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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: Anthony Dawson
Title: Auxiliary Services Director
Date survey submitted: 7/16/2009
ADMINISTRATION
SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
1) Does your school have its own formal sustainability policy?
[ ] No
[X] Yes. Please describe and provide URL, if available:
The President’s Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee (ESAC)
Formed in 2005, this committee is composed of faculty, staff and students who advise the President on ways the College can interact with and address environmental concerns. Members of the committee implement environmentally responsible initiatives within their areas of responsibility. See below for an inventory of initiatives we’ve undertaken.
2) Has the president of your institution signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)?
[X] No
[ ] Yes. If completed, please provide the date the GHG Report was submitted to the ACUPCC:
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
[ ] Yes, in the master plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available:
[X] Yes, in the strategic plan. Please describe and provide URL, if available: Please see the Inventory, included below.
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: Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee (ESAC)
Number of meetings: 2 all-committee meetings, multiple sub-group meetings
7) Please provide number of stakeholder representatives on the committee.
[2] Administrators
[2 ] Faculty
[4] Staff
[3 ] Students
[1] Other. Please describe: Food Service Contractor General Manager
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): Anthony Dawson
Position(s) (e.g., administrator, faculty, staff, student): Administrator
9) To whom does the committee report (e.g., president, vice president)? 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:
o A Rocha will pursue electricity conservation in the res-halls by working with Res Life to turn off lights at night and putting stickers on light switches; they will also work with Bruce Koenigsberg on landscaping for the Science building
o Purchasing will publicize the E-Peat ratings of the HP and Mac computers offered for purchase by departments
o Bon Appétit will develop "portion size suggestion" options such as meal displays at the dining hall entrance and/or pictures at the serving points
o Earthkeepers will conduct their annual couch recycling drive and clean their adopted stretch of Roosevelt Road; they will consider conducting another food waste demonstration with Bon Appetit
o ESAC will continue to develop our webpage
o Physical Plant will continue to add motion detectors to lights in classrooms
o Physical Plant will continue to use the carbon calculator to monitor our progress
o College Architect will continue to work on LEED silver certification for the science building
Progress made on each of these issues since August 2008:
All items were substantially completed.
SUSTAINABILITY STAFF
11) Does your school employ sustainability staff (excluding student employees and interns)?
[X] No
[ ] Yes. Please provide titles and number of sustainability staff.
[# ] Number of full-time staff (in FTE). Titles:
[# ] 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)?
[X] N/A
[ ] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
OFFICE OR DEPARTMENT
13) Does your school have an office or department specifically dedicated to furthering sustainability on campus?
[X] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe (including name of office or department and year created):
WEBSITE
14) Does your school have a website detailing its sustainability initiatives?
[X] No
[ ] Yes. Please provide URL:
Our website is currently under development
GREEN PURCHASING
15)Does your school have a formal green purchasing policy?
[X] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe policy and provide URL to full policy, if available:
The Director of Purchasing serves on ESAC and personally implements green
Purchasing procedures such a acquiring recycled paper, green cleaning supplies,
recycling, etc.
16) Does your school purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products?
[ ] No
[X] Some. Please describe: All residence hall washers and dryers,
[ ] 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
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[X] All. Please describe:
Please see attached inventory.
18) Does your school purchase Green Seal, Environmental Choice certified, or biorenewablecleaning products?
[ ] No
[X] Some. Please describe:
[ ] All. Please describe:
Please see attached inventory.
19) Are your school's computer/electronics purchase decisions made in accordance with standards such as the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT)?
[ ] No
[ ] Some. Please describe:
[X] 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:
We began collecting data this year using Clean Air/Cool Planet’s Campus Carbon
Calculator
[ ] 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?
[X] 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)?
A newly installed natural gas-fired steam plant uses computerized systems to control equipment at maximum efficiency. Multiple boiler capacities are matched to loads to reduce energy consumption, all piping is heavily insulated to prevent heating and cooling loss, and variable frequency pumps and fans run only as needed, saving energy. This installation allowed the College to convert the heating of a major building from electricity to natural gas.
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:
Each office is supplied with recycling bins. Recycling containers are available all over Campus. “Green” take-away utensils are available at the dining hall. An Alternative Fuel Vehicle Expo is held on campus each year, in conjunction with student-led information centers and displays. Student groups have held energy-savings competitions in the residence halls.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
29) Does your school generate renewable electricity?
[X] No
[ ] 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
[ %] Solar photovoltaics
[ %] Wind
[ %] Other
Description:
30) Does your school have solar hot water systems?
[X] No
[ ] 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.
Date of most recent contract: Current
Quantity (kWh): 1,973 certificates per year for 3 years – 5,918,000KWh
Percentage of your total electric energy use that it represents: 10%
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 JIMJ
33) Please provide total BTUs of energy for heating and cooling from onsite combustion:
88,380,300,000
34) Please list each fuel source (e.g., coal, natural gas, oil) and the percent of overall BTUs derived from that source:
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.
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)
[ ] Other. Please list:
37) Diversion rate: [ %]
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
[ ] Cell phones
[ X ] Computers
[ ] Lightbulbs
[ ] Printer cartridges
[ ] Other E-waste. Please list:
COMPOSTING (ASIDE FROM DINING FACILITIES)
39) What percentage of your campus's landscaping waste is composted or mulched?
[ %]
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:
EarthKeepers student group conducts an end-of-year recycling drive to propote the reuse items such as couches, etc.
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:
Wheaton College strives for LEED Silver certification wherever possible.
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
43) Please indicate LEED-certified buildings.
[ 1 ] Total number of LEED-certified buildings.
[ sq ft] Certified-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names:
[ sq ft] Silver-level (combined gross square footage). Please list building names: Memorial Student Center – 17,500 sq ft
[ 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.
[0 ] 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:
[ 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 buildingsnrepresenting 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).
Lighting (approx)
75% retrofitted to T8 or compact fluorescent (throughout campus)
10% retrofitted to T5 (Buswell Library, McAlister Hall, Edman Hall east wing 250 fixtures)
15% T12 (various, Armerding/Breyer Hall, retrofitted on as needed basis)
80% EM/Exit signs retrofitted to LED
Tennis Parking Lot - LED lighting 4 fixtures
Parking lots/sidewalk lighting - HPS and MH fixtures 100% in many locations
Motion Sensors/Occupancy Sensors: Memorial Student Center, Adams Hall, Edman Hall (new addition), laundry rooms
(Approximately 5% of campus)
No ambient light sensors.
Timers installed at Edman Hall (new addition) for exterior lighting on new addition.
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 buildingsnrepresenting 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).
Approximately 65% of the toilets have been changed and are low flow. As toilets need repair, instead of fixing them, we convert them to low flow. Approximately 5-10% of the aerators for faucets are low flow, and only low flow aerators are used for repair/replacement. Showerheads are also approximately 5-10% low flow and are changed out as they fail.
51) What percentage of your institution's non-hazardous construction
and demolition waste is diverted from landfills?
[ %]
68% of all waste produced by our new Science Building construction project is diverted or recycled.
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:
Type of community (e.g., hall, building, house):
Number of students involved:
Additional details:
Residence Life sponsored a “Sustainable Living Project” in which groups of students voluntarily participated in a variety of “green living” practices
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
53) Does a portion of your new student orientation specifically cover sustainability?
[X] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe how
sustainability
is incorporated (e.g., information sessions, green tour):
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:
[ 1 ] Paid positions. Average hours worked weekly per student: 8
[# ] 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:
Student Groups
A Rocha is a Christian nature conservation organization working in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australasia, focusing on science and research, practical conservation and environmental education. Wheaton College’s is the first A Rocha college chapter, and has been involved in:
Earthkeepers is a College club devoted to recycling and other environmentally responsible initiatives. Activities include:
SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) partnered with the College Bookstore to recycle books, batteries and printer cartridges.
The “Plowshares” student organization led a drive to reduce the amount of bottled water consumed by faculty, staff and students.
Student Government has, as one of its four stated goals, a commitment to stewardship and creation care.
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: Residence Hall Energy Savings Competition
Year initiated: 2008
Frequency of competition: annual
Participants: All residence halls
Incentives: Savings are diverted to a sustainability charity
Goal of competition: Reduce electrical consumption
Percent of energy/water/waste reduced: 10%
Lasting effects of competition: Student awareness
Website:
TRANSPORTATION
CAMPUS MOTOR FLEET
58) How many vehicles are in your institution's fleet?
[# ] 76
59) Please list the number of alternative-fuel vehicles in each class.
[# ] Hybrid. Please list makes and models: 1 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
[# ] Electric. Please describe type of vehicles: 2 Ingersol Rand ClubCar CarryAll 252, E-Ride EXV2
[# ] Biodiesel. Please describe type of vehicles and list biodiesel blend(s) used: 0
[# ] Other. Please describe: Electric utility cart – large golf cart with dump bed
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.
Unknown
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
61) Does your school offer incentives for carpooling?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[X] No
[ ] 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):
63) Does your school provide free transportation around campus?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ ] No
[X] Yes. Please describe: We operate a campus shuttle.
64) Does your school operate a free transportation shuttle to local off-campus
destinations?
[ ] N/A. Please explain:
[ X] No
[ ] Yes. Please describe:
BICYCLE PROGRAM
65) Does your school offer a bicycle-sharing/rental program or bicycle repair
services?
[ X] No
[ ] 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?
[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 center of campus consists of a walking mall.
68) What percentage of individuals commute to campus via environmentally preferable transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling, carpooling, using
public transit)?
[ 0%]
STATISTICS
69) Campus setting:
[ ] Rural
[ X] Suburban
[ ] Urban
[ ] Other. Please describe:
70) Total number of buildings: [# ]
60
71) Combined gross square footage of all buildings: [# ]
1,540,000
72) Full-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate):
[2,576 ]
73) Part-time enrollment (undergraduate and graduate):
[339 ]
74) Part-time enrollment as a proportion to a full-time course load: [0]
75) Percent of full-time students that live on campus:
[ 95%]
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 ]
77) Disposable water bottle ban: [ ]
78) Participation in Recyclemania: [ ]
79) Student trustee position: [ ]
80) Environmental science/studies major: X]
81) Environmental science/studies minor or concentration: [X ]
82) Graduate-level environmental program: [ ]
83) Student green fee: [ ]
84) Alumni green fund: [ ]
85) Revolving loan fund for sustainability projects: [ ]
86) Campus garden or farm: [ ]
87) Single-stream recycling: [ ]
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Wheaton College Environmental Care Inventory
June 2009
The President’s Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee
Formed in 2005, this committee is composed of faculty, staff and students who advise the President on ways the College can interact with and address environmental concerns. Members of the committee implement environmentally responsible initiatives within their areas of responsibility.
Initiatives Completed to Date
Academic Departments
Wheaton College has an Environmental Studies major which includes, in part, the following courses:
ENVR 221. Introduction to Environmental Studies. An introduction to the historical and contemporary problems and dilemmas in environmental studies, their scientific basis, sociological implications, ethical dimensions, and avenues for constructive response.
ENVR 241. Quantitative Methods. Quantitative methods are necessary to adequately describe, analyze, and understand environmental processes. The course includes an introduction to three distinct areas of analysis common in environmental problems–basic statistics, multivariate and spatial statistics, and numerical modeling.
ENVR 319. Environmental Ethics. A survey and analysis of major scientific problems and foundational philosophies underlying contemporary environmental ethics and the application of environmental ethics to the scientific and professional practice of conservation and environmental stewardship in scientific research, personal decision making, and professional environmental management.
ENVR 331x. Global Climate Change: Past, Present, and Future.
ENVR 391. Environmental Modeling. Increasingly models are used to understand and solve environmental processes and systems and to aid in environmental management. The course will introduce students to a variety of modeling methods (e.g. physical/mathematical, discrete/continuous, finite difference/finite element, stochastic/deterministic) and give environmental examples from the geological, biological, climatological, and socio-politico-economic fields.
ENVR 421. Basic Applications in Agronomy. A survey of concepts and methods in crop science. Subject matter is intended to provide background for domestic, as well as international interests. Topics in lecture and lab include agricultural ecology, forestry, food-crop production, and growth optimization in various environments.
ENVR 431. Introduction to Environmental and Geotechnical Engineering. A survey of concepts and problem solving involving the interaction of people and earth systems. Subject matter is intended to provide background for domestic, as well as international interests. Topics in lecture and lab include basic systems analysis, energy, pollution abatement, water systems, construction criteria, and testing/utilization of earth materials.
ENVR 494. Environmental Studies Capstone. A senior capstone course teaching the motivations, theory, and methods needed to practice the vocations of environmental studies as expressions of Christian faith and service equipping students to act as transformative agents in a professional environmental culture through scholarship in environmental study and conservation of environmental systems.
ENVR 495. Environmental Studies Research. Field, laboratory, or library research involving selection of a research problem, review of appropriate professional literature, completion of data collection and analysis, and preparation of one or more professional papers submitted for presentation or publication in an appropriate professional venue.
ENVR 496. Environmental Studies Internship. An extended and concentrated experience in research, management, or education in environmental studies under approved professional supervision and college guidelines.
ENVR 497. Environmental and Conservation Studies Research Seminar. A weekly seminar featuring presentations of on-going primary research on problems of environmental and conservation studies in the natural and social sciences.
Other academic departments also offer courses treating on environmental concerns, including Business/Economics 372 - Environmental Economics, International Relations 330 - Environmental Politics, Geology 388 - Appropriate Technology, Development, and the Environment, and Sociology 326 - Environment and Society.
The Center for Applied Christian Ethics devoted the 2006-2007 academic year to the theme “Environment, Economics, and Equity.” They hosted multiple seminars featuring notable speakers, including Sir John Houghton of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Facilities Services
Recycling
Paper waste is voluntarily placed in separate containers from solid waste, and the College contracts with a recycler to pick it up. Further education of students, faculty and staff, and modification of collection sites, will improve this effort over time.
Paper towel dispensers on campus have been replaced with “touch-free” dispensers, significantly reducing paper waste. All paper towel used on campus is made from 70% recycled material.
Household battery recycling containers are in place across campus, and the contents are regularly collected and recycled.
Computer hardware that meets sustainable requirements is recycled.
Significant quantities of scrap metal, including steel, copper and aluminum, is recycled as part of ongoing electrical projects, as is concrete as part of demolition and construction projects.
The Bookstore works with SCARCE, a local recycler, to reuse or recycle unneeded books.
Fossil Fuel Conservation
10% of campus electricity is purchased from renewable sources.
Campus tradesmen drive two fully electric “E-Ride” service vehicles.
Public Safety officers drive a hybrid Ford Escape.
The Athletics department uses an electric trainer’s ambulance.
The College sponsors an Annual Alternative Fuel Expo. Participants include Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, and Voss Equipment. The 2008 event was attended by Congressman Roskam, President Pierotti of the Du Page Forest Preserve, Dr Litfin, and twenty-five exhibitors.
Participated in the 2007 Electric Vehicle Seminar and Demonstration sponsored by the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition (by demonstrating the College’s E-Ride service vehicle).
Several College areas are planted with prairie grasses which do not require mowing.
The Human Resources department offers a pre-tax deduction to employees who purchase commuter train or bus passes.
A newly installed natural gas-fired steam plant uses computerized systems to control equipment at maximum efficiency. Multiple boiler capacities are matched to loads to reduce energy consumption, all piping is heavily insulated to prevent heating and cooling loss, and variable frequency pumps and fans run only as needed, saving energy. This installation allowed the College to convert the heating of a major building from electricity to natural gas.
Motion detectors are used in some places on campus to turn lights off when rooms are not in use.
Electricians are retro-fitting light fixtures, ballasts and lamps with energy efficient T8 fluorescent lamps; all discarded lamps and ballasts are recycled.
All washers and dryers in residence halls are Energy Star compliant.
Computing Services implemented 150 virtual servers; this results in an annual energy savings of over 700,000 kWh (or approximately $60,000), as compared to traditional, physical computers.
Computing Services notifies all employees to power-off their computers at night. They also implement automated power-saving systems wherever possible.
Clean Air/Cool Planet’s Campus Carbon Calculator was used to develop the College’s first annual carbon footprint analysis.
An Alternative Fuels Vehicle parking space is provided in the main campus parking lot.
Water Conservation
Auto-flush toilets and urinals are installed as the campus standard for all new construction and any remodeling project.
All toilets are 3.5 gallons flush capacity, and we are converting them to 1.6 gallon flush capacity.
All showerheads have been converted to “low flow” - 2.5 gallons per minute.
A newly constructed parking lot included a bio-swale which allows storm water run-off to be filtered by plants and soil before it enters the sewer system.
Green Chemicals
Custodians use “green” chemical cleaners whenever possible, including Pak It Products for glass, hard surface, and carpet cleaning (Earth Wises Certified, meets Government Green and EPP standards), Soy Green Stainless Steel Cleaner (meets 2005 Volatile Organic Compound standards for the state of California), Host Dry Carpet Cleaner - no water is used in the cleaning process (the only carpet cleaner to receive USDA Biobased Certification, approved by the Green Building Council), Drackett Easy Paks Neutral Cleaner for general mopping.
Campus Planning
The Director of Campus Planning, on behalf of Wheaton College, joined the United States Green Building Council, which awards LEED certification.
The College is in the final stages of obtaining LEED Silver certification for its Memorial Student Center renovation.
A new science building will be constructed in 2010, and the current design targets LEED silver certification.
All new construction and remodeling projects include environmental factors in the design process, including using recycled materials.
Food Services
The College’s food service contractor, Bon Appétit, minimizes the carbon footprint of the foods they purchase by implementing the following initiatives:
· Buying only bottled and carbonated water produced in the continental United States.
· Reducing the purchase of beef and cheese products by 10%.
· Limiting the purchase of bananas, and serving as much locally grown fruit as possible.
· Purchasing protein items only from the continental United States, Canada or Mexico.
· Purchasing eggs, poultry, beef, fruit, honey and produce locally when in season.
· Working with all suppliers to obtain produce grown as close to Wheaton as possible.
· Working with suppliers to limit the number of deliveries per week.
· Participating in an annual “Eat Local Challenge,” and for one day serving only food which is grown or produced within a 150 mile radius of the college.
· Consolidating deliveries to reduce carbon emissions of suppliers
· Purchasing environmentally friendly paper products
Other Food Services initiatives include:
· Conducting an intensive recycling program of all applicable paper products.
· Serving only hormone free milk, chicken which is free of antibiotics or hormones, and fresh natural ground chuck hamburgers.
· Serving only seafood on the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch approved species list.
· Recycling water in the dish washing system.
The department of Environmental Studies awarded Bon Appétit the 2009 John Muir Award for
Exemplary Leadership Toward the Care of Creation.
Purchasing
The College’s purchasing standards for computers and peripherals are restricted to devices that have EPEAT Silver or Gold ratings.
The College contracts with OfficeMax to purchase recycled office supplies, including all paper products and toner cartridges; all default order codes are for recycled products.
The College now uses 100% post consumer recycled paper in most copiers on campus. The other areas, including desktop printing, are using either 100% post or 30% post consumer recycled paper (the 30% is used in areas where we have jamming problems). This change results in a reduction of destroyed trees, energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and solid waste disposal.
Purchasing is imaging all incoming invoices and has discontinued making paper copies of invoices (2 per invoice). They also initiated paperless purchase documents that soon will be used by all departments on campus. Financial Aid is also imaging their documents, and Development, Registrar and Physical Plant are targeted for imaging in Summer 2008.
Other Departments
President Duane Litfin signed the Evangelical Climate Initiative.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, and acting upon recommendation from ESAC, Senior Vice President David Johnston signed the Illinois Sustainable University Compact.
Lisa Richmond began the initial design phase for an ESAC intranet webpage in April, 2008.
Buswell Library and Wade Center staff formed a creation-care group that takes initiatives such as printing double-sided, considering alternatives to bottled water, etc.
Telephone Services publishes the student telephone directory online, saving approximately 175,000 sheets of paper annually.
Student Groups
A Rocha is a Christian nature conservation organization working in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australasia, focusing on science and research, practical conservation and environmental education. Wheaton College’s is the first A Rocha college chapter, and has been involved in:
- 2008: Co-hosted Creation Care seminar with Earthkeepers and Care of Creation USA.
- The 2007 Summit for Climate Change, drawing environmental leaders from 10 Christian college campuses to Wheaton College.
- Vernal pool research in partnership with Du Page County Forest Preserve.
- Campus Sustainability Day.
- Evangelical Youth Climate Initiative.
- Climate Change Task force with Student Government.
- Creation Care chapel with guest speaker, Peter Harris - founder of A Rocha.
- Creation Care seminar at Wheaton Chinese Alliance Church, with Wheaton College president, Duane Litfin
- Served on a panel discussing Sustainable Eating Habits, along with Earthkeepers
Earthkeepers is a College club devoted to recycling and other environmentally responsible initiatives. Activities include:
- Expanding student recycling by lobbying for more recycling bins on campus.
- Holding an annual benefit concert with proceeds donated to an environmental agency or organization chosen each year.
- Cleaning a stretch of Roosevelt Road in Wheaton four times a year.
- Partnering with Residence Life to redistribute disposed couches from residence halls.
- Conducting a "Sustainable Gifts at Christmas" event, where students are shown how to make, rather than buy, gifts.
- In March, 2008, held a residence hall energy and water use reduction competition. Electrical savings of $5,000 were donated to Lifewater International to provide sanitary water in Ethiopia.
- Earthkeepers, with the assistance of Bon Appétit, Conducted a food waste reduction drive in 2008 and 2009, raising student awareness of the amount of food they waste in the dining hall.
SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) partnered with the College Bookstore to recycle books, batteries and printer cartridges.
Residence Life sponsored a “Sustainable Living Project” in which groups of students voluntarily participated in a variety of “green living” practices.
The “Plowshares” student organization led a drive to reduce the amount of bottled water consumed by faculty, staff and students.
Student Government has, as one of its four stated goals, a commitment to stewardship and creation care.
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