Top sustainability and greening efforts at Binghamton University

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY’S ‘GREEN’ CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
• In the last five years, Binghamton University has implemented Operation Green Space which has transformed 81,860 square feet of formerly paved areas to green space.

• The Binghamton University campus encompasses almost 900 acres of land, of which a large portion is undeveloped and in its natural state.
- The core of this undeveloped land is officially designated the Nature Preserve and encompasses 182 acres of land, which includes a 20-acre wetland.
- The Binghamton University Nature Preserve is the largest and best-used laboratory on the Binghamton University campus and is a valuable resource for teaching and learning, ecology, arts, literature and outdoor recreation.

• The E.W. Heier Teaching & Research Greenhouses functions as a living laboratory for the University’s plant and ecology related courses.
- The facility is 12,500 sq. ft.
- More than 6,000 exotic plants, representing over 1,200 distinct species, are maintained in the greenhouse.

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY’S GREEN INITIATIVES
• Binghamton University uses a closely monitored Energy Management System (EMS) to monitor its energy use.
- There are now more than 46,000 monitoring control/points on the EMS system.
- The system allows control and programming of building mechanical, lighting and other systems in accordance with how the buildings are used and occupied. For example, when a building is not in use, systems can be curtailed so that energy is not wasted.

• Binghamton University invested nearly $1.5 million in energy savings projects since 2007.
- The University has completed dozens of energy savings projects such as lighting upgrades and installation of more efficient mechanical systems. Similar projects are underway and future projects are in the planning stages.
- A solar hot water system is being installed to reduce the usage of natural gas.
- Water-saving initiatives at Binghamton University include the installation of water saving faucets/flush-o-meters on toilets, and the placement of water meters at various locations for better monitoring.

• The University recently earned LEEDS certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for Mountainview’s Cascade and Windham Halls for energy efficient design, construction and operation
First SUNY residence halls and Greater Binghamton buildings to achieve this high standard.
- Certification is based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community, including site selection and development; water-efficient landscaping; use of local and regional materials; and the ability to control building systems, daylight and views.
Binghamton University strives to incorporate LEED or "green building" standards in construction projects and major renovations. LEED design was used for the University Downtown Center and will be pursued for future buildings such as Science V, the Engineering and Science Building and East Campus Housing.

• The campus community is constantly involved in searching for ways to lower its impact on the environment.
- The University will be publishing its first greenhouse gas emissions inventory report in September 2008. As part of the data collection effort, the campus community has been asked to complete an online survey to determine the amount of emission contributed by campus commute.
- A tip sheet offering energy savings tips is available on the Binghamton University Energy Information website: http://facilities.binghamton.edu/Energy.htm
- Binghamton University’s janitorial staff use a range of nontoxic, biodegradable cleaners.
- All employees and students are encouraged to reduce paper usage by printing documents only when absolutely necessary.
- The Binghamton University Police Department has incorporated a number of ‘green’ safety and security measures such as GEM (Global Electric Motorcars), bike patrols, solar/battery powered parking meters, interactive speed signs urge drivers to slow down, which saves gas and computer-based reporting systems reducing the need for paper.

• Binghamton University’s dining services incorporates a range of ‘green’ initiatives to its day-to-day operations.
- Dining services has reduced the amount of disposable items in dining halls.
- Dining services utilizes as much organic and local produce and dairy products as are seasonably available.
- Approximately 2,500 lbs of food waste is collected for composting from University dining facilities.
- All dining halls are involved in composting.

• Binghamton University has established innovative and creative opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to engage and educate students in ‘going green.’
In the classroom:
• Binghamton University offers a range of environment and related degrees.
- The University offers on average over 40 environment and/or sustainability courses per year.

• Binghamton University students and faculty participate in organic gardening and composting.
- An ecological agriculture class uses a garden/compost site as a ‘field lab.’

Outside the classroom:
- An energy conservation contest pits residential communities against one another to see who can reduce energy consumption the most over a six-week period.
- This year’s savings was estimated to be about 650,000 pounds of carbon dioxide not being released into the atmosphere.
- The winning community, Dickinson, offered one-hour “blackout” programs, and encouraged students to unplug electronic devices not use. They even helped install low-energy nightlights for the residence hall bathrooms.
- Binghamton University encourages the use of public transportation and offers expanded access to public transportation
- A student bus system, the blue buses, is operated jointly by students and the University
- Binghamton University has a contract with the county bus system connecting the University with key areas in the community.
- Move Out Week '07 - collected over 10 tons of food and clothing from student donations that went to CHOW.
- Additional projects included: Earth Day, Zero Waste Earth Day, America Recycles Day; and regular Recycle ‘Blitz’ Days.
- Students are involved in a variety of student-run environmental organizations.
- The Binghamton Food Co-Op is a student-run organization, which aims to make alternative food choices available for the students.
- The Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC).

• Binghamton University engages in a number of recycling efforts.
- The University recycled 218.19 tons of bottles and cans resulting in offset of tipping fees of almost $10,000. Metal recycling efforts have resulted in vendors agreeing to share profits from the metals with the University.
- Over 143.13 tons of cardboard was recycled last year resulting in close to $7,000 in savings.
- Binghamton is a regular participant in Recyclemania, a friendly competition among college and university recycling programs in the United States that provides the campus community with a fun, proactive activity in waste reduction.
- From July 2006 to July 2007 there was a 7% increase in domestic recycling and a 7.5 decrease in trash.

• Binghamton University’s Career Development Center offers programs and resources on a range of ‘green’ career opportunities.
- The opportunities include environmental, not-for-profit and public service careers.