BIO140 Carbon Footprint Project

Appendices

Tue, 05 May 2009 07:12:27 PDT

Green Heating and the McKillop Library Building

Alexandra Riewer et al. — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:08:58 PDT

As global warming becomes an ever increasing problem, it is Salve Regina University and the Newport communities job to do their part. In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, we performed a series of tests on the heating and building of McKillop library at Salve Regina to measure its carbon emissions and environmental impact. As a team, we tested for areas of heat loss and temperature change and internal temperature and humidity fluctuation. We also focused on the types of insulation that the building uses and the efficiency of its HVAC – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning – system. Finally, we looked at the roof concerns with regards to the leaking problems and have looked into alternatives such as a green roof. As a result, we have discovered the inefficiencies of the library’s heating practices and have found other options for the library to consider involving the roof as well as providing facts and figures. With all of this research, we are now able to see the impact McKillop library has on the environment. Hopefully changes will be able to made in the short and the long run.

The McKillop Library Waste Stream

Kalyna Macko et al. — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:58:07 PDT

The McKillop Library's resources come at an environmental cost because more resources are being used than is realized. The focus is on the amount of carbon emissions and waste that is being produced by the library. Carbon emissions are the leading cause of climate change, and through recycling the library can lower the amount of carbon the library is producing. If recycling and re-using materials becames more of a common procedure in library, there is little doubt that it would be more environmentally friendly.

Paper Waste In McKillop Library

Kristina Lowe et al. — Sun, 03 May 2009 18:20:44 PDT

The goals of our project were to determine the amount of the library’s paper waste. In order to do this we decided to focus on the total sheets of paper used, the recycling that occurs in the library, the use of recycled paper, and the discarding of books. The methods that were used were talking to library staff about the amount of paper used and the discarding of books, surveying the students who use the library about their recycling practices, and hanging educational flyers about the benefits of recycling. After researching the amount of paper waste in McKillop Library, the results we found were that overall more could be done to limit the environmental impact the library has due to the amount of paper waste. There are recommendations that can help reduce the amount of paper waste. In the short term, the library could rearrange the location of the trash barrels and the recycling bins. Having an overwhelming amount of trash barrels could inhibit the amount of paper recycling. Also the library could closely monitor the janitorial staff to make sure that the recycled products are being placed in the recycling bins and not in the dumpster with trash.

The Costs of Transportation at McKillop Library

Elizabeth Giambusso et al. — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:28:44 PDT

Much like other libraries and institutions across the United States, Salve Regina faces its share of efficiency problems. In turn, these problems add to the many environmental issues we face today. These are mostly paper waste, recycling, or lack thereof, and the amount of energy needed to heat buildings. Notwithstanding the excessive consumption and waste, our group focused on transportation. The main goal of this project was to measure the current transportation costs and explore ways to cut carbon emissions. By sending a questionnaire through email, the staff responded with the type of vehicle they drive and their commuting distance. Most of the staff lives in state but the issue of commuting still has a large impact on the environment. Each gallon of burned gasoline products produces 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide (EPA). Using the staff’s statistics, we found that 15,180 pounds of carbon dioxide is released by the staff weekly just by driving to work. Also, only a handful walk or bike to work and nobody takes public transportation. In conclusion, we found that the library can greatly reduce their carbon emissions by driving less, driving more fuel efficient vehicles, and utilizing public transportation. The most beneficial recommendation we have is to use public transportation. We understand that people enjoy driving their cars for a variety of reasons but environmentally, this would make an enormous difference. Maybe the library director could come up with some incentives to get staff members to take the bus instead of driving, for example, a free lunch at Miley cafeteria.

Student Assessment of the Environmental Footprint of the McKillop Library, Salve Regina University - Executive Summary

Jameson Chace — Fri, 01 May 2009 10:15:41 PDT

McKillop Library Electricity Use, Impacts and Solutions

Nellie Tarini et al. — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:42:28 PDT

A few weeks ago, our class went on a guided tour of the library, which taught us about what goes on in the library, how resources are used, and basically how the library operates. From our tour, we saw many problem areas that could use improvements. One of these areas is the library’s use of electricity. Our group focused on the computers, printers, copiers, lights, and elevators in the library and how the library could use their electricity more efficiently. We have found that the library is not always using electricity effectively and efficiently. There are lights on when nobody is around and there are computers on when students are not using them. Our group examined the library’s electric bill and the electronics that are using up this energy and money. We have discovered that the Library could have the most immediate and far-reaching reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by switching their electricity to GreenStart electricity. We have also found the library could save money and energy by turning electronics off or using power saving options when available.