Since the early 1990s, Wichita State University has been committed to reducing its impact on the environment through recycling, reducing its carbon footprint and increasing the energy efficiency of its buildings. Here are some of the green efforts the institution has undertaken.
Energy performance
Since 2005, WSU has been involved in a $12 million project with national energy management firm Custom Energy to improve the energy efficiency of buildings on campus. Among the projects completed include retrofits of lighting systems and boiler plant improvements. The university also receives funds of approximately $1.6 million each year from the State of Kansas that are applied to installation of energy efficient windows and doors, electricity-conserving lighting systems and upgraded heating and cooling systems.
Recycling
Among Kansas Board of Regents schools, Wichita State was an early adopter of recycling, launching a campus-wide initiative in 1992 at the behest of WSU President Warren Armstrong. In 2009, WSU recycled 34.6 percent of its total waste stream. The recycling program collects office paper, newspaper, magazines and aluminum and plastic beverage containers at widespread recycling stations it its buildings. It also accepts phone books, campus directories, wood, steel and tin cans through the WSU Recycle Program office.
Carbon emission reduction
Wichita State University has a small carbon footprint with low-emission natural gas boilers. The university has made strides in its fleet emissions, as well. The WSU Police Department has added new flexible-fuel vehicles that run on ethanol, and has deployed new battery-powered, three-wheel platform vehicles for patrolling campus to further reduce fuel consumption.