Newswise — As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability awareness and reducing the overall carbon footprint on the 1,450 acres that comprise Stony Brook University, the Environmental Stewardship Department has unveiled a web-based, interactive “Green Map,” which highlights dozens of University initiatives.
The Green Map concept was conceived with help from the Stony Brook University Sustainability Task Force. Established in 2007 by the Environmental Stewardship Department and comprised of students, faculty and staff, the Sustainability Task Force identifies, as part of its charter, an annual project to create more awareness about green initiatives at Stony Brook University. For the academic year 2009-2010 the group surveyed or reviewed green projects throughout the campus. From this process, the Environmental Stewardship Department, led by Executive Director, Amy Provenzano, with support/assistance from Shady Azzam-Gomez and his Application Support staff, brought the “Green Map” to life.
By clicking on the sustainability markers on the interactive Green Map or the links below it, users can learn more about each initiative. Sustainability Program Highlights identified and described on the Stony Brook University Green Map include:
Energy Performance Contract - In an effort to decrease their costs for utilities, Stony Brook University took advantage of the EnVest program which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The University used an energy services company to complete a comprehensive energy audit in 2002. The audit was based on Stony Brook's desire to make the entire campus as energy efficient as practical through the installation of energy conservation measures and implementation of efficient operations by means of an energy performance contract. The list of energy conservation measures and respective scope of work for the first phase of the performance contract cost a little over $25 million and is guaranteed to reduce SBU's expenses for energy, water and operation and maintenance by $2.9 million annually. The scope of work also helped improve the comfort of building occupants, upgraded University infrastructure, upgraded system controls and improved operational flexibility. This project was completed in May of 2006. Each year thus far the project has well exceeded the guaranteed energy savings with savings of over 42,000,000 gallons of water and 22,000,000 kWh of electricity each year.
Bio Diesel Busses and Veggie Bus- Stony Brook University Transit Bus Service provides on-campus bus services. These buses are predominately powered by B5 biodiesel. The University also has one unusual bus, The Kernel, which is a 2001 Thomas Built bus that holds 39-seated passengers. Transportation and Parking Operations converted the bus, which previously was powered by biodiesel, into using a combination of biodiesel and waste vegetable oil. The Kernel was converted by adding a secondary heated fuel tank that holds the vegetable oil and when the oil reaches a certain temperature, a computer system switches over the fuel source from biodiesel to vegetable oil. Through conversion, the bus operates on biodiesel when it starts and stops, and vegetable oil while in service. The vegetable oil used in the bus comes directly from the food fryers in Stony Brook University Campus Dining facilities.
Move Out/Free Cycle Program- Held twice per year at the end of each semester, Stony Brook University’s residential move out program collects reusable items in order to divert them from the waste stream. Between Spring of 2008 and Fall of 2009, the University helped divert 17.22 tons of items from the waste stream. These items are either donated to local charities or stored on campus until the following semester when they are redistributed to incoming students – aka, "FreeCycle."
R&D Greenhouse - In the Spring of 2009, Stony Brook completed construction on a 60'x25' greenhouse at their Research and Development Park. The greenhouse is used to cultivate most of the annual plants used in the landscaping on Campus. By growing these annuals in their own greenhouse, the Grounds department is able to recycle materials already in inventory, save energy and reduce the University's carbon footprint. The University has also seen a reduction in the costs associated with purchasing landscape plants from off campus nurseries. The plants grown in the greenhouse are used at all entrances to the University, as well as in flower beds and planters around buildings and some flower beds along interior roadways and bike paths. The majority of the plantings are done by University Grounds employees, although they receive assistance from student, faculty and staff volunteers during the annual Spring Pride Patrol.
Mulch Recycling Program – Stony Brook has for many years created its own mulch on campus. This process promotes a sustainable landscape by converting leaves, pallets, stumps, and brush into mulch that it is used all over campus to protect the soil against erosion and help it to retain moisture. Located at South P Lot , the Mulch Recycling program saves money on purchasing mulch and helps the campus to conserve water.
The Solar Compactor – The University has recently purchased a compacting trash receptacle that is completely self-powered. Instead of requiring a grid connection, these receptacles use solar power for 100% of its energy needs. The unit takes up only as much space as the footprint of an ordinary trash receptacle, but its capacity is five times greater. This unit is both energy efficient and saves on labor costs. One unit is located on the academic mall next to the Student Activity Center with four more located in high traffic areas.
The Stony Brook University Sustainability Green Map was first introduced to the public at the September 13, 2010 meeting of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce. It will continue to be updated as new sustainability projects are initiated. Please feel free to contact the Department of Environmental Stewardship with ideas and suggestions via its website.
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