Some state schools look to improve sustainability

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) _ Millions of dollars are being poured into eco-building and other environmental projects to update West Virginia's higher education facilities, reflecting a national movement to "go green."

Among other upgrades at West Virginia University, a $28.8 million facelift at Brooks Hall has given the building a new, environmentally sound "green roof."

A small plain of greenery tops the roof, growing from layers of soil enclosed in a waterproof membrane. School officials say the vegetation will extend the life of the roof by 50 percent and provide better insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs.

The building also enjoys lots of natural light through energy-efficient windows, and is part of a network of programs at WVU, including recycling efforts, light bulb exchanges and construction upgrades.

Officials say the reason for implementing these earth-friendly practices is due to an unprecedented demand from students, faculty and staff.

"For the first time in my career, and I've been here a lot of years, it's the first time I've seen this kind of unified interest and support, across the board and everyone really wants to improve things," said Joe Fisher, WVU's assistant vice president of facilities and services.

Beyond being better for the earth, a financial bonus exists when it comes to many green updates: pay now and save on energy costs later.

In that regard, Fisher said one of WVU's best moves was contracting with Siemens Building Technology. The company's projects reduce campus energy use by evaluating and updating inefficient equipment, such as HVAC or lighting systems.

And, essentially, they do it for free, Fisher said.

The company's deal with WVU guarantees that it will be paid out of university's energy savings over the next 15 years. If the school saves more than the company's fee, WVU gets to pocket the difference.

The first phase of the project is complete on WVU's Evansdale campus. The entire campus will be covered in about five years.

Fisher hopes a universal policy will be completed this spring that addresses sustainability efforts campus-wide. The movement has created demand for a new job at WVU: sustainability coordinator.

The position is currently vacant, but Fisher says he's looking for someone to oversee the school's various green projects. The coordinator would create a framework for the campus' environmental impact, with a hand in academic areas, student affairs, facilities, transportation and parking.

And there are ways that WVU has been ahead of the game. The university's PRT system transports more than 2 million students a year between the university's two campuses.

"We don't even have a bus fleet," Fisher said. "So, that is a lot of pollution reduction right there."

Transportation is one area where WVU was praised by the 2008 college sustainability report card issued by The Sustainable Endowments Institute. Overall, the report gave WVU a C-minus. The study focused on 200 of the country's schools — those with the biggest endowments. WVU has a $471 million endowment.

WVU has only been included in the nonprofit organization's study for one year.

"More schools are taking action on sustainability measures, in part reflecting increasing concern about climate change and the realities of rising oil and gas prices," said Mark Orlowski, the nonprofit group's executive director.

Greg Adolfson works with West Virginia's colleges and universities to help them improve their sustainability programs.

Statewide, there is "not a lot, but there are some efforts going on," said Adolfson, who works at the Department of Environmental Protection.

Like WVU, Marshall has paper and beverage container recycling programs for everyone from professors to tailgaters.

"We're doing what we can, when we can, as things become economically feasible," said Lalena Price, a spokeswoman for Marshall University.

Price said Marshall is taking other steps, such as purchasing earth-friendly cleaning products or recyclable carpet squares.

Gov. Joe Manchin is asking lawmakers to approve a proposal this session that would allocate $7 million in excess lottery funds to a revolving loan for colleges and universities who want to upgrade energy programs.

Adolfson said it's also time to revive the state's Collegiate Environmental Network, a program started several years ago to "build a network of the state's 30-plus colleges and universities" interested in sustainability. The hope is the school would then help their neighboring K-12 schools implement recycling and other green programs.

"However, DEP has realized that it's obvious that government needs to be just a little bit more involved because the group really hasn't grown any since its inception," Adolfson said.

This summer, the DEP wants to rework the Collegiate Environmental Network to depend on professors instead of students. By working with the non-transient population on campus, the program can avoid dips and surges that mirror the interests and passions of students from year to year, Adolfson said.

Campus liaisons could make more consistent use of a $1 million state grant program.

"For a college, you can get $50,000 to $100,000 for college litter grants," he said. "There's a pot of money that you can use to help you support your recycling program, and eventually do more for your campus."