Student Initiatives

Campus Sustainability Assessments

Students in Environmental Impact Analysis (EVRN 615), an undergraduate capstone course for the Environmental Studies program, worked together to assess current conditions at the University of Kansas and suggest opportunities to make KU a more sustainable institution. Complete reports in PDF format can be downloaded by clicking on the heading for each topic. Studies were conducted on the following indicators of sustainability:

Spring 2010

• Alternative Energy: A look at the need for increased alternative energy use. The problems associated with pollution from coal-fire power plants are discussed. Three forms of alternative energy are examined: solar, wind, and biomass. The authors examine the University's current energy policies, and the feasability of utilizing any of the aformentioned forms of alternative energy (including possible means of funding).
• Transportation: A summary of the importance of forms of transportation other than standard single-passenger commuting. The importance of planning for more convenient pedestrian and bicycle travel are included, including the health benefits of both. A case study demonstrating the potential benefits of Zipcar rental services is also presented.
• Landscaping: Various ways of improving the sustainability of campus grounds are suggested. Among them is the practice of planting native and perennial plants, which reduce soil erosion and require less maintenance. Also included are ways to reduce runoff, cut down on turf management, implement an Integrated Pest Management system, and better utilize compost.
• Energy Efficiency: The focus is on existing campus buildings, and how they can be more energy efficient. This report identifies which campus buildings are particularly inefficient, and looks at current practices and policies which have led to that. Suggestions are made to reduce energy use in these buildings, including holding competitions between the buildings as a way to engage the public. Some more significant areas are also explored, from improving HVAC systems, to rethinking how rooms are scheduled, to using more energy efficient windows.
• Endowment: This report is about the possibility of KU Endowment supporting sustainability by giving financial support to alternative energy-related projects. In particular, it focuses on the development of wind and solar power projects on land owned by Endowment. Problems with this sort of development are addressed, such as the size of parcels of land owned by KU Endowment, and the perceived lack of economic benefits from alternative energy-source development. The benefits of wind energy, which is identified as the more viable of the two energy sources within the state of Kansas, are discussed, alongside some ideal Endowment-owned locations to build wind turbines.
• Green Buildings: The purpose of the this project is to make recommendations to the University to make its building practices more sustainable. Standards for LEED certification are listed, as well as ones recommended by the ASHRAE, and ways that the University could at least come close to meeting those standards are detailed. A comparison is made to other Big XII schools and their green building practices, in which KU is found to be relatively lacking. Lastly, the many benefits of green building practices are listed, to give readers a sense of what the University could gain.
• Recycling: An overview of on-campus recycling is given. The history of KU Recycling is detailed, and current program details are included, including what items are handled and in what quantities. Special programs such as desk-side recycling and Coca-Cola's promotional recycling bins are also referenced. The authors take this information to suggest means of reducing on-campus waste, increasing civic participation in recycling initiatives, and expanding recycling services.
• Revolving Green Loan Fund: The authors suggest the establishment of a Revolving Green Loan Fund in order to fund sustainable initiatives at the University. This fund could save the University money by reducing utility costs, while sustaining itself through gradual savings. Funding to create such a fund was approved in 2010 by the Student Senate. Possible purposes of a Revolving Green Loan Fund would be to support improvements to campus facilities, invest in sustainable landscaping, and support research of alternative energy sources, among many other things.
• Student Farm: The authors propose a University-sponsored, student-run farm as a means of producing food and providing sustainable education opportunities. Similar programs are described at other schools, most of which, like the University of Kansas, do not have agricultural programs. Ways that different academic departments could incorporate farming into their curricula are suggested. A few possible locations for the student farm are also given. Also discussed are logistical issues, such as funding for the program, and ways that a student farm could be laid out and managed to maximize sustainability.
• Dining Services: This report focuses on the purchasing habits of KU Dining Services. Current sustainable initiatives it has taken, such as its recycling program, "Lose the Lid" campaign, and recent changes to purchasing habits. What outside franches are hosted by KU Dining Services, and how sustainable they are, is also discussed, with a particular emphasis on Pizza Hut. Dining Services uses a great deal of biodegradable products, however the issue of where those products go is raised. The landfill which campus waste is sent to is not conducive to biodegrading, and it is recommended that those products be composted instead.
• Waste Audit: The authors detail a waste audit they spearheaded, focusing mainly on waste collection locations at Wescoe Hall, Strong Hall, and the Spencer Museum of Art. It was found that most of the waste collected in each of these locations was actually recyclable. The purpose of conducting the audit is partially given as a means of discussing why people recycle, and how they do it. It also serves to assess current recycling habits by comparing results from Wescoe to those of previous waste audits taken earlier in the decade. Detailed analysis of waste bin locations was given, as were quantities of various reyclable materials which ended up in the waste stream. Suggestions for refining the methodology of future waste audits are also given. Lastly, the authors suggest simple means of reducing waste production and promoting practices such as recycling and composting.

 

Spring 2009

• Energy:  A thorough investigation behind the campus and its energy usage was conducted that surveyed many issues dealing with infrastructure, efficiency, conservation, as well as alternative forms of energy. Using the results, the authors determine that greater public awareness, continued building modifications as well as utility payment re-distribution were some feasible recommendations that The University of Kansas should employ to improve campus energy use. 
• Food: Focusing on sustainable food and related supplies at the University of Kansas, the authors researched all available food resources on campus and determined the impacts of their life cycle while at the University.  This life cycle was broken into three distinct stages: distribution, location and variety of food consumed on campus, and waste disposal. To increase the level of sustainable food services the authors concluded that the University needs to encourage eating locally produced food, increase consumer awareness of sustainability issues, and recycle a higher percentage of materials.
• Laboratory Supplies: The authors hypothesize that a lack of University oversight and regulatory standards leads to unnecessary waste and environmental costs. Case studies were made of the Bio-diesel laboratory, and the General Chemistry 184 course offered at KU in the spring of 2009. Findings indicated inefficiencies lead to waste, increased costs, and further contamination. Recommendations included bar coding systems, laboratory mapping, inventories, and appropriate storage of chemicals.
• Office Supplies: The authors sought to better understand the use of office supplies at the University of Kansas (KU) through interviews with key individuals and the use of a case study of the Business and Geography departments. Specifically, paper supplies, furniture, and electronics each cause significant environmental degradation in their creation and, often improper, disposal.
• Transportation: The focus of this report is to convey environmental stewardship through the examination of sustainable transportation on the University of Kansas campus.  Many alternatives to current operations are available that would decrease the number of vehicles on campus and consequently reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other environmental concerns. The objectives of this study include a comprehensive report on the current campus-wide initiatives, and an identification of potential alternatives and suggestions for future action.
• Vegetation & Wildlife: This research project looks at the landscape and wildlife management at the University of Kansas. Specifically, the authors discuss the financial aspects and limitations of creating an evolving campus for the future, the landscape aesthetics, the wildlife that currently exists on campus, and the current student projects that have the opportunity to greatly improve the quality and beauty of the university.
• Water: The authors state that recommendations for the University to conserve water include long-term appications such as changing bathroom fixtures to more water efficient or even water free models, the installation of rainwater cisterns which could be used for irrigation, and changes in landscaping to use less water. Short-term and lower cost recommendations include a public awareness campaign to get students living on campus to reduce their water use, as well as another awareness campaign giving people information on reporting leaky faucets, toilets, and other water losses so they can be fixed promptly.
• Health: The environment at the University of Kansas opens students up to a multitude of new issues surrounding their health with many students being away from home for the first time. Major health factors cited in this report include: the learning environment, mental health, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, infectious diseases and physical health. This report analyzes these issues and provides recommendations to ensure that the student population is protected as much as possible from these issues.

Summer 2007

An overview of the Campus Sustainability Assessment (CSA) and an outline for developing a CSA at the University of Kansas.

Spring 2007

• Energy: This project examines alternative energy sources for the KU campus, focusing on the feasibility of installing solar panels on Wescoe Hall.
• Food: A proposal to develop greenhouses on campus to supply fresh produce for KU Dining Services throughout the year. The proposal also addresses waste reduction through a food waste composting system that provides nutrients for the gardening operation. (Note: A pilot proposal for this project is being developed to include working with a local producer on a smaller scale. Check back for details in fall 2007.)
• Green Building: Suggestions for renovating Gertrude S. Pearson (GSP) Residence Hall to obtain LEED certification, this proposal addresses mechanical systems, alternative energy, green roofs, and funding considerations. (Note: This project is being further refined by one of the authors as an independent study project. Please check back for an update in full 2007.)
• Landscaping: This report focuses on both the aesthetics and the resources used to maintain our campus landscaping, highlighting aspects of protecting Potter Lake, water use (and potential reuse) for irrigation, litter on campus, and the potential for incorporating native plant species into the landscape.
• Waste Reduction and Recycling: A status report and suggestions for improving recycling and waste reduction on campus, including a waste study conducted in Wescoe Hall.