EIU Recycling
Eastern Illinois University's recycling program was established in 1992 to meet a state mandate requiring all Illinois universities to show 40 percent reduction in waste stream by the year 2000.
Our voluntary recycling program is not only helping us meet this goal, but also creating a more environmentally responsible campus. It also provides student employment opportunities and has enabled us to participate in a joint project with a local school district's training program, providing real work experiences for developmentally disabled students.
Please use the correct containers on campus to dispose of recyclable goods. This will help us move quickly and recycle more goods.
Surplus Office Supply Store
Eastern has opened a surplus office supply store. Bring your extra office supplies to the supply store, then see what we have that you need. We may have:
- Reams of paper (assorted colors and sizes).
- Slide carousels.
- Legal file folders and hangers.
- Toners.
- Cassette tapes.
- Reel-to-reel tapes.
- Other assorted products.
So come check us out on the east side of Central Receiving. We are in the white building closest to the O'Brien Stadium parking lot in the Facilities Planning and Management Complex. Come to the south side of the building; the door is marked.
Just leave what you have as surplus, sign out and take what you can use. There is no charge for this service. How long has it been since you got something for free? For information, contact Ryan Siegel at 217-581-8395.
EIU Recycling Program Links of Interest
Government websites:
Preferable Products Procurement Program
Environmental Protection Agency
Universities:
Harvard University
Northwestern University
Princeton
Grants:
Federal government grants
Other intresting links:
- Check this out! To start it, click on the link on the right hand side of the video-it gets stuck if you click on the play button on the video...
- Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day. To celebrate, we're asking you to take a pledge — a pledge to come together and recycle better, because now more than ever it’s easier to make a difference.
- Responsible Purchasing Network - This guide provides information about the impacts of bottled water and the responsible strategies institutions have used in their bottled water purchasing decisions.
- The Secret Life Series - Ever wonder what happens when we toss old cell phones in the trash? Take the paper we read in the morning, the jeans and T-shirts we wear. Have you ever considered what impacts these products have on the environment from beginning to end?
- Sustainable You: A Guide to Living Green at Northwestern University
- Responsible Purchasing Network - This guide provides information about the impacts of bottled water and the responsible strategies that institutions have used in their bottled water purchasing decisions.
- This video documents an experiment conducted by BGSU, Ohio EPA, and Rader Environmental Services. Toxic mercury vapors can not be seen with the naked eye. However, mercury vapors can create a shadow when placed between a short-wave ultraviolet light source and a fluorescent background.
- It is similar to U.S. EPA fact sheets, but this is put together by the University of Michigan's Center for Sustainable Systems. It has fact sheets on U.S. municipal solid waste, U.S. material use, commercial and residential buildings, U.S. food systems and others.
- Take some time to think about the environmental effects of your shopping this year. Where possible, make changes to help protect the environment.
Reports
Recycle and Landfills:
Year 2009
Eastern Illinois University Collection Totals For 2009 - pdf
Year 2008
Eastern Illinois University Collection Totals For 2008 - pdf
Year 2007
Eastern Illinois University Collection Totals For 2007 - pdf
Utilities
This area is responsible for the following utilities: Steam, natural gas, electricity, cooling and domestic water.
The steam plant was originally built in 1926 with additions in 1946 and 1968. The coal-fired boilers have steam output capacities of 50,000 and 80,000 pounds per hour. The two dual fuel (natural gas or No. 2 fuel oil) boilers each have steam output capacities of 100,000 pounds per hour. Steam is distributed through three eight-inch pipes, with one serving the north campus, one serving the center and west campus, and the third serving the south campus. This plant will be replaced in the near future by the Renewable Energy Center.
Domestic water is received from the city in three locations onto the campus domestic water system. This system serves the same buildings as the Steam Plant.
Natural gas is distributed to campus on a limited basis via a 4” gas main with the steam lines. The majority of buildings which require natural gas are served by individual taps served by Ameren.
Electrical power for campus is received from a 12.5kv transmission line into a switchyard adjacent to the steam plant. Utility-owned transformers reduce the voltage to 4160v, which is fed to 10 individual campus primary circuits. These circuits in turn distribute 4kv to individual building transformers via underground duct cells. This switchyard will be reduced in size, and eventually eliminated, as the loops mentioned below are established.
A second service point has been established in Greek Court. Electrical power for this switchyard is received from a 12.5kv transmission line. One line coming out of this switchyard serves the Doudna Fine Arts Center, Buzzard Hall, and Life Science Buildig at 12.47kv. The second line goes to a university-owned transformer, which reduces the voltage to 4160v for electrical distribution in the south quad.
These two switchyards will be fed from a new 69kv switchyard under construction adjacent to the Renewable Energy Center. The two utility-owned transformers in the Seventh Street switchyard will be replaced by a single university-owned transformer.
The electrical master plan calls for a second switchyard to be established in University Court to establish four feeder loops at 12.47kv. Those loops are to serve the north campus, south campus, west campus and Greek Court/Carman Hall. These two switchyards will be fed from the new high voltage service established under the upcoming energy services contract project.
As opportunities arise, the campus is moving toward upgrading its primary distribution voltage to 12.47kv. Moving from 4160v to 12.47kv will reduce line loss by two-thirds, increase capacity by 200 percent, and move to a more standard utility voltage — thus making repairs easier. The campus will also transition from a wheel-like radial feed to a loop feed. This will increase reliability in case a section fails; it can easily be segregated from the rest of the loop and the loop can continue to function while the section is repaired.
In 1995, Eastern Illinois University initiated design of a chilled water loop to interconnect the air conditioning equipment of four buildings. The four academic buildings connected to the chilled water loop are Buzzard Hall, Booth Library, Life Science and the Doudna Fine Arts Center. The goals of the project were to improve energy efficiency by using excess capacity in individual equipment, improve reliability by sharing equipment, permit the cooling of the buildings during seasonal shoulder periods, and defer the replacement of old equipment all at once. This initiative has been very successful.
The project in fiscal year 1998/99 added four buildings to the loop. The residence halls connected were Stevenson Tower, Lincoln and Douglas Halls, and Tower Food Service. The academic building connected was the Lantz Complex, which includes the Student Recreation Center.
One chiller, in Taylor/Lawson Halls, was replaced with an electric centrifugal chiller that is more efficient. In 2002, Phase II ESCo replaced steam chillers with electricity-driven units in Thomas/Andrews Halls, Stevenson Tower, the Physical Science Building and Carman Hall. These projects increased the reliability of cooling systems and allowed for more efficient use of energy throughout the year.
In FY2001/02, the university extended the existing chilled water loop to Physical Science Building, McAfee Gymnasium and the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union Food Court. Under the same project, a mini-loop was installed between the Taylor and Thomas Hall mechanical rooms, allowing those complexes to share chillers. Then, under the Phase II ESCO, a “south quad” chilled water loop was created to connect the residence hall complexes (Taylor/Lawson and Thomas/Andrews) with Coleman and Klehm Halls as well as the new Department of Human Services facility.
The south loop was connected to the north loop in 2009-10 by the ESCO III project. This project also converted the loops from a ring configuration to a supply and return configuration. This allows cooling to remain in the event of a pipe failure or a pump failure. It also allows cooling to be available year-long without constantly running pumps.
Currently, there are 19 buildings connected on the chilled water loop. To date, there are 2.2M GSF connected to the campus chilled water loop system, which represents about 68 percent of the total campus space. In the future, this loop may be extended further north to pick up Pemberton Hall, Old Main, and Blair Hall.
Energy Guideline
Vision Statement
At Eastern Illinois University, knowledge and experience shared through responsible campus-wide involvement in utilities conservation promotes a lifelong commitment to preserving our precious natural resources for future generations.
Introduction
The Eastern Illinois University campus community is committed to a policy of conserving electricity, fossil fuels and water. The goal of reducing campus utilities consumption continues to be considered a priority. Ways to attain this goal are outlined in the following sections of this policy, formulated from the ideas and suggestion of the members of the university community and the university's campus energy and sustainability coordinator (ESC). The ESC anticipates this policy will be reviewed periodically as public awareness, management techniques and technology change.
Energy Management Advisory
For the purpose of establishing a focus group for campus utilities management matters, a utilities advisory group (UAG) will be formed, comprised of university Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) employees and chaired by the ESC. At a minimum, the UAG shall be comprised of one representative from each of the maintenance shops with responsibility for the ultimate end use of individual utilities, one representative from Academic Affairs, one student senator, and one representative from Housing and Dining.
The UAG shall meet on a regular basis to discuss items concerning the conservation of campus utilities through improved maintenance practices, projects development, consideration of conservation suggestions, establishment and modification of campus energy policy, setting goals, monitoring results of conservation efforts, and tracking campus utilities consumptions. UAG meeting proceedings will be shared with and reviewed by the director of FPM. Any requests brought out of the UAG are subject to the director's approval. Access to the UAG will be availablethrough the FPM/utilities website, or by phone or e-mail contact to the ESC.
The Buildings
Windows and doors should be kept closed during the heating season and during the summer in areas with mechanical cooling (i.e., air conditioning systems). Every member of the university community should assume the responsibility of closing windows, turning off personal computers and other office equipment when not in use, and shutting off the lights when leaving a room. One should not assume someone else will do it.
Insulation and weatherproofing efforts will continue, as resources permit, in areas needing improvements. As time and budget allow, the FPM central temperature control and monitoring system will continue to add buildings and features. Buildings not presently connected to the central environmental control system will continue to add and utilize energy management devices and strategies.
Class schedules, meetings and other campus activities will endeavor to minimize energy use. Evening classes should be concentrated in the fewest possible buildings, and, where appropriate, the buildings used should be those lacking night temperature setback capabilities. Summer class schedules should consider assignment of time with maximum utilization of the hours before or after peak cooling occurs (noon to 4 p.m.)
Space utilization efforts need to consider filling buildings as completely as possible so HVAC systems can be scheduled off in unused areas whenever possible. If occupants of spaces are slightly cool in the winter, they should be encouraged to consider wearing a sweater; if occupants of spaces are slightly warm in summer, they should be encouraged to consider wearing lighter clothing as opposed to requiring the entire building temperature be adjusted. When the combined effects are considered, this small personal effort makes a big difference in our energy consumption.
Central Heating Plant and Underground Service Mains
While providing complete service reliability, the central heating plant will be operated in the most efficient manner possible, using the most cost-effective fuels and operated in full compliance with current state and federal regulations. Whenever economically possible, underground heating distribution mains and infrastructure will be upgraded with energy-efficient designs to minimize distribution energy losses.
Lighting
Wherever possible, interior lighting will be fluorescent or light emitting diodes (LEDs). Whenever economically feasible and appropriate, current design energy saving fixtures, lamps and ballasts will replace existing less efficient types. Exterior lighting sources will be florescent, metal halide or LED, whenever appropriate and possible, and will meet minimum current safety, environmental and illumination requirements. Decorative lighting will be kept to a minimum.
The lighting levels recommended in the most recent edition of the IES Lighting Handbook shall be used as guidelines. Lighting shall not exceed the median recommended levels using mean lamp lumens in the calculations. Occupancy/motion sensors (ultrasonic and/or infrared) wired to control selected lighting will be installed to reduce and/or turn off lights in unoccupied areas, wherever economically feasible and appropriate. Day-lighting controls will be installed to automatically adjust lighting levels, wherever economically feasible and appropriate. Lighting shall conform to the FPM lighting guidelines.
Heating
Room temperature will be a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (minimum sustained) during periods in which a building is occupied. Whenever possible and feasible or if a building is unoccupied, the temperature will be reduced. Temperatures in storerooms, hallways, stairwells and other infrequently occupied areas will be maintained lower or, if feasible, unheated.
Exceptions may be made to the above requirements if special areas, such as animal facilities or certain research areas, require constant or warmer temperatures. Occupants suffering from medical disorders may also be reason for exceptions.
Electric heaters are not allowed in university buildings except with special permission from the ESC. Electric heaters are expensive to operate and may pose a safety risk. Requests for any supplemental heat will be evaluated as needed on an individual basis and in consultation with the ESC or FPM director.
Mechanical Cooling
In general, mechanical cooling at EIU is provided where it is required for human health, animal care, research conditions, proper functioning of equipment, or the preservation of materials or artifacts. In addition, areas essential to EIU's academic program (e.g., classrooms, offices, lecture halls, and general places of assembly) are also provided with mechanical cooling.
All areas equipped with mechanical cooling will have temperature settings of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or as required for special animal quarters outlined by current regulation. Economizer cycles on air handling units, where provided, will provide "free cooling” to offset the use of mechanical cooling equipment whenever possible. Requests for mechanical cooling (i.e., air conditioning units) in applications other than those listed above must be approved by the ESC or the FPM director. Vending machines using mechanical cooling shall abide by the FPM guidelines.
Ventilation
Areas equipped with ventilation systems will be operated in the most economical way to provide acceptable indoor air quality and meet state and local code requirements. During times of reduced occupancy, there may be cycling of fans or reduced fan speeds, and systems may be shut off entirely during times of minimal or no occupancy. Air will be recirculated within the guidelines of safe ventilation as outlined in the current ASHRAE Standard No. 62 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
Water Usage
Shower facilities will be equipped with water-saving showerheads with flow not to exceed 2.0 gallons/minute. Single-pass water cooling units will not be used in any new construction projects. Laundry facilities will be configured to employ cold water wherever possible. Water closets designed to save water will be used. New plumbing units will be equipped with water-limiting devices. Flush valves on urinals and water closets will be set for the lowest possible per-flush flow rates consistent with proper operation of the sewage handling system.
Transportation
In order to reduce fuel consumption and expenditures for parking lot maintenance, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to walk, use carpools/vanpools, bicycles and public transportation. The acquisition of new or replacement university vehicles is subject to the review and approval of the FPM director and the FPM associate director for support services.
Consideration of need, use, vehicle size and efficiency, and the availability of alternative transportation will be carefully examined before approval of acquisition or replacement. In all cases, replacement vehicles of the same general type must have a fuel efficiency rating better than the vehicle being replaced.
Solid Waste
Reducing solid waste through source reduction, improved purchasing practices, reuse, recycling and composting has direct implications on energy conservation in terms of reduced energy usage, handling and transportation requirements. Therefore, reducing solid waste will be promoted and encouraged. EIU is committed to reducing its solid waste and the associated cost of disposal. The Office of Energy and Sustainability has developed a successful program for paper, cardboard, plastic and metal materials. Continued success and further expansion in the area of solid waste reduction and recycling will depend upon the efforts and cooperation of all members of the campus community.
Education and Research
The intent of this policy is to encourage optimization of energy and utilities usage through communication with campus groups and incorporation of efficiency improvement opportunities. The knowledge gained shall be continually refined. Eastern Illinois University encourages and endorses the use of new, sound energy management techniques and equipment and will continue to provide guidance for energy conservation at its campus.
Renovations
All renovations shall comply with the current ASHRAE 90.1, 60.2, IES and IECC.
Lighting Guidelines
In general, the guidelines of current IES and IECC standards will prevail.
All exit signs must be LED or photo-luminescent and consume two watts or less per face. All high intensity discharge fixtures must use metal halide ballasts and bulbs unless sodium is deemed necessary in special applications. The lamp CRI for metal halide shall be a minimum of 65.
All linear fluorescent fixtures must use T-8 or T-5 lamps and electronic ballasts. Programmed start ballasts shall be used unless operating temperatures may fall below 50 degrees under normal operating conditions. Preference will be given to new longer life lamps, subject to life cycle cost advantage. Lamp color temperature will be 3500K with a minimum of 80 CRI. Exceptions will be considered where specialty lighting is required.
All rooms and corridors with a total fixture wattage of at least 200 watts must have lighting controlled by occupancy sensors, timers, or photocells as design and use dictates. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis and may include rooms such as: lecture halls, auditoriums, fine arts performance areas, gymnasiums, mechanical rooms, etc. Harvesting of ambient lighting is encouraged where exposures allow.
No incandescent/halogen lamps will be allowed unless specific program requirements dictate otherwise. In cases where such dimmers or aesthetic qualities dictate the necessity of such, specific approval shall be requested prior to being incorporated into designs.
Alternatives to incandescent sources must always be offered. All fixture lenses must be made of a non-discoloring material.
Application of task lighting rather than “spill” from over lighting in spaces is required. Subject to approval by EIU, use of low voltage systems shall be limited to theatrical orspecialized applications.
In the event low voltage systems are approved for use in an EIUproject, voltage transformation shall be made at readily accessible locations and clearlyidentified on drawings. Fixtures should use light sources (lamps) which EIU currently stocks as regular inventory. Application to add new lamps to standard inventory may be made to EIU, but should not be implemented into the design unless permission given by EIU.
Outdoor area lighting shall utilize full-cutoff lighting fixtures. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis and may include the following applications: statues, sports, in ground-up lights, landscape, and architectural highlighting. For general exterior lighting, Holophane Granville poles and luminaries are standard. Up lights shall include shielding so as to control spill light. Use of tilt head fixtures shall be minimized.
In general, outdoor fixtures should not use lamps over 250 watts.
The number of different kinds of lamps in a building shall be minimized for ease of maintenance.
In hallways, every 4th fixture or one for every 40 linear feet of corridor which ever is of a lesser wattage shall be wired to the emergency power panel so as to remain on for egress even when the other fixtures in a hall have been switched off.
Light fixtures should have at least one inch between bulbs. Any deviation should be approved prior to incorporation into design.
Revised January 2010
Vending Machine Guidelines
Vending machines shall be placed at least six feet from the following items: wall thermostats, areas of rescue assistance call boxes, other ADA equipment, doorways, and fire equipment. Vending machines placed in hallways must not consume more than a third of the hallway width and in no case reduce clear passageway to less than six feet.
Beverage vending machines must be EPA Energy Star compliant with current tier standards. Machine light and motor energy saving features must be turned on except for units with products subject to spoilage. For units containing products subject to spoilage, the lighting energy-saving feature shall still be turned on. It is required that products subject to spoilage be combined to a single machine per building where possible.
If there is an alcove for vending machines, there should not be more vending machines in a space than that alcove has space for and the machines must be placed in the alcove.
Requests for additional alcove space to be constructed, if necessary, should be directed to the Department of Procurement Disbursements and Contract Services.
Vending machines in unoccupied areas, buildings that are under renovations, or do not have normal occupancy must have the product removed and the machines unplugged.
Each time a vending machine is serviced or refilled, the vendor must ensure that there is proper spacing at the rear of the machine for ventilation.
Under-performing machines must be assessed for validity of location.
Vendor shall perform routine cleaning of condenser coils, vents, and fans to insure highest operating efficiency.
Revised February 22nd, 2010
