094 kWh of Green-e Certified Clean Source energy from Renewable Choice Energy representing a 70% offset for 2 years.
Percentage of your total electric energy use that it represents:
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: 2008 - 401,678 MMBTU
34) Please list each fuel source (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil) and the percent of overall BTUs derived from that source: 2008 - Natural 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. See attached Virginia Green Restaurant Profile: Market 810 at Shafer Court Dining Center
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)
[ x ] Other. Please list: Scrap metal, wood, e-waste.
37) Diversion rate: [26.62%] 2008
During 2008 VCU recycled the following: www.vcu.edu/recycling/facts.html
Paper 594 tons
Cardboard 250 tons
Scrap Metal 137 tons
Wood Pallets 15 tons
Computers & Electronics 34 tons
Aluminum, Glass & Plastic Containers 26 tons
RECYCLING OF ELECTRONIC WASTE
38) Does your institution have an electronics recycling program?
[ ] No
[x] 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 (& Ballasts and batteries)
[ x] Printer cartridges
[ x] Other E-waste. Please list: Computers, printers, and peripherals
Toner Cartridges
Amount of e-waste recycled in 2008 was 34 tons.
COMPOSTING (ASIDE FROM DINING FACILITIES)
39) What percentage of your campus's landscaping waste is composted or mulched?
[0 %]
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: Move out at end of academic year coordinated by Department of Environmental Conservation to maximize reuse and recycling. VCU’s Surplus Property department runs a reuse program to encourage VCU staff and faculty to shop with them before purchasing new office furniture.
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 new construction and renovations exceeding 5,000 SF must be at least LEED Silver .
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
43) Please indicate LEED-certified buildings.
[#1] Total number of LEED-certified buildings.
[5,800 sq ft] Certified-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Walter L. Rice Education Building certified March 27, 2009
[ sq ft] Silver-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Gold-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[5,800 sq ft] Platinum-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Walter L. Rice Education Building Budget: $2.6M First LEED-Platinum building in Commonwealth of Virginia. See attached Walter L. Rice Education Building: Fact Sheet.
44) Please indicate buildings that meet LEED certification criteria but are not certified.
[# 6] Total number of buildings that meet LEED criteria
[129,000 sq ft] Certified-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
Molecular Medicine Research Building 125,000 SF
VA Department of Games & Fisheries Building 4,000 SF
[257,730 sq ft] Silver-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
Monroe Park Campus Cary Street Recreation Center 114,520 SF
MCV Campus Recreation and Aquatic Center 33,210 SF
W. J. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. School of Dentistry Building 55,000 SF
School of Engineering - Health and Life Sciences Laboratory 25,000 SF
[ sq ft] Gold-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Platinum-level criteria met, but not certified (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
45) Please indicate buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# 0] 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.
[# 0] 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.
[# 0] Total number of buildings that meet LEED-EB criteria but are not certified. Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Combined gross square footage.
48) Please indicate renovated buildings that are ENERGY STAR labeled.
[# 0] 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).
· Installation of 200 room occupancy sensors, primarily in office’s and conference rooms.
· Steam trap repair and replacement based on a previous year’s survey. Replace steam traps in multiple buildings on the MCV Campus.
· Steam trap surveys in two additional buildings. Trap replacement for these buildings are scheduled for completion prior to this year’s heating season.
· Solar hot water project. Solar collectors installed for conversion of the domestic hot water in the Ginter House.
· Conversion of Strauss Labs, McAdams House and the auditorium in Trani life Sciences scheduled for conversion to LED lighting. This was scheduled for completion in FY 2009, but due to material shortages will not be completed until later this year.
· Steam Plant, new economizers installed on each boiler.
· Steam plant fuel procurement. A program is in place to purchase natural gas at the wellhead. Changing from #2 fuel oil, to natural gas as our primary fuel source. Still using #2 fuel oil as our back-up fuel source.
· Replaced aging pressure reducing station on the distribution system serving the MCV campus.
· Engineering study to place a small photovoltaic system on the steam plant. Project is moving ahead and scheduled for completion early in FY 2010.
· Purchased a flex-fuel vehicle for PPD.
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).
VCU has 13 Residence Halls housing 4,900 students. In select Halls the following water-conservation technologies have been installed:
Low-flow toilet – Brandt, Cary & Belvidere, GRC I, West Grace (partial).
Low-flow shower - Brandt, Cary & Belvidere, West Grace (partial).
Motion-sensor toilet - Brandt, Cary & Belvidere.
Motion-sensor lavatory – Brandt, Cary & Belvidere.
Front-load clothes washer – Brandt (partial).
Low flow faucets are the campus standard and are installed in all restrooms.
Low-flow shower heads are the campus standard and are installed in all shower areas.
Waterless urinals were installed in the W. J. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. Building.
The Walter L. Rice Education Building includes the following:
Captured rainwater/grey water for urinals & water closets
1.1 gpm toilets, except where near classrooms which are dual flush
0.5 gpm lavatory sinks
1.5 gpm shower heads
2.0 gpm kitchen sinks
On-site wastewater treatment
51) What percentage of your institution's non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is diverted from landfills? Beginning in February ’08 VCU Facilities Management has an agreement with VCU Renovations to recycle any construction and demolition debris from demolition projects taking place on the VCU campus. The types of construction related debris and materials to be dumped can include but not be limited to carpet, bricks, concrete, cardboard, drywall, furnishings, all metals, paper, plastics, (including 5 Gallon Buckets), wood/pallets (except for treated lumber), etc. Other non-C&D items are okay as long as they are not hazardous (for example. insulation, ceiling tiles, etc). http://blog.vcu.edu/recycling/2009/02/vcu_facilities_partner_with_gi.html.
[ 70 %] In the six months of the new C&D diversion program approximately 70% of C&D waste is diverted from the landfill.
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES
52) Are there any sustainability-themed residential communities or housing options at your school?
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please provide details below.
Name of program: Sustainability Learning Curriculum. See attached VCU Residential Life & Housing: Sustainability Learning Curriculum and Monthly Lesson Plans 2008/2009
Type of community (e.g., hall, building, house): Brandt Hall & Rhoads Hall
Number of students involved: Brandt Hall capacity is 624 students. Rhoads Hall capacity is 697 students.
Additional details:33 RAs in both Halls are involved with the Sustainability Learning Curriculum.
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): Waste/Recycling has a table at the orientation program.
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 Campus Sustainability Internships working for the VCU Director of Sustainability @ 10 – 15 hours/week
[# 2] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: 10 – 15 hours per week
[# ] Unpaid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student:
55) Does your school have residence hall Eco-Reps or other similar programs to promote behavioral change on campus?
[x] No
[ ] 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:
VCU Student Government Association (SGA) – Director of Green Affairs -http://vcusga.com/page.php?page_id=114262
Green Unity 4 VCU – Facebook
Student Gardening Association – Andrew Alli on Facebook
Students for Social Action - http://blog.vcu.edu/honors/2008/03/students_for_social_action.html
Vegan-Vegetarian Students
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: RecycleMania
Year initiated: 2008
Frequency of competition: Second Year
Participants: 30,786
Incentives: Friendly competition among universities
Goal of competition: Minimize waste
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced: 29.24% or 486,518 pounds (243.3 tons) of waste diverted
Lasting effects of competition: Increased recycling
Website: http://blog.vcu.edu/recycling/
TRANSPORTATION
CAMPUS MOTOR FLEET
58) How many vehicles are in your institution's fleet?
[# 182]
59) Please list the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in each class.
[# 1] Hybrid. Please list makes and models: Ford Escape
[# 2] Electric. Please describe type of vehicles: Vantage International Electric Trucks
[# 0] Biodiesel. Please describe type of vehicles and list biodiesel blend(s) used:
[#13] Other. Please describe:
E85 1 Dodge Durango
Flex-Fuel 1 Chevy HR
60) What is the average GHG emission rate per passenger mile of your institution's motorized fleet?
[# 1.40] pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per passenger mile traveled. In 2008 the VCU Fleet consumed 33,836 gallons of gasoline and 119,954 gallons of diesel fuel. The total fleet (gasoline and diesel) GHG emissions was1,512 MTCO2e. Assuming 22.1 mpg for gasoline and 11 mpg for diesel fuel and 1.15 passenger per vehicle, the average pound of CO2e per passenger mile traveled was 1.40.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
61) Does your school offer incentives for carpooling?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[x] No Reduced parking fees for carpool vehicles currently being developed.
[ ] 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): Full time undergraduate and graduate students are allowed to ride all of the Greater Richmond Transit Authority’s (GRTC) buses for FREE.
The VCU Employee Transit Program provides participants with six $25 bus passes quarterly ($600 worth of GRTC bus passes per year) for any GRTC bus. Participation in the Program allows participants to pay $25 per 24 pay periods through pre-tax payroll deductions.
63) Does your school provide free transportation around campus?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe:
· The VCU Campus Connector provides transportation service between the Monroe Park campus and the MCV Campus.
· VCU Medical Center Route provides complimentary transportation.
· VCU Medical Center Evening Route provides complimentary transportation throughout the MCV Campus and to the MCV Campus parking facilities.
· VCU Sanger Express Route – A Lot provides complimentary transportation to the A Lot.
· VCU Sanger Express Route – C Lot provides complimentary transportation to the C Lot.
http://www.bsv.vcu.edu/vcupark/Transit.htm
The VCU transportation system has provided approximately one million rides during the last year.
64) Does your school operate a free transportation shuttle to local off-campus destinations?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[x] Yes. Please describe: The student transit pass allows the holder to ride for free on any GRTC bus.
BICYCLE PROGRAM
65) Does your school offer a bicycle-sharing/rental program or bicycle repair services?
[x] No No need to offer a bike repair service given that two bike repair services are located on campus or adjacent to the campus i.e., Pibby’s Bicycle Repair (731 W. Marshall St) and Bunnyhop Bicycle Shop (918 W. Grace St). VCU Residential Life & Housing donates bicycles left by students at year’s end to neighborhood charities.
[ ] Yes. Please provide details below.
Year created:
Number of bikes available:
Fees for participation:
Repair services provided:
CAR-SHARING PROGRAM
66) Does your school partner with a car-sharing program?
[ ] No
[ x] Yes. Please provide details below. People can request to lease VCU vehicles online. www.bsv.vcu.edu/vcupark/VehicleRequestForm.pdf
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: VCU has recently installed customized racks for 20 mopeds/scooters on the Monroe Park campus and bicycle racks for over 2,000 bicycles on both the Monroe Park campus and the MCV campus . www.fmd.vcu.edu/scooterrack.pdf
The VCU 2020 Master Plan locates structured parking on the perimeter of campus in order to minimize traffic flow through the center of campus and encourage more pedestrian movement through the campus.
VCU works in cooperation with the City of Richmond on select street closures to promote both safety and community connectivity.
68) What percentage of individuals commute to campus via environmentally preferable transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling, carpooling, using public transit)?
[ 52.3 %] VCU Survey Evaluation Research Lab conducted a student commuter survey for the period of October ’08 to February ’09 with the following results:
Live on campus 13.5%
Walk to campus 23.1%
Ride a bicycle to campus 7.0%
Carpool with others in a private vehicle 2.8%
Commute using public transportation 5.9%
Sub-Total 52.3%
Commute in own vehicle 47.8%
STATISTICS
69) Campus setting:
[ ] Rural
[ ] Suburban
[x] Urban
[ ] Other. Please describe:
70) Total number of buildings: [#186] 2008
71) Combined gross square footage of all buildings: [# 6,689,763 ] 2008
72) Full-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 27,306] 2008
73) Part-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate): [# 4,601] 2008
74) Part-time enrollment as a proportion to a full-time course load: [# 17 %] assuming ratio of part-time students to full time students. 4,601 PT students = 2,301 full-time equivalent students.
75) Percent of full-time students that live on campus: [ 27%]
During 2008/2009 six VCU staff passed the LEED AP certification exam. Previously, VCU did not have any certified LEED AP staff.
During 2008/2009 two VCU staff passed the Carbon Reduction Manager (CRM) certification exam. At the time (August 2008) there were only 22 certified CRMs in the country.
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] VCU Student Gardening Association
77) Disposable water bottle ban: [x] Commonwealth of Virginia Executive Order # 82 (2009) – Greening of State Government states that “no agency or institution shall procure water in individual serving-sized containers made of plastic except for use in emergencies or for safety and health reasons”. www.naturalresources.virginia.gov/documents/EO82.PDF.
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: [x] voluntary
84) Alumni green fund: [ ]
85) Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects: [ ]
86) Campus garden or farm: [ ]
87) Single-stream recycling: [ ]
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