80 likes | 203 Views
2007-2008 UCHC Sustainability Initiatives & Events. Tom Elliott accepts UCHC’s Environmental Award from Practice Greenhealth May 2008. Recycling. Bins & signage to improve separation of recyclables for collection Meetings with medical and dental school to locate additional recycling bins
E N D
2007-2008 UCHC Sustainability Initiatives & Events Tom Elliott accepts UCHC’s Environmental Award from Practice Greenhealth May 2008
Recycling • Bins & signage to improve separation of recyclables for collection • Meetings with medical and dental school to locate additional recycling bins • Recycling container placement more visible and practical • Bottle & can recycling has increased - 36% recycling rate • UCHC addsed 1,500 lbs. to Mt. Sneaker
Waste Reduction • Increased recycling enables plastic liner reduction (for trash receptacles) - savings of $100K/yr and reduction of carbon footprint from petroleum used in their production (pilot program at Health Center, JDH administrative suites)
Energy • Improved energy management • “Reverse Auction” energy purchase saved $7 million in 2007-08 and includes 12% renewable energy • Electric heat to be replaced with hot water steam/coils with 3 yr. payback, saving about $1.5 million • Lighting improvements in the MARB save about $37K/yr and working to replace light fixtures, add motion sensors • Solar project for daycare center
Outreach/Awareness • Health, Safety & Environment Fair includes sustainability tables and speakers’ panel • UCHC Environmental Sustainability website developed (linked from Facilities homepage) • UCHC/Public Health participated in Focus the Nation events in January • Sustainability featured in UConn Advance, KBP newsletter and on Cafeteria TV monitors
Green Building & Low Impact Design • Construction on the Stem Cell Research Facility (400 Farmington Ave.) is on-track for LEED-Silver certification (especially difficult since this is a “gut rehab” renovation) • Grounds crews now planting native, drought-tolerant plants
Miscellaneous • The bike-to-work, rideshare and carpooling programs were at the Health, Safety & Environment Fair • Farmers' Markets held in courtyard this summer • Maintenance is now using green cleaning products
Connecticut Ridesharing Award - July 2008 Governor Jodi Rell presented the “Tri-State 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge” Award to UCHC (Cindy Couture) for having the most individuals join the NuRide service, saving thousands of gallons of gas and reducing auto emissions across the state.