King’s College
http://www.kings.edu

Contact: Dr. Bridget Costello, Chair, The Green Initiative, Department of Criminal Justice & Sociology, Kings College, 133 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711; 570.208.5900, x.5745; BridgetCostello@kings.edu

When planning renovations or new construction at King’s College they specify low flow devices for toilets and showers and, as part of a parking lot construction project, considered adding a storm water retention tank as an irrigation reservoir. Electrical equipment is replaced with the highest efficiency models available for the application. Variable frequency drives are used to save energy by allowing the volume of air moved to match the system demand. Boiler temperatures are programmed to track outside air temperature. The use of T5 and T8 energy efficient fluorescent lights are specified. They are currently considering a programmable lighting system that will cut back lighting loads and will soon conduct an energy survey that will provide a detailed list of more efficiency opportunities.

Kings considers the reuse or recycling of construction material from any demolition on campus. In a recent building renovation, bricks from a portion that was demolished were used to renovate the remaining portion. Slate sidewalk pieces have been reused to create walking paths. Paper purchased by the Facilities Department has recycled content.

Enhanced intake of fresh air in ventilation is improved indoor air quality during renovations. Low emitting tile surfaces are preferred floor coverings in dormitory rooms reducing susceptibility to mold than currently used carpet technology. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) latex paints are used to minimize any outgassing.
Cleaning chemicals are Green Seal certified. Floors are finished using a process that minimizes the amount of water and low-VOC finish used and discarded as waste.

The Green Initiative (TGI), a committee of faculty, staff, and students was launched in 2007 to foster "social responsibility by promoting environmental awareness and action among the College community. TGI is committed to educating community members on environmental issues, promoting environmental responsibility, providing opportunities for community members to take action on environmental issues and initiatives, improving the standard of living amongst campus residents and workers through environmentally responsible purchasing and practices, raising the profile of King’s as an environmentally responsible institution, and living the college mission by fostering responsible global stewardship. It is currently assessing the sustainability of campus transportation, recycling, and operating policies. TGI holds an annual Earth day activities fair to publicize educational opportunities and dispense information about programs and activities on campus and in the larger community, is working to establish and maintain community gardens with the city of Wilkes-Barre and other area communities, and hosts panel discussions to synthesize campus and community expertise on sustainability. The theme of the Winter 2009 issue of King’s College Pride, the College Alumni Magazine, was "King’s Community Going Green."

There is a special effort to help students make the connection between the operation of the college, climate change, and Catholic social teaching. For example, Dr. Barbara Wall, Villanova University, spoke to the campus staff, students, faculty, and administrators on "Catholic Social Teaching and the Environment" in October, 2008. The session was videotaped for educational use in classes and for new faculty and staff orientation sessions on campus. In addition, activities such as tree plantings are viewed as teaching exercises with hands-on opportunities.

There is a campus-wide recycling program to reduce waste. Packaging reduction is an emphasis as cleaning chemicals are purchased as a concentrate then diluted for use. This minimizes waste and saves energy and funds from shipping water. A tablet form of window cleaner for vehicles substantially reduces packaging. Building materials from renovations such as bricks, equipment, doors, and fixtures are reused as much as possible.
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The dining service at King’s uses a tray-less meal system to cut down on water use and food waste. Recyclable products have been introduced to replace styrofoam and plastic containers for food service and take-out. Some foods and produce are locally grown and distributed.

The Green Initiative is currently reviewing alternative energy vehicles for possible purchase and addition to the transportation fleet.