Willamette University

Sustainability at Willamette

Physical Plant Steps Toward Sustainability

Major infrastructure and Physical Plant steps we have taken toward sustainability include:

General

  • Designing and constructing new and remodel projects to a minimum of LEED Silver standards which includes the use of:
    • Low VOC materials.
    • FSC certified wood products.
    • Enhanced commissioning of building systems.
    • Enhanced indoor air quality standards.
    • Employing energy modeling for design efficiencies and energy benchmarking.
    • Use of day lighting and ambient light controls.
    • Recycling of up to 95% of construction waste.
    • Emphasis on using locally (within 500 miles) manufactured construction materials.
    • Use of construction materials with a high recycled content.
    • Developing energy use certificates for rating a buildings energy use against Energy Star benchmarks.
    • Annual Green House Gas emission tracking and reporting.

Energy

  • Replacement of gas-powered work vehicles with electric vehicles. We now have a fleet of 15 electric carts in addition to an electric forklift and a propane powered forklift.
  • Adding additional insulation when a roof is replaced. In addition we are now specifying reflective roof coatings/materials.
  • High efficiency boilers and chillers are installed in new construction and retrofits.
  • DDC energy management system (EMS) that is installed throughout campus includes capabilities of night setbacks, building night flushes, free cooling, occupancy scheduling, and early problem detection.
  • Capacitor banks installed on motor control centers to improve power factor.
  • Exit lights have been retrofitted to high efficiency LED's.
  • Lighting controls have been installed in all new construction including lighting sweeps, occupancy sensors, ambient light sensors and dimming, photo controls, and motion sensors. These lighting controls are now being integrated into the campus Energy Management System (EMS) for centralized control.
  • Lighting upgrades to electronic ballasts with T-5 and T-8 tubes in campus buildings.
  • Replacement of old single glazed windows with high efficiency, low-E, argon filled double glazed windows.
  • Installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on campus buildings.
  • Installation of solar hot water panels for domestic use.
  • Installation of electric, gas, and Btu meters for tracking individual building energy use.
  • Installation of VFD’s on HVAC systems and pumps lower energy use.
  • Electric motor upgrades to “Super E” motors lower energy costs while improving efficiency.

Recycling

  • Replacement of carpets with low VOC alternatives containing recycled material.
  • Mixed recycling, and recycling of all recoverable wood, metal, grease, oil, refrigerants, and containers.
  • Donation of furniture and other large items no longer needed by institution or students to local non-profit organizations.
  • Donation of surplus building materials and paint to Habitat for Humanity.
  • Use of paper products with a substantial recycled content.
  • Recycling of wood, metals, plastics, cardboard, greases, oils, cooking oils, plant materials, paper products, glass, computer equipment, photo lab chemicals, refrigerants, batteries, furniture, mattresses, appliances.
  • Creating metrics for consumable product usage and waste tracking.
  • Recycling all fallen leaves to community gardens in Salem.
  • Recycling coffee grounds on campus.

Using Environmentally Friendly Products

  • Replacement of carpets with low VOC alternatives containing recycled material.
  • Banning acid based cleaners.
  • Use of environmentally safe, low mercury content fluorescent tubes.
  • Use of paper products with a substantial recycled content.
  • Use of carpets that contain recycled content.
  • Utilizing "Green" cleaning materials and methods.
  • Use of slow release fertilizers to minimize runoff.
  • Reducing the use of pesticides on campus.
  • Increased mulching and hand weeding in plant beds.
  • Reducing chemical and solvent purchases and use.
  • Reducing hazardous waste generation and disposal by responsibly managing purchases and use.

Water

  • Water efficiency technologies employed throughout campus, including drip irrigation and low/no irrigation plantings.
  • Ultra low flow shower heads, toilets, and faucets. Waterless urinals are being tested.
  • Sensor operated lavatory faucets are now standard replacements where feasible.
  • Use of reclaimed rainwater for non-potable use.
  • Solar hot water heating for domestic use and pool heating.
  • Bio-filtration of storm water before discharge into the public storm water system.
  • 90% reduction in pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use over the last two years.
  • Natural methods of weed control using cardboard/wood chips/vinegar sprays/weed burning/string trimming, and hand weeding.
  • Using a local company Willamette Organics to evaluate organic fertilizers and soil conditions on campus.
  • Using new 4mix technology on our engines on both backpack blowers, and string trimmers. Reducing hydrocarbons by70% over traditional 2cycle engines.
  • Introducing bio-diesel into grounds dept. vehicles.
  • Use of permeable pavers to reduce storm water run off.

HVAC

  • Use of heat recovery technologies.
  • Use of high performance HVAC systems which include displacement ventilation, variable refrigerant flow systems, Demand Control Ventilation, and air and water side economization.
  • Use of high efficiency, low pressure drop air filtration in air handlers.

Motor Pool

  • Use of Zip cars.
  • Establishing an electric vehicle charging station.