Sustainability
Campus Recreation is committed to making choices and investing in projects that make us more sustainable. We strive to reduce our impact on the environment, improve energy efficiency, and minimize operating costs for long-term savings.
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Here are a few highlights of our commitment to sustainability:
We're Carbon Neutral!
On Jan. 1, 2018, Campus Recreation became carbon neutral! As a demonstration of commitment to environmental stewardship, Campus Recreation purchased 440 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and 870,000 kilowatt-hours in renewable energy certificates.
440 MtCO2e are equivalent to:
| Annual greenhouse gas emissions from | Carbon dioxide emissions from | Carbon sequestered by |
|---|---|---|
| 1,078,002 miles/year by an average passenger vehicle | 49,492 gallons of gasoline consumed | 11,399 tree seedlings grown for 10 years |
| or | or | or |
| 153 tons of waste sent to the landfill | 14,720 incandescent lamps switched to CFLs | 518 acres of U.S. forests in one year |
870,000 kilowatt-hours in renewable energy are equivalent to:
| Annual greenhouse gas emissions from | Carbon dioxide emissions from | Carbon sequestered by |
|---|---|---|
| 1,586,933 miles/year by an average passenger vehicle | 72,856 gallons of gasoline consumed | 16,780 tree seedlings grown for 10 years |
| or | or | or |
| 226 tons of waste sent to the landfill | 21,669 incandescent lamps switched to CFLs | 763 acres of U.S. forests in one year |
Energy Savings
LED Lighting at the Grizzly Pool (Summer 2016)
Using KRELF funding, Campus Recreation replaced all of the high pressure sodium bulbs that illuminated the pool. These were replaced with much more efficient LED bulbs that use a lot less energy, last substantially longer, and emit a whole lot less heat.
Variable Speed Drive Pool Pump (Summer 2015)
The pump at the Grizzly Pool operated at 100% capacity day and night as along as there was water in the pool. This variable speed drive allows Campus Recreation to dial down the pump at the pool during non-peak peak times, saving a substantial amount of energy.
Solar Array Panels (Summer 2014)
Twelve operating solar panels were installed on the roof of the Fitness & Recreation Center, providing over 2,500 watts of power for the building.
Climbing Wall LED Lighting (Summer 2014)
Twelve LED light fixtures replaced our traditional lighting system at the climbing wall in the Fitness & Recreation Center. Not only will these lights last much longer with reduced energy use, but they produce much less radiant heat, keeping our facility and participants cool.
Insulated Pipes (Spring 2012)
Insulating pipes in our buildings is one of the fastest and most affordable energy efficiency projects. With a $5,950 loan from KRELF, the Fitness & Recreation Center insulated pipes in the mechanical room, saving 80.6 mmBTU per year and keeping 37.5 metric tons of CO2 from entering our atmosphere each year.
Air Handling Efficiency (Fall 2012)
With $71,400 from KRELF, variable frequency drives were installed on several air handling units in the Fitness & Recreation Center. These modifications will save approximately $23,742 per year, making the potential payback less than three years. Projects like this aren't necessarily flashy (or visible to the average gym user), but they make a huge impact on campus energy consumption!
Daylight Harvesting and Lighting Improvements (Summer 2011)
As part of a larger project in collaboration with Northwestern Energy, KRELF provided a $4,000 loan to improve the lighting within the gymnasium courts. This project added skylights and enhanced occupancy sensors to provide better lighting as well as conserve energy. Check out the skylights and other improvements the next time you are on the basketball court!
Environmental Impact Reductions
Green Office Program (Spring 2019)
Campus Recreation joined the Green Office Program in January 2018 to work toward making healthier, more sustainable and more environmentally friendly offices within the department.
Water Bottle Filling Stations (Fall 2013)
Members of Campus Recreation enjoy two water bottle filling stations in the Fitness and Recreation Center. As of October 2014, the station counters indicate over 80,000 plastic bottles saved by filling up a reusable bottle instead of purchasing a plastic disposable beverage.
Paperless Operation and Online Program Registration (Spring 2014)
Fusion Recreation Management System was implemented April 2014 to handle all aspects of Campus Recreation's operation. This technology upgrade eliminated numerous paper processes throughout the department, including membership forms, guest passes, punch passes, and log books. Also included in the system is the ability for students and members of the University Community to register for classes and programs online, providing a streamlined and convenient process to our customers.
Glass Filter Media at the Grizzly Pool (Spring 2014)
Made from recycled glass, crushed glass filter media is an eco-friendly replacement to the traditional sand media. Glass media requires 20% less material, reducing material costs; and also produces improved filtering, resulting in cleaner water and reduced pump operating costs.
The switch to glass media was featured in a Pool and Spa News article, including quotes from Tonya Kiser, Senior Assistant Director, Aquatics and Safety.