For decades, college students and college campuses in general have led sustainability efforts. Of course, when we talk about sustainability the first thing that comes to mind is recycling bins on campus. While that’s part of it, here are 3 ways to incorporate sustainability into campus buildings.
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1. Reuse Old Materials
It’s common for colleges and universities to renovate existing buildings. We’ve talked about that numerous times and been involved in many campus renovation projects. Whether you’re working on a new building, renovating an old one, or just doing some small updates, reusing materials is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. And often, economical! When a gym floor needs replaced for instance, the wood can be saved and reused as wall covering in a dorm lobby. Bricks from a demolished building can be reused in a new build, or used as pavers in landscaping.2. When Rebuilding, Build Green
If you are working on a major renovation or new building, look to incorporate sustainable systems—that can also save on future expenses! Gray water systems that reclaim water from athletic laundry facilities, dishwashers, sinks & showers help save money by re-using that water for landscape irrigation or toilet operation. Passive lighting systems that take advantage of atrium glass, glass walls and reflectors cut back on electricity and provide more natural light in campus spaces. Both areas that pay for themselves almost immediately as they reduce water and energy use. Green materials like tile made from recycled glass and reclaimed wood add both charm and style to renovated spaces. [caption id="attachment_3917" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Solar Panels at Williams College[/caption]