LIT Master PLan PDF - Lamar Institute of Technology

ecommendations
Campus Sustainability
Many institutions, colleges, and universities are making
the push to support campus sustainability in all forms.
Faculty, staff, student government, the student body,
and organizations must work together to accomplish
such a task. The challenge is great but manageable.
One of the master plan’s goals for campus sustainability
is for all new campus facilities and major renovations
to attain LEED Silver certification. Beyond the bounds
of any single construction project, LIT can support even
greater initiatives. Environmental sustainability on a
campus level can be approached in five venues: Energy,
Atmosphere, Materials, Site Development, and Water.
The following are campus sustainability recommendations
for each of these five categories:
Energy
• Design buildings to meet or exceed LEED Silver
energy standards. Currently, buildings account for
1/3 of all energy usage in the United States.
• Implement a campus-wide phase out program for
all non-Energy Star appliances, electronics, and
lighting. For example, LED monitors use less than
50% of the energy needed to run traditional computer
monitors.
• Shorten HVAC and lighting usage time in the day.
Turn these systems off at night.
• Generate renewable energy on campus by means
of solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal
systems, etc.
• Sign energy contracts with renewable energy
companies such as Green-e certified companies.
Doing so provides the university with pollution free
energy while promoting the development of gridsource
renewable energy.
Atmosphere
• Strengthen the infrastructure of the campus by
bringing in additional services, such as dining, to
encourage students, faculty, and staff to remain on
campus.
Solar power installations are increasing yearly
• Restrict automobile use inside the campus. Campus
safety is a priority and is strengthened by limiting
vehicle access. Decreasing automobile traffic
decreases the opportunity for automobile-related
accidents on campus. Alternatives to personal
automobile use on campus include shuttle systems
and bicycle sharing programs. This strategy helps
the campus atmosphere and lessens energy usage.
It also promotes a strong sense of community by
allowing more student interaction.
• Promote ride-share and bus systems for students.
Start online programs to facilitate ride share
groups.
• Implement a campus-wide phase out of harmful,
ozone-depleting refrigerants (from HVAC systems).
This is an important requirement of LEED buildings.
• Construct and maintain buildings with neutral
materials that do not contain VOC’s or toxins. This
will prevent sick building syndrome and lead to
a healthier, better performing faculty, staff, and
student body. Materials to consider include paints,
woods, glues, and carpet systems.
• Implement green cleaning programs inside buildings.
Use environmentally friendly cleaning
products instead of harmful toxins. There are
many products on the market that are effective in
cleaning and are safe for the environment.
• Limit or completely abolish pesticides outside of
the buildings. Use “green” or organic landscaping
methods.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN
Lamar Institute of Technology
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