News Archive
Record Breaking Move-In
by Smith Getterman
Baylor's Sustainability efforts got off to a record breaking start with a very successful recycling effort during Move-In 2009. Thanks to the help of over thirty student volunteers from the Entrepreneurship ELG program and partners from departments all across Baylor's campus, 10.6 tons of recycling were collected in the two days of move-in.
Compared to efforts of last year, Baylor Sustainability was able to capture 3,000 extra pounds of recycling waste. That's 3,000 extra pounds that has been prevented from entering local landfills!
This record breaking move-in has helped Baylor have its most successful summer of recycling, ever. Even with the great success of 2009, improvements are already being looked at for Move-In 2010. Thanks to everyone that participated in Move-In 2009 for helping us make it as green as it can be!
What Is Baylor Sustainability?
by Christina Jeffrey
This maintenance includes finding new ways to use less energy, minimize waste, promote zero emission transportation, and utilize opportunities to recycle. Sound a little audacious? Don't worry, the Baylor Sustainability Department facilitates all of these efforts by bringing them to the most important person: You.
To make recycling easy, Baylor has over 700 green recycling containers scattered across campus that accept paper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. These recycling bins helped Baylor collect over 140,982 tons of recycling in the spring of 2009 alone. Baylor is also one of the few universities that recycle before, during, and after athletic events. This distribution of Baylor Bear pride both on and off the field has led to the collection of over 16,700 lbs of biodegradable products during sporting events, including over 267,200 individual plastic bottles. Baylor also participates in an annual, nation-wide recycling competition against other colleges and universities called Recyclemania. In spring 2009, Baylor University gathered over 86 tons of recyclable goods, surpassing the largest universities in Texas and placing third out of the Big XII.
When it comes to energy conservation, Baylor Sustainability hopes to promote eco-friendly ways of life through such concepts as "Last out, Lights out," turning off computer monitors when they're not in use, and choosing energy-efficient appliances in dorm life. Sustainability is always looking for new ways to save energy that is inexpensive and effortless, for both the individual and the institution. Be sure to turn off the light when you leave the room, unplug any unused appliances, and be more aware of your energy consumption. Every little bit helps!
Going green is a campus wide, collaborative effort so all suggestions and comments are welcome! If you'd like to share your ideas for ways Baylor can "go green" please feel free to send an email to Smith Getterman, Sustainability Coordinator.
Baylor Greek Organization Goes Green
by Smith Getterman
The Chi Omega sorority and Baylor Sustainability worked together to make their recent social event, Chi Omega Crush, the first ever green Greek event held by a Baylor organization. Click here to read more!
Baylor Earns Higher Grade on Green Report Card
Baylor University garnered its highest-ever grade in the new College Sustainability Report Card 2011, released Oct. 27 at GreenReportCard.org. Click here to learn more.
Sing! Goes Green
All-University Sing, one of Baylor's most exciting and competitive traditions, has made its way back to Waco Hall, a theatre that seats around 2200 people. In the 57 years since Sing began, the competition has undergone many changes, from the addition of Pigskin to the incorporation of dance and backdrops into the acts.
For the 2010 festivities, Sing is going a step further. Sing has partnered with the Baylor Sustainability Department in an effort to try and be greener. Click here to read more!
Truett Seminary Earns International Environmental Certification
Baylor University has become the first university in Texas to earn a coveted environmental rating by meeting stringent standards set out by an international building council.
Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary has been certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program in the category for existing buildings.
The 66,000-square-foot structure also was only two points away from snaring a "silver" rating, a notch above certification, said Don Bagby, Baylor's director of facilities management. Buildings may earn additional points to achieve silver, gold or platinum status, he said.
"This is great," Bagby said. "To be so close to silver at our first shot was exciting, and also to be the first university to get the certification in the existing building category."
Truett is the fifth Texas building to get the LEED certification for existing buildings. Internationally, 235 buildings have earned the rating, said Ashley Katz, communications manager for the Washington-based council, a nonprofit organization.
In a separate category for new construction, 1,749 buildings internationally have earned certification, she said.
A LEED certification is more difficult for an existing building to earn than for a new structure, since many buildings now are built to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient, said Steve Guenther, associate vice president for operational excellence with ARAMARK Higher Education. ARAMARK, a Fortune 500 company, addresses issues of environmental stewardship and employee advocacy.
"The great thing about this was validating that good practices are already at Baylor," Guenther said.
Sustainability Featured in Perspectives
Baylor University's newsletter for parents, features an article about Baylor's ever-improving recycling efforts. Click here to read it.
Interim President Garland Approves University Wide Sustainability Policy
Baylor adopted its first sustainability policy, which highlights the university's purposes and goals regarding environmental activism.
The purpose of the university-wide sustainability policy "is to acknowledge commitment to fostering a community that focuses on preserving natural resources, safeguarding quality of life, advancing economic vitality and preparing students for the social, environmental and economic challenges of the future."
Click here for more on the new Sustainability Policy.
If you'd like to read the policy, please click here.
Green Baylor Athletics in New York Times
The great energy saving efforts being made by our Athletics Department are mentioned in the following New York Times article. The rest of the article details some of the measures the University of Texas is taking in their athletics program, which should serve as inspiration for us as we continue to improve the efficiency and impact of our programs.
Community Garden Comes to Campus
Multiple campus and civic partners have worked together to make the university's first community garden a reality. Baylor has recently broken ground on a campus wide initiative to improve nutrition for children, enhance the classroom experience of Baylor students, serve as a demonstration and teaching site for schools and urban gardeners, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen bridges to the community in a fresh, healthy and useful environment.
Baylor University Receives Keep Texas Beautiful Award
Keep Texas Beautiful honored Baylor University as the first place winner of the organization's 2010 Civic Organization Award, which recognizes Baylor's efforts to enhance its community and protect the Texas environment. Click here to read more about our award!
Uproar Records Hosts Green Fashion Event
Uproar Records celebrated the release of its third annual compilation CD with a twist.
Project Greenway is the name of the green fashion show held during the Uproar Records concert. All the modeled outfits were constructed using recyclable materials, including old copies of the Lariat. Click here to read more about this student run event!
