Moving Forward

The movement toward a green community is just beginning, and much progress has already been made.

Beginning January 1, 2010, the Office of Finance has locked in a one-year agreement with Con Edisons Solutions to receive 100% wind energy for all electrical needs on campus.  The wind power is certified by Green-e, the nation’s leading independent certification program for renewable energy.

Other future efforts include:

• The new Student Campus Center is being designed as a Certified LEED-Silver “green” building. The center will feature energy and water efficient controls and fixtures, a green roof and storm water runoff. In addition, it will be constructed with recycled content, renewable and regional materials, and will promote recycling and HVAC management while reducing waste. Even the elevators will use recycled energy similar to the technology used in the Toyota Prius.
• IT will install a Pharos Pay-for-Print System—whereby beyond 200 sheets of “free” printing paper per semester, 10 cents per sheet will be charged to student IDs.  This is expected to reduce paper usage by 40 percent.
• Office of Finance will submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to local solar contractors.  The RFP details Saint Peter’s specific needs for a Solar Power Purchase Agreement in which solar panels will be installed on select rooftops on campus.
• In October 2009, the Faculty Senate approved a new Major in Environmental Studies that will go into effect Fall 2010.
• Plans are being drawn up to convert 20 ft. by 125 ft. of yard space (130 Glenwood) into Saint Peter’s University Humanitarian Garden, including raised beds for vegetable and herb garden.
• Plans are moving forward to partner with Rutgers University Solid Waste Resource Renewal Group (SWRRG) to recycle large daily portions of organic good waste.
• Continued capital retrofits and improvements in lighting/ HVAC for existing buildings and new ones certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design through the U.S Council for Green Buildings.