Mandatory Training: Sustainability at the University of Houston Presented by Green UH

Green UH University’s definition: Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. UH is an active member of AASHE-STARS Categories: Climate change, campus involvement, recycling, transportation and research Princeton Review 2010: UH Recognized for being one of America’s Most Environmentally Responsible Universities

AASHE is ‘Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’. AASHE is an association of colleges and universities that are working to create a sustainable future. AASHE defines sustainability in an inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice, secure livelihoods, and a better world for all generations.

Reduce Quick ways to reduce energy: – Turn off the lights when natural light is sufficient and when you leave the room – Turn off your computers when they are not in use – Enable sleep setting on your computer to allow monitor to sleep. monitors.htmlhttp:// monitors.html – Use the stairs as often as possible. Be green be fit. Fact: – UH Energy consumption for 08-09= 194,988,177 KWh – Cost:- 15 million dollars on electricity 3 million dollars on natural gas

Reduce Dr. Barry Lefer Says…… Dr. Lefer is a professor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UH -Use a Surge protector -Connect all your electronics to one surge protector and when you leave the office just switch off the surge protector. -No personal Printer. Use a central printer in the office

Reduce Quick ways to carbon emissions: – Walk, bike or use public transportation to get to campus, go to lunch and get to meetings – Start a vanpool/carpool – Use the Cougar Shuttle line around the campus instead of driving your car – Ride METRO. It can carry about 40 people at the same time Fact: Total distance travelled per year by students/staff/faculty via car- 135,697,593 miles Each student rides a car for an average of 16 miles for coming to university

Reduce What is a METRO Q-Card? It’s a reloadable card for METRO buses and METRO rail where you can load money and ride. Over 8 direct routes passes through UH Need a Map? http: Where do you get it? Welcome Center

Reduce Quick ways to conserve water: –Report leaks in your building by calling FIX-IT at Fact: UH Water consumption in was 358,311,000 gallons UH water consumption in was 429,528,000 gallons

Reduce & Recycling –Use less paper –Make double sided copies whenever you print –Change your printer default setting to double sided copy –Buy recycle paper –Throw the paper in its respective bin Fact: In 2009, UH used 15 million sheets of paper

Recycling Plastic and cans –UH has over 1500 recycling bins on campus! –Use those recycle bins -Black and Blue – Throw your plastics and aluminum in their respective bin

Closed Loop Program UH is now practicing Closed Loop Program with Boise UH - Plant operations collect paper from copy center, library, student center, classrooms, offices and departments Boise Jackson Paper Mill collects this waste paper from Plant Operations Boise Paper buys this waste paper and manufactures 30%, 50% and 100% post-consumer recycled content paper OfficeMax buys recycled content paper from Boise for resale and distribution

Recycling Other things that can be Recycled: Cardboard, computers, cell phone batteries, ink cartridges

Recycling made easy Need a Recycling bin? –Go to uh.edu/green –Click on the Recycling Tab –Order your bin! Need your recycle bins to be emptied? Green UH at

Reuse –Use re-usable containers and cups –Bring your own coffee mug and reduce on Styrofoam –Before ordering new furniture for your office check out with property management

Reusing made easy Need Furniture to be bought or swapped? Check out Property Management! Contact: Minhthu Pham id: