Sustainable Efforts in Housing

1. Sustainable Efforts in Housing Jeff Cooper Director of Housing and Residence Life Kennesaw State University

2. Design & Construction University Village Suites • Carpets made of recycled plastic materials • Low flow toilets and plumbing features • Energy star appliances and fixtures that use minimal electricity • Special double pane low-e gas windows with high insulation, low glare, and high reflection • Self-contained VTAC heating and cooling units within each suite - more efficient and less maintenance than traditional HVAC units with exterior air compressors (and uses considerably less space).

3. Design & Construction • Motion sensor lighting features in most common areas, with computer controlled light throughout the facility • Buildings designed for maximization of natural light • Auto sensor trash compactors to reduce waste volume • Common interior centralized water heating source, reducing energy use and waste of individual unit hot water heaters • Facility designed to maximize interior space usage, eliminating wasted and unused "back function" space

4. Design & Construction • Water collection and well installed during Central Deck construction, allowing for captured water to be used in fountains and landscaping at University Village Suites (which allows us to continue watering and using fountains even during drought since we are generating our own water source).

5. Design & Construction • University Village complex increased campus green space and multi-functional space utilization.  Before the development of UV between 2004 and 2008, the site was a surface parking lot. • Now, there are green quads, trees, and classrooms, computer labs, retail and housing all within walking distance of campus, reducing the need to live off campus and pollute the environment by commuting to campus.

6. Design & Construction University Place Phase II • All refrigerators, dishwashers, and HC washing machines are Energy Star compliant

7. Recycling South Campus • University Place currently maintains a recycling program. • Free bins are available from the leasing office for separation of recycling items which can then be deposited into a separate recycling dumpster located in an adjacent parking lot.

8. Recycling North Campus • Cost versus convenience • Survey conducted by the Residence Hall Association in 2011 to gauge residential student opinion on this issue • Pilot exercise initiated in January 2012 continues • Recycling bins placed in various location throughout the University Village (Village Centre, UV Suites Computer Lab and Lobby, Promenade, East side of UV 5000, and also near the UV 6000 compactor)

9. Programming • Resident assistants are encouraged to conduct at least one “green” program each semester • Earth Hour event hosted annually in the residential area. • Portable data collection devices are being tested to eliminate the usage of paper in programming • Efforts underway to bring an extension of the Farmer’s Market to the housing area – pilot in spring 2013

10. Professional Involvement • ACUHO-I Sustainable Facilities Committee