Mandatory Training: Sustainability at the University of Houston

Presented by Green UH

Green UH

• University’s definition: Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

• UH is an active member of AASHE-STARS

• Categories: Climate change, campus involvement, recycling, transportation and research

• Princeton Review 2010: UH Recognized for being one of America’s Most Environmentally Responsible Universities

• AASHE is ‘Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’.

• AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future.

• AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.

ReduceQuick ways to reduce energy:

– Turn off the lights when natural light is sufficient and when you leave the room

– Turn off your computers when they are not in use– Enable sleep setting on your computer to allow monitor to

sleep. http://www.energy-solution.com/off-equip/configuring-monitors.html

– Use the stairs as often as possible. Be green be fit.

Fact:– UH Energy consumption for 08-09= 194,988,177 KWh– Cost:- 15 million dollars on electricity 3 million dollars on natural gas

Reduce

Dr. Barry Lefer Says……Dr. Lefer is a professor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UH

-Use a Surge protector

-Connect all your electronics to one surge protector and when you leave the office just switch off the surge protector.

-No personal Printer. Use a central printer in the office

Reduce

Quick ways to carbon emissions:– Walk, bike or use public transportation to get to campus, go to

lunch and get to meetings – Start a vanpool/carpool– Use the Cougar Shuttle line around the campus instead of driving

your car– Ride METRO. It can carry about 40 people at the same time

Fact:Total distance travelled per year by students/staff/faculty via car-

135,697,593 milesEach student rides a car for an average of 16 miles for coming to

university

Reduce

What is a METRO Q-Card? It’s a reloadable card for METRO buses and METRO rail where you can load money and ride. Over 8 direct routes passes through UH

Need a Map? http: www.uh.edu/parking

Where do you get it?Welcome Center

Reduce

Quick ways to conserve water:– Report leaks in your building by calling FIX-IT at 3-4948

Fact:UH Water consumption in 2008-2009 was 358,311,000 gallonsUH water consumption in 2005-06 was 429,528,000 gallons

Reduce & Recycling– Use less paper– Make double sided copies whenever you print– Change your printer default setting to double sided copy– Buy recycle paper– Throw the paper in its respective bin

Fact:In 2009, UH used 15 million sheets of paper

Recycling

Plastic and cans– UH has over 1500 recycling bins on campus!

– Use those recycle bins -Black and Blue

– Throw your plastics and aluminum in their respective bin

Closed Loop Program• UH is now practicing Closed Loop Program with Boise

• UH - Plant operations collect paper from copy center, library, student center, classrooms, offices and departments

• Boise Jackson Paper Mill collects this waste paper from Plant Operations

• Boise Paper buys this waste paper and manufactures 30%, 50% and 100% post-consumer recycled content paper

• OfficeMax buys recycled content paper from Boise for resale and distribution

RecyclingOther things that can be Recycled:

Cardboard, computers, cell phone batteries, ink cartridges

Recycling made easy

Need a Recycling bin? – Go to uh.edu/green – Click on the Recycling Tab – Order your bin!

Need your recycle bins to be emptied? Email Green UH at greenuh@uh.edu

Reuse– Use re-usable containers and cups

– Bring your own coffee mug and reduce on Styrofoam

– Before ordering new furniture for your office check out with property management

Reusing made easy

Need Furniture to be bought or swapped? Check out Property Management!

Contact: Minhthu Pham 713-743-8757Email id: mpham13@uh.edu