Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dubuque, Iowa
http://www.bvmcong.org/

Contact:
Mira Mosle, BVM
Vice President _Sisters of Charity, BVM
1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003-7991
563-588-2351
mmosle@bvmcong.org


When specifying fixtures and components for renovations and new construction, the sisters look at water efficiency. The Motherhouse, constructed in 1892, was renovated in 2007. They have installed dual flush toilets therein, replaced standard 3.5 gallon flush valves with 1.5 gallon flush valves, and installed water saving faucet aerators in sinks and showers. A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) was submitted and approved by the City of Dubuque at the time of the renovation for a Roadway and Parking Lot project. The SWPPP identified practices to reduce soil erosion and prevent sediment loss from the construction of the area that, if not implemented, would degrade water quality downstream. As replacements are needed, front-loading washers and dryers are purchased which can handle larger loads allowing for fewer loads using less water, detergent, and energy.

Energy efficiency is a major consideration with the Sisters of Charity when installing new or replacement light fixtures, electric motors and other electrical equipment. They use T8 electronic ballasts and fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent light bulbs, LED exit signs, and power demand limiting software. Building automation software monitors and controls facility heating and cooling equipment. When the Motherhouse was renovated in 2007, a geothermal heating and cooling system was installed. Variable frequency drives are in use on boilers in other buildings, and fans, pumps, blowers and water heaters across campus increasing energy efficiency. As much as possible, Energy Star products are selected when new and replacement equipment and appliances are purchased. Windows contain low-E glass and monitoring the opening and closing of drapes or shades during sunny times of the day provides a cost savings in both summer and winter. Two other major buildings on campus have been partially converted to geothermal.

The renovation of the Motherhouse (120,000 sq. ft.) was preceded by a process of deconstruction, rather than demolition, as a way to reduce the amount of material taken to the landfill. Each wing was deconstructed piece by piece. Some of the material was re-used on the campus; other pieces were sold for re-use elsewhere around the country.

Particular attention is paid to indoor environmental quality. Three energy recovery ventilation units pull building exhaust air through a recovery wheel to remove heat or cold air depending on the season before discharging the air outside. The wheel then conditions the outside or fresh air that is being brought into the building. Carbon monoxide (CO) is monitored throughout the Motherhouse in return air ducts and in large gathering spaces. Adjustments are made to the outside air intake based on the amount of CO in the air. Differential air pressure is also monitored on the filtration system so air filters are replaced based on a drop in air pressure. Therefore, filters are changed when they are dirty and not based on a time schedule. Cleaning chemicals used throughout the campus are only those certified to be environmentally safe for industrial and institutional use by Green Seal. Use of aerosol cans is minimized – instead pumps are used. The entire campus is smoke-free.

The sisters share the knowledge and experienced gained in the renovation of their Motherhouse through the local media and tours of the building. They show-cased their innovations in a 16-page insert to the local newspaper at the time of the completion of the Motherhouse renovation. Dubuque is very strong in green initiatives and the mayor uses the Motherhouse as one example of progress when promoting Sustainable City initiatives nationally.

The Sisters of Charity have a Land Committee that studies alternative uses of their land and makes recommendations to leadership. The committee is currently (2009) working with a consultant on the development of a Mount Carmel Campus Land Master Plan. After much input from members of the community, a final draft is being prepared for consideration during the summer of 2010.

The community helps each individual sister make the connection between the operation of the facility, climate change, and Catholic social teaching through workshops and internal publications. Each issue of their internal publications contains a practical "ecology tip" written by one of the sisters.

The Sisters of Charity help civic communities in 20 states and three foreign countries make the connection between their sustainability initiatives, climate change, and Catholic social teaching through their external publication, SALT. The Spring 2008 edition of SALT focused on water and included a variety of articles related to climate change, Catholic Social teaching, an appeal to not use bottled water, and simple ministries related to responsible use of earth’s resources. View this issue at http://www.bvmcong.org/downloads/saltspring2008.pdf .

Waste is reduced through a substantial campus-wide recycling program that includes most metal, glass, light bulbs (incandescent and fluorescent), cardboard, plastic, batteries, computers, circuit boards, and ink/toner cartridges. Paper, other than newsprint, is shredded and taken by an area farmer for animal bedding. Newspapers are recycled to the nursing department for use in disposing of liners for incineration. A room is devoted to the re-use and distribution of clothing by residents and staff with unclaimed items taken to Goodwill for recycling. Worn linens are recycled into rags used around campus. Paper towels and toilet tissue used are made from recycled materials. Recycled latex paint was used in the renovation of the Motherhouse and throughout the campus.

The use of disposable eating utensils is minimized in food service. However, disposable coffee cups that are used are made from recycled material. Kitchen grease is recycled. You won’t find bottled water as only tap water is used for a variety of reasons. Sisters on missions off-campus "do what they can" and success varies according to locale and circumstances.

The sisters make a conscious effort to reduce transportation-related emissions. Approximately 20% of their auto fleet is hybrid vehicles. They look for fuel-efficient vehicles when selecting other cars. Increasingly, they hold meetings electronically rather than face-to-face, thus cutting down on fuel usage. Carpooling is also used, when possible.