Campus “Greening”

Recycling:

During summer 2008, UNE rolled out the new single-sort recycling program on the Portland Campus.  Single-sort recycling means that paper, glass, metal and plastics can be co-mingled, making recycling a convenient option for people.  On the Biddeford Campus, students, faculty and staff currently recycle paper and cardboard; single-sort recycling is in the planning stages for this campus with implementation slated for summer 2010.  For more information about all of the other things (computers, ink cartridges, batteries, etc.) that UNE recycles, please visit the navigation link to the left.

Heating Fuel conversions:

In 2006, the Biddeford Campus switched to heating most buildings with propane – a cleaner fuel than heating oil.  In 2007, the Portland Campus adopted natural gas as its main heating fuel in most buildings – the cleanest fossil fuel product.  In 2008, University of New England purchased BioHeat for all of the remaining buildings on both campus that are not capable of burning propane or natural gas.  BioHeat is a mixture of petroleum fuel and recycled vegetable oil or animal fat.  BioFuel is the only alternative fuel in the country to have completed the EPA-health effects testing under the Clean Air Act, the use of BioFuel is better for human and environmental health.  The environmental impact for UNE’s use of BioHeat in our boilers and furnaces is that 328 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (MTCDE) will be avoided for the university.  This is roughly equivalent to removing 41 Sport Utility Vehicles from the roads for one year. 

Transportation Initiatives:

• The goal of the UNE's unique free bike and Zipcar program is to reduce the number of vehicles on campus and UNE’s carbon footprint.  More information.

Green Buildings:

• The newest Residence Hall on the Biddeford Campus is currently under construction, but slated for LEED certification and anticipated opening in August 2010. More information.
  
• The College of Pharmacy building is UNE's first “Green” building registered for LEED certification, and the first modern building in the state dedicated exclusively to pharmacy education and research. More information. 

Conference Services:

Conference Services hosted a “green” meeting on October 23, 2008 for the Conference Service Directors’ regional professional organization meeting.  It was a paperless meeting, with sustainable giveaways, van-pooling, reusable china and live plant centerpieces.  Conference Services is rolling out a “green” meeting package for clients that will include local and organic food offerings.  Follow the links to the right to access the Conference Services website or the powerpoint presentation given at the conference by UNE’s Sustainability Coordinator.  The presentation provides helpful information about hosting your own “green” meeting and a cost comparison that shows how much money can be saved by conserving resources.