2007-2008 UCHC Sustainability Initiatives &

Events

Tom Elliott accepts UCHC’s Environmental Award from Practice Greenhealth May 2008

Recycling

Bins & signage to improve separation of recyclables for collection

Meetings with medical and dental school to locate additional recycling bins

Recycling container placement more visible and practical

Bottle & can recycling has increased - 36% recycling rate

UCHC addsed 1,500 lbs. to Mt. Sneaker

Waste Reduction

Increased recycling enables plastic liner reduction (for trash receptacles) - savings of $100K/yr and reduction of carbon footprint from petroleum used in their production (pilot program at Health Center, JDH administrative suites)

Energy

Improved energy management“Reverse Auction” energy purchase saved $7 million

in 2007-08 and includes 12% renewable energyElectric heat to be replaced with hot water

steam/coils with 3 yr. payback, saving about $1.5 million

Lighting improvements in the MARB save about $37K/yr and working to replace light fixtures, add motion sensorsSolar project for daycare center

Outreach/Awareness

Health, Safety & Environment Fair includes sustainability tables and speakers’ panel

UCHC Environmental Sustainability website developed (linked from Facilities homepage)

UCHC/Public Health participated in Focus the Nation events in January

Sustainability featured in UConn Advance, KBP newsletter and on Cafeteria TV monitors

Green Building & Low Impact Design

Construction on the Stem Cell Research Facility (400 Farmington Ave.) is on-track for LEED-Silver certification (especially difficult since this is a “gut rehab” renovation)

Grounds crews now planting native, drought-tolerant plants

Miscellaneous

The bike-to-work, rideshare and carpooling programs were at the Health, Safety & Environment Fair

Farmers' Markets held in courtyard this summer

Maintenance is now using green cleaning products

Connecticut Ridesharing Award - July 2008

Governor Jodi Rell presented the “Tri-State 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge” Award to UCHC (Cindy Couture) for having the most individuals join the NuRide service, saving thousands of

gallons of gas and reducing auto emissions across the state.