University of Richmond Initiatives
The University of Richmond has been 'greening' more and more in recent years. The University has committed itself to American College and University President's Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), monitoring their carbon footprint, aiming to attain climate neutrality by 2050, and integrating sustainability into the UR learning experience. The University of Richmond is defining its role as a developing green university with an increasingly apparent dedication to environmental stewardship
What has the University Done?
The University of Richmond has already launched several green initiatives, specifically affecting our area of study; water. The University has implemented policies that directly affect water consumption, distribution, and use, as well as policies that indirectly affect the water budget of the university. Here are some of the programs that directly decrease the University's blue and grey water footprints:
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Installation and retrofitting of low-flow shower heads and sink aerators. These water saving technology decrease the amount of water water used while showering or using the sink by aerating the water. This technique makes the water appear and feel fuller while less water is actually used.
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Installation and pint-flush urinals and dual flush toilets/flush valves. The former uses a more dispersed flushing mechanism and the latter technology gives the user the choice to use a light-flush or a heavier-flush to better appropriate the amount of water used while flushing.
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Installation of energy-efficient washers. Estimates suggest the university saves about 1,000,000 gallons of water per year with the installation of these washers.
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Installation of Energy Star-rated ice machines. These ice machines use 10% less water than traditional ice machines.
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The adoption of an active Water Quality Management Plan to improve the quality of Westhampton Lake. This plan includes annual dredging, quality monitoring, and integrated fertilization.
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Utilizing drought-resistant landscaping. These plants need water for only their first developmental year and can grow without irrigation thereafter.
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Redesigning the university irrigation infrastructure. Pitt Field, along with other campus irrigation zones, use non-potable water and water from Westhampton Lake.
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Operating as a certified Nutrient Management Site.The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation oversees the university's action and imposes strict fertilizer restrictions for the university.
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Hosting an on-campus community garden. The on-campus garden utilizes less water than large-scale farm operations.
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Launching a Composting Program. Composting decreases the need for chemical fertilizers that would have significant runoff into streams, lakes, and other water bodies.
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Using environmentally friendlier snow removal techniques. Use of Magnesium Chloride and Rock Salt which have limited environmental impacts in comparison to other forms of snow removal.
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Continuing the use of the 50-acre off-campus land parcel as an organic farm.The use of an organic farm, in relation to large-scale farm operations, has a smaller impact on the local water systems.
Indirect Water Saving Policies.
The University of Richmond understands that environmental stewardship and responsibility is very liberal. The university has adopted policies in other fields (non-water related) that have significant effects on the water footprint of the university, including:
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Commitment of the University to have all new developments meet LEED silver standards. The University of Richmond has committed to have all new developments to meet these standards, which reflect the development's sustainability. By conserving energy, less energy production (whether that be coal, oil, wind, solar etc) is needed- all of which have significant water footprints.
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Investment in mass-transit and non-automotive transportation techniques. As aforementioned, fossil fuel consumption have significant water footprints. By investing in mass transit and non-automotive means of transportation, less water is indirectly necessitated.
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Proper management of waste and materials on campus. The school intakes significant local goods, reducing the water footprint associated with the distribution of goods. The University also has launched significant recycling programs, including contracts that mandate 80% of certain goods are at least 30% recycled.