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Water-free urinals, installed earlier this year, are located in a first floor restroom at the SLC. Each urinal saves approximately 40,000 gallons of water a year.

Energy-efficient revamps made throughout county

By: SHANESSA FAKOUR

Posted: 8/19/08

The University and Athens-Clarke County are stepping up initiatives to conserve energy and increase fuel efficiency this fall.

ACC is participating in the Drive Smarter Challenge and the Change the World, Start With ENERGY STAR Campaign - two competitions that focus on fuel and energy efficiency.

As part of ACC's energy conservation plan, it has purchased two electric cars for county use, Dick Field, ACC environmental coordinator, said in a phone interview.

Some police officers are patrolling downtown on Segways instead of their vehicles to conserve, Field said.

"Another major energy saver is using more efficient lights," he said. ACC has replaced incandescent lights with compact fluorescent bulbs.

The University Physical Plant also made the conversion to compact fluorescent lighting, Ken Crowe, director of energy services, said.

In the last fiscal year, the Physical Plant performed 23 different projects that conserved both energy and water, Crowe said.

Identifying where water was being wasted became a priority in light of the level four drought declared state-wide last October by Gov. Sonny Perdue, he said.

"We've completed full conversion in instructional spaces to low-flow restroom fixtures" like sinks and toilets, he said.

The Physical Plant is improving the steam system's efficiency as well. Steam is sent to all buildings on campus, Crowe said.

Plant workers are completing projects to increase the insulation in pipes and install 100 steam meters in buildings.

The Physical Plant was recognized July 15 for green cleaning efforts on North Campus.

University Housing adopted a goal of sustainability - leaving the world in as good or better condition than we have it - has prompted environmentally-conscious decisions and water conservation efforts, Gerry Kowalski, Housing executive director, said.

In bathrooms, green cleaning products are now used, and residence halls are installing low flow devices, he said.

The gradual switch to energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting is more expensive in the short run, but lights will last longer and burn less electricity, he said.

New students in the residence halls will receive a welcome packet that gives general tips on conserving water, Kowalski said.

"It's not anything we can enforce, but we can encourage people to take responsible behaviors."