DEQ Pollution Prevention Champion Idaho State University

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Pollution Prevention Champions

DEQ's Pollution Prevention Program

Contact DEQ

Joanna Pierce

DEQ State Office
1410 N. Hilton
Boise, Idaho 83706
ph: (208) 373-0146
fx: (208) 373-0342

joanna.pierce@deq.idaho.gov

Pollution Prevention Champion:
Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho

Environmental Commitment

Every member of the university community is encouraged to provide stewardship in protecting the environment by preventing pollution on campus. The objective is to reduce waste and reuse and recycle materials to minimize adverse impacts on the air, water, land, and other natural resources.

Pollution Prevention Successes

Water Conservation

Idaho State University has taken measures to reduce water use including:

Reducing water use by over 2.5 million gallons per year through xeriscape landscaping techniques including using native plants and organic mulch.
Reducing indoor water consumption by over 24 million gallons per year through installation of sink aerators and low-flow toilets.
Protecting water quality through installation of a storm water filtration system that will filter storm water prior to discharge to the Snake River.

Energy Efficiency

Idaho State University established a performance contract with an energy services company to facilitate energy efficiency projects. Under a performance contract, the energy services company implements energy-improvement projects at no cost to the facility and guarantees minimum energy savings per year. A contractually guaranteed annual saving of $542,000 from current utility billls is used to pay for the improvements. After the contract ends, the facility retains all future savings. As a result, Idaho State University is:

Optimizing and scheduling functions of HVAC systems in campus buildings, thereby conserving 1.8 million kWh and saving $68,500 per year.
Reducing energy use from lighting by replacing T-12 fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient T-8 bulbs, thereby conserving over 1.45 million kWh and saving over $67,650 per year.
Conserving 165,000 kWh of electricity per year through technology that regulates lighting and temperature of vending machines, while keeping beverages cool.

Hazardous Materials Reduction

Idaho State University has reduced hazardous materials use and toxicity through:

Purchasing acid-free cleaning chemicals.
Purchasing chemicals in bulk and implementing centralized, ready-to-use systems for cleaning chemicals. This helps with inventory control and eliminates plastic wastes from multiple cleaning products.
Replacing a solvent cleaning tank in the transportation department with a water-based parts washer.

Recycling

Idaho State University recycles motor oil, toner cartridges, tires, paper, cardboard, newsprint, and magazines. Over 265 tons of paper and 36,000 pounds of cardboard are recycled annually.

National Recognition

Idaho State University received the Environmental Excellence Individual Achievement Award at the 2005 Intermountain Conference on the Environment and has been notified it will receive the 2006 Environmental Support Solutions Excellence Award in October 2006. The university has also been featured on the cover page of Rebuild America, published by the U.S. Department of Energy.

For More Information

Contact Syed Hashim, Environmental Specialist, at (208) 282-2747.

Information on this Web page represents examples of projects undertaken by the organizations only and does not constitute Departmental certification or approval of compliance at this or any other time with federal, state and/or local regulations, but is solely presented as an example of projects undertaken by organizations in order to prevent pollution and/or conserve resources.

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