In day-to-day business, Virginia Wesleyan is environmentally-conscious by routinely practicing the procedures listed below.
Construction
- Bio-retention ponds are installed during construction to clean the water before it runs to Lake Taylor.
- Low or no VOC paints and sealants are standard on new construction, and used on renovation projects, where applicable.
- Low capacity plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water.
- A living green roof was installed on Smithdeal Hall in Village II.
- Clarke Hall will soon be recommissioned to meet LEED standards for existing buildings.
Energy
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs during renovation.
- Energy Star appliances, where applicable, are standard on campus.
- An ice storage system, where ice is built at night, has been installed. This allows a chiller to be shut down during the day, reducing the electrical production facilities need due to reducing peak demand.
- Night set-back controls are used in buildings where we have central HVAC controls.
- A gravity feed roller system was installed in the dining center, replacing the powered dish mover.
Landscaping
- Native plants are used wherever possible.
- Minimal fertilizers are used, and those used are organic.
- In icy conditions, the College uses more sand, a natural control system, than chemicals to reduce slippery areas.
Recycling
- We've re-instated an improved campus recycling program.
- The Business Office recycles toner cartridges from campus printers and copiers
- The Physical Plant recycles batteries.
- Memo pads are created from left-over print jobs and misprints in the campus print shop.
- Recycled paper pads are sold in the Scribner Bookstore.
- Recycled copy paper and envelopes are purchased for the campus print shop.
- An effort is made to purchase recycled products across the supply line.
- Planted pines removed in the construction of Village IV were recycled and used for mulch.
Transportation
- Hybrid vehicles are being introduced into the College fleets.
- The Marlin Express and the Marlin Transit Authority provide transportation for students, reducing the need for multiple vehicles to travel to the same location.
- The Marlin Wheels program allows for environmentally-friendly travel on campus.
Waste
- The Physical Plant provides hazardous waste removal through authorized handlers.
- Campus scientists utilize minimal chemicals for experiments thus creating less waste.
- Trayless dining reduces food waste and saves energy.