As part of its commitment to be good stewards of the resources that have allowed it to thrive, Campbell University continues to work thoughtfully and diligently to reduce its carbon footprint through a series of green initiatives.
Background
Campbell owns more than 1,300 acres in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and surrounding contiguous areas, including undeveloped and minimally developed property along the scenic and historic Cape Fear River. The main campus makes up the bulk of Buies Creek, with the newly-established Health Sciences Campus located a mile away. There are about 50 buildings on both the main campus and the Health Sciences Campus. The university also owns the building that houses the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in downtown Raleigh. In all, the university manages a total of 1.6 million square feet of building space.
Initiatives
Campbell has been proactive to reduce its carbon footprint and consumption of electricity, water, natural gas, and gasoline. Examples of specific actions that units across campus have taken to do so follow.
- Energy management: The university has implemented an energy management program that involves 23 buildings on the main campus in order to lower CO2 emissions related to the usage of electricity and natural gas. As part of this program, the university has improved insulation, replaced old windows with energy-efficient windows, installed more energy-efficient boilers and chillers for heating and cooling, and installed motion-activated lighting that automatically turns off when no activity is detected. Through these measures, the university has realized lower electrical, heating, and cooling costs. Learn about our winter break energy conservation efforts >
- Recycling program: In partnership with Harnett County, Campbell has implemented a recycling program throughout all residence halls, athletic venues, and academic buildings. Recycling containers, for example, are located in residence halls, and there are recycling dumpsters at Faculty Memorial Commons and Stadium Apartments. Because of these additions, Campbell is taking less waste off-campus for disposal and is saving money as more and more materials are recycled. Between the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years, Campbell reduced landfill and waste disposal expenses by more than 40 percent.
- Food services: Campbell’s food services operation, managed by Aramark, continues to work toward reducing container, product, and other waste by:
- using “trayless” dining in Gaylord’s Kitchen and other locations;
- utilizing eco-friendly recyclable carryout containers at dining locations;
- contributing to Campbell organizations’ compost;
- recycling cooking oil;
- using recyclable serving containers and utensils when catering events;
- and transporting food, beverages, and materials via electric-powered utility carts when catering events.
- Utility carts: Campbell has reduced the number of gas-powered vehicles in the Maintenance Department and replaced them with electric-powered utility carts. In addition, the Keith Hills Golf Club, which is operated by Campbell’s PGA Golf Management University Program, worked with RenewaBold to add custom solar panels (ForeSolar 100 modules) to its golf carts, which allows people to drive them farther and save on charging costs.
- Green cleaning: Campbell has eliminated harsh cleaning chemicals that the House Cleaning and Custodial Department use. Today, the department’s primary cleaning product is H2Orange2 Concentrate. Learn more about this green product.
- Landscaping: The Grounds Department recycles nearly all plant waste on campus. They make mulch from dead plants, grass, fallen branches, and bush cutting/trimmings. This mulch is often used as a natural fertilizer and for decorative purposes on campus.
Campbell has worked to be good stewards of the land, air, and water resources that have sustained the institution throughout its more than 135 years. The university is committed to thoughtful management that will continue to protect these resources for the next 135 years and beyond.
Winter Break Conservation
Winter break is an important energy and cost savings opportunity at Campbell University. During winter break we as our community to prepare for the setback. Students, faculty, and staff are asked to do the following before leaving for winter break:
- clean and unplug small refrigerators
- drain and clean freezers
- unplug devices that won’t be needed during the break
- unused room thermostats set to standard unoccupied temperatures to conserve energy
- completely lower blinds and shut all windows
- turn off all lights
- turn off exhaust fans