UT Systems Caring For the Environment Tips and Facts

1. UT SystemsCaring For the EnvironmentTips and Facts By Naomi Brisco-Rhone Facilities Management UT System Administration

2. Home Energy Tips • Replacing old appliances with more efficient models will greatly reduce your energy costs • Your refrigerator probably uses the most electricity in your house. • make sure your is operating between 38-40°F • Don’t let more than ¼ inch of frost grow • Clean condenser coils twice a year • Use a low flow shower head • Check for leaks in plumbing • Replace existing light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs) • CLFs have a higher initial cost but will last more than 10times longer than an incandescent and has roughly the same luminosity. • The U,S Department of Energy estimates that if ever household in the US replace one incandescent light bulb with a CFL it would save over 8 billion kilowatt hours and result in greater energy reduction than if 1 million cars were taken off the road. • For more information visit: (www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Free%20Home%20Energy%20Improvements/index.htm ) Did you know you can increase warmth in the winter by setting your ceiling fan in reverse rotation (blades appear to turn counterclockwise)? This allows the rising warm air to circulate and pushes it against the ceiling and down the walls.

3. Lighting • Replace existing light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs) - CLFs have a higher initial cost but will last more than 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb and have roughly the same luminosity. -CFL use 75 percent less energy and result in a $30 savings over the life of the bulb. -The U.S Department of Energy estimates that if every household in the US replaces one incandescent light bulb with a CFL it would save over 8 billion kilowatt hours and result in greater energy reduction than if 1 million cars were taken off the road. • UT Systems Facilities Management has retrofitted many of the older existing lights with more energy efficient bulbs (CFLs) - The new lighting has increased visual comfort, reduced the need for constant replacement of bulbs, and decreased the total amount of energy used by UT system for lighting For more information about CFLs visit: (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls )

4. Water Conservation • Not only is water conservation important for the sake of saving water but through reduction of unnecessary water use we save both money and energy. ( Consider the infrastructure and energy needed to treat and distribute water) • UT System Administration is doing its part in water conservation through: - The installation of water efficient shower heads in gym - Installing faucets in restrooms and kitchens with a lower flow rate (what is the flow rate?? ( New faucets are not to exceed 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) according to federal law) - Through landscaping changes UT systems has reduced water use through planting less water Intensive vegetation and layering the area with mulch to minimize evaporation - The water efficient dishwashers in every kitchen at UT System Administration also eliminates the wastefulness of washing dishes by hand in running water . • Some tips on saving water include: - Buy water-efficient fixtures - Wash clothes in a water level equal to the load - Turn of water while brushing your teeth!!! - If you need to wash dishes by hand fill up the sink with one side designated for washing and the other side for rinsing so water isn't constantly running. - take a five minute shower or a six inch deep bath (For more tips to save water visit: (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/50ways.htm ) ) Did you know-The EPA estimates that “If one out of every 100 American homes retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, we could save about 100 million kWh of electricity per year—avoiding 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. That is equivalent to removing nearly 15,000 automobiles from the road for one year!” ( http://www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/water/benefits.htm )

5. Transportation Tips- • Turn off car if you are at a stop for more than 30 seconds (you actually waste less gas turning your car on and off) • Go inside rather than visiting the drive through • Travel when there is less traffic congestion (reduces idling time) • When driving accelerate and decrease speed gradually • Drive the speed limit!!! • Maintain your vehicle • Refilling your car at night reduces evaporation and the creation of ozone (ozone is created when hydro-carbons interact with sunlight) • Buy a vehicle with a higher fuel efficiency or one that uses alternative fuels (hybrid, electric, bio-diesel etc.) • Walk or take mass transit if possible!!! • For more information visit: (http://www.drivecleanacrosstexas.org/ ) (http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/air/mobilesource/vim/driveclean.html ) Did you know that for every 1 million cars that allow their vehicles to idle for more than 5 minutes, more than 3 million gallons of gasoline is wasted?

6. Heat Island • What is the heat island effect? The heat island effect describes the presence of warmer temperatures within urban areas. It is caused by increased percentages of impervious cover, traffic congestion and poor air circulation. • Impervious cover is anything that water can not easily penetrate i.e. concrete, brick, asphalt, etc. ( This is then tied to albedo- the amount of solar radiation reflected by a surface the darker the color the lower the albedo and the greater absorption of heat) • The heat island effect increases the demand for energy, enhances respiratory irritation caused by heat and pollution, and decreases thermal comfort. • UT systems has helped reduced the heat island effect through the following actions : • Facilities Management has installed a solar reflective roof atop the ASH OHH and CTJ buildings (not only does the roof help reduce the heat island effect it also decreases cooling costs and demand by reflecting incoming solar radiation) • Furthermore, through the installation of numerous trees around the campus, UT System has increased shading and helped to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

7. Gardening • Plant native plants!! - Why? Native plants tend to be more adapted to the Texas weather, pests, and soils. Therefore, native plants require less maintenance and are better suited for native ecosystems. • Use alternatives to chemical pesticides: -Beneficial Insects (e.g. Lady bugs eat aphids and mites which may be harmful your garden) - coffee grounds when added to in household plants is said to discourage the reproduction of gnats (apparently a drop of vanilla extract on skin or clothing with also keep them away) • Fertilizer - Turn decomposing waste into nutritious compost for you garden. - Search for organic fertilizers that are more environmentally friendly Composting!!!! Larry Maginnis—urban landscaper for UT..who is it for Ut system? Through personal gardening and buying locally grown produce the CO2 emissions associated with transportation is reduced drastically • For more information visit : (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/ ) (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/downloads/beneficial.pdf )

8. Landscaping • Landscaping in an important aspect of any building design • UT Systems has chosen to improve its landscape by uprooting the water intensive vegetation and planting native, low-maintenance plants. • The installation of such vegetation • Decreases the need for constant watering • Is more cohesive with the needs of native insects and birds • Increases the absorption of harmful emissions and helps filter run-off (as true with all plants) • Creates a more ascetically pleasing landscape • The use of mulch is not only visually appealing it also reduces evaporation and helps conserve water Location- Regent’s Plaza (Ash Smith Hall) Plants include: Lantana, New Mexico agave, and buffalo grass

9. Cooling Down Facilities Management has done much to deal with cooling demands of the UT System complex more efficiently. Chiller Replacement: - In January 2007 Operations and Support Services completed the project of installing two new chillers that provide air circulation to ASH, CTJ and OHH. These new chillers work more efficiently and provide better capabilities for monitoring energy use. Low- E Tinted Window Film: -The installation of window tint on many buildings has reduced cooling costs and energy use dramatically - The tinted film can block up to 85 percent of incoming UV rays -decreases glare - improves employee comfort Roofing: - The new solar reflective roofs atop the CTJ, OHH and ASH buildings helps reduce energy costs and cooling demands by reflecting incoming solar radiation and thus reducing heat absorption. (Reflects over 86% of the sun’s energy) - If it proves to be both cost effective and structurally feasible, UT systems is exploring the option of a green roof. A green roof is made of native vegetation [usually grasses] that decreases heating and cooling costs, filters run-off, and absorbs CO2. The Lighting Retrofits: - The retrofits potentially decrease energy costs due to the fact that Compact Florescent bulbs generate less heat due to reduced wattage. By retrofitting a space with CFLs the cooling demand is cut by as much 15%!!

10. Car Pooling • Car pooling is beneficial in that it lessens emissions and gasoline consumption by reducing the number of vehicles on the road at any given time. It also is a great option for those trying to save money on gas and car insurance. Not to mention, it can also be a excellent way to get to know your neighbors and coworkers! • UT system will soon offer a car pool website organized by zip code were people may express willingness to carpool and communicate via email about organizing rides to and from work. (website create voluntary list of people who would like to car pool and allow them to communicate) • Capitol Metro offers a van pooling option where 5-12 friends are allowed to use a van provided by Capitol Metro if they commit to vanpooling at least 3 times a week. The van is $25 a month and has all gas and maintenance paid! For more information please visit ( http://www.capmetro.org/riding/van_pool.asp ) Jim: Rhonda Lands does it include quote from her!!! • If car pooling is not for you and you live close enough, take your bike to work. UT System Administration provides bike storage as well as a shower room for all employees! Remember- May 18th is national bike/walk to work day!!!! (Note- All the gym showers are now retrofitted with low-shower heads to conserve water!!!)

11. Green Holidays! • Many stores now sell energy efficient outdoor lighting!! This lighting helps reduce energy usage and generally lasts longer...thus saving you money in the long run while lessening energy consumption!! • Capture holiday fun with a digital camera which uses rechargeable batteries. ( This reduces the material waste of disposable cameras and one-time use batteries) • Christmas tree suggestions- Recycling- Take your tree to Zilker Park to be recycled or participate in the pay-as you-throw program. For more information visit the following websites: ( http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/xmastree.htm ) ( http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/ ) Replanting- opt for a native tree that can be re-planted after the holidays. Not only does this reduce material usage and disposal hassle, planting a tree will help reduce pollution and beautify your yard!! • Save and reuse gift-wrap or use news paper to wrap holiday gifts! It is estimated that if every U.S. family used recycled paper (news paper etc.) on 3 gifts the unused commercial gift wrap would cover approximately 45, 000 football fields.

12. Paper recycling • Why is paper recycling important? • The EPA estimates that 35% of the municipal solid waste stream is made up of paper and paperboard products. Thankfully, paper products is among the most easily recycled products. • Recycling paper and buying recycled paper products leads to: • Reduction in landfills growth • Turns what would otherwise be waste into a valuable good • Stimulates growth of greener technologies and strengthens the market for recycled products • Saves energy and reduces chemical use by reducing processing • Reduces demand on valuable timber resources • According to UT Austin’s facilities manager Melvin Daniels, the local UT campus and surrounding locations such as UT Systems hold approximately 18,500 blue bins labeled “UT Austin Recycles.” • “UT system offers an option to use recycled paper but only one department at UT systems accepts it” which one? • How do you get recycled paper? Who do you need to contact? • Balcones Recycling handles the recycling of UT paper products. They are the largest independent recycler of paper products in the Southwest. • Apparently, recycling paper produces 74% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution when compared to processing “virgin pulp.” ( source: BalconesResouces) • In 1995 UT Systems published a news release discussing the potential of the UT recycles project. The article stated: “It is estimated that the U.T. System recycling program will save 765 trees each year, as well as 315,000 gallons of water, 171,000 gallons of oil, 4,005 cubic feet of landfill space, and enough electricity to power 45 homes for six months.” ( http://www.utsystem.edu/news/1995/RecyclingPrg9-1- 95.htm )

13. Vending Machine Savings On average, the typical vending machine consumes about $300 worth of energy a year!!! • UT systems has taken advantage of the opportunity to receive EnergyMiser products free of charge from the city of Austin. • The products work by “powering down” the machines when a passive infrared sensor detects 15 minutes of inactivity. • Both the SnackMiser and the VendingMiser can significantly reduce electricity use of the vending machines. (SnackMiser- 80% potential reduction and the VendingMiser equals 40% potential reduction in energy consumption) • The benefits of the EnergyMiser products include: -energy reduction -easy installation - reduced maintenance due to longer performance rates - able to adjust to variables such as room temperature and product load - It is free and it saves energy!!!!! • For more information please visit (http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Energy%20Miser/index.htm )

14. Austin and Climate Protection • The City of Austin has decided to improve the quality of life for it citizens by becoming a leader in green technologies, lifestyle and development. • Some of the major points presented in the Austin climate protection plan include: • http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/downloads/mw_acpp_points.pdf • UT Systems has incorporated such suggestions through investigating ways to reduce energy and providing employee guidance as to actions one can take to reduce ecological impacts. - Through the lighting retrofits performed by Facilities Management, UT Systems has already reduced energy use in pounds of carbon by an estimated ____ pounds. (get from Brad Boyett) • Through the expansive rebate programs offered by the City of Austin, UT Systems Administration has received an estimated $30,000 in rebates and plans to reinvest the funds into continual projects which aim to reduce energy and improve the environment.

15. Clean Air • CO2 • Ozone In troposphere • Problems • Ways to improve air quality -UT system car pool (website create voluntary list of people who would like to car pool and allow them to communicate)

16. General UT System Improvements

17. Demand Usage

18. Coffee Mugs vs. Disposable Cups • Dishwashers • Cost • UT system

19. Renewable Energy ????? • What is renewable energy? Any energy source that is considered inexhustable. • The major renewable energy options are wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro power as well as biomass resources. • Why is this important to UT systems? -Most of the electrical energy used by UT systems is generated from a coal power plant - UT systems Administration uses a central chilling system that distributes chilled water throughout the complex and with the help of large fans helps cool the air thus making cooling costs more predicable and serves an alter • City of Austin http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Choice/index.htm)

20. Commodes • How to test for a leak • Rebates and option for home • UT system?

21. Disposing of Waste • Paper, plastic, paint, etc • What does UT system do? • What does the city of Austin Offer?

22. Electronic Waste

23. Ways to Save Energy at UT System

24. Cleaning Green

25. Shower or Bath?

26. Grey Water/ Rain Water Harvesting • What is it • Resources • UT system

27. Fertilizers/ Pest Control • Coffee ground tip from bug guy • Recipe for creating fertilizer • What does system do?

28. Acid Rain/Pollution • Lime stone’s role • What causes acid rain • Pollution in general

29. Life Cycle Analysis

30. Austin Outdoors • Activities • Events • Volunteer Opportunities • UT system!!!