Minnesota Schools Cutting Carbon

Below are Operations Team Green Projects recently completed:

• TKDA engineers completed a Energy Emissions Inventory & Baseline Determination Report for the entire campus.

• Fourteen acres of new roof raised insulation from R13 to R23, resulting in a saving of up to $25,000/year in energy costs.

• A college grounds beautification project was completed. This project included obstructive earth berms removed from front campus; 250 yards black dirt reused as fill for new soccer complex; recycled concrete & asphalt used to revitalize the parking lot; five trees planted for every one removed, plus 125 assorted shrubs; bioswales created for stormwater runoff and as landscape water features ten-acre prairie grass & wildflower restoration (doubling to 20 acres in near future), which will eliminate mowing, reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and recreates natural habitat for Minnesota flora and fauna.

• Solar panels have been added to new greenhouse. The panels handle daytime heating needs and supplement nighttime heating system, saving $3,000/year in natural gas costs. They serve a dual purpose by providing hot water for domestic needs, eliminating boiler operation during summer months. A computerized energy management system has reduced greenhouse energy consumption by 50 percent.

•Johnson Controls is pursuing ways to improve college’s energy performance: updated energy management system, installed new occupancy sensors and lighting controls in 50 percent of campus spaces, saving $60,000/year in electricity costs, installed solenoid valves on two Quincy compressors, isolating air pumped to building pneumatics and program shops, air cooling compressors used to heat water.

•A new Toyota Prius and smart fortwo passion coupe were purchased to promote fuel efficiency in motor pool.

•LEED for Existing Buildings is under review for implementation.

•The college lobby & student services area are going through a LEED registered renovation using green furniture & construction elements compliant with LEED criteria.

•The college is researching photovoltaic panels as campus energy option. The panels would convert sunlight to electricity to power college physical plant, panels planned for new carport in parking area, creating electricity from sunlight and off-gas from asphalt surface

•New green purchasing guidelines have been developed, which involve installing Energy Star appliances wherever possible, replacing refrigerators and freezers with models that use environment-friendly refrigerants, purchasing upgraded computers that meet newest ACUPCC requirements, and switching to washable dishes and utensils for cafeteria.

•A new soccer complex has been developed using refined drainage system keeps rainwater on campus, natural-seed grass— not environment-unfriendly artificial turf.