KU Memorial Unions
The University of Kansas Memorial Unions, which include
the Kansas Union and the Burge Union, realize the potential and importance of sustainable
facilities at the university level. Despite operating 2 large facilities on campus, the
Memorial Unions have been able to take important steps towards sustainable operation.
Current efforts at the Kansas Memorial Unions include:
- Using a specialized reservation system that is linked to the heating and cooling system, the facilities managers are cable of automatically controlling the indoor climate based on occupancy. This system helps avoid the unnecessary heating and cooling of rooms without occupants, which dramatically increases the building's energy efficiency.
- Recycled paper hand towels are used in restrooms instead of hand dryers. Also in restrooms, the Unions now have sensored water faucets and soap dispensers to help reduce waste.
- Recycling at the Kansas Memorial Unions is extensive and effective. Materials that are recycled include: plastic, newspaper, office paper, wood, refrigerants, paint, usable construction materials, batteries, copper, steel, iron, stainless steel, compressor cores, and computers. In addition, approximately 4000 gallons of grease and 50 tons of cardboard are recycled each year.
- T8 energy efficient lighting is used throughout the facilities to help reduce energy consumption.
- Envirox, which is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and citrus oil, is now used for nearly all cleaning tasks in place of traditional cleaning supplies which often contain harmful chemicals. Automated dispensers are used to reduce waste from overuse.
- The Kansas Memorial Union, which ranks 2nd in size, only ranks 15th in energy consumption at the KU, demonstrating the effectiveness of their efforts to have a sustainable facility.
- KU Dining Services, a part of KU Memorial Unions, is taking steps towards a more sustainable dining experience on campus.
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