1. 2007-2008 UCHC Sustainability Initiatives & Events
Tom Elliott accepts UCHC’s Environmental Award from Practice Greenhealth
May 2008

2. Recycling
Bins & signage to improve separation of recyclables for collection
Meetings with medical and dental school to locate additional recycling bins
Recycling container placement more visible and practical
Bottle & can recycling has increased - 36% recycling rate
UCHC addsed 1,500 lbs. to Mt. Sneaker

3. Waste Reduction
Increased recycling enables plastic liner reduction (for trash receptacles) - savings of $100K/yr and reduction of carbon footprint from petroleum used in their production (pilot program at Health Center, JDH administrative suites)

4. Energy Improved energy management
“Reverse Auction” energy purchase saved $7 million in and includes 12% renewable energy
Electric heat to be replaced with hot water steam/coils with 3 yr. payback, saving about $1.5 million
Lighting improvements in the
MARB save about $37K/yr and
working to replace light fixtures,
add motion sensors
Solar project for daycare center

5. Outreach/Awareness
Health, Safety & Environment Fair includes sustainability tables and speakers’ panel
UCHC Environmental Sustainability website developed (linked from Facilities homepage)
UCHC/Public Health participated in Focus the Nation events in January
Sustainability featured in UConn Advance, KBP newsletter and on Cafeteria TV monitors

6. Green Building & Low Impact Design
Construction on the Stem Cell Research Facility (400 Farmington Ave.) is on-track for LEED-Silver certification (especially difficult since this is a “gut rehab” renovation)
Grounds crews now planting native, drought-tolerant plants

7. Miscellaneous
The bike-to-work, rideshare and carpooling programs were at the Health, Safety & Environment Fair
Farmers' Markets held in courtyard this summer
Maintenance is now using green cleaning products

8. Connecticut Ridesharing Award - July 2008
Governor Jodi Rell presented the “Tri-State 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge” Award to UCHC (Cindy Couture) for having the most individuals join the NuRide service, saving thousands of gallons of gas and reducing auto emissions across the state.