Campus Housing

Reduce Energy Use and Recycle!
For the 2009-2010 academic year, the Department of Residence Life launched a recycling program for residents in Fenn Tower and Viking Hall, partnering with Facilities Management for the proper removal of recyclable materials. With assistance from the Sustainability Coalition and Residence Hall Association, Campus Support Services and Residence Life will work with residents to assess their energy use and reduce it while establishing carbon footprint goals for both buildings and residents.

Dining Services

Reduce Food Waste, Feature Local Foods
In 2008-2009, we launched a “clean plate program” that emphasized the importance of reducing food waste from the residential dining hall in Viking Hall. The program was well received by residents and was successful in reducing waste. For 2009-2010, the program will be maintained, new educational signs added, and regular updates will be posted on progress.

In 2008-2009, we also scheduled a dining event in Viking Hall each semester that emphasizes the use of local products. The spring semester program also included instruction on how to prepare some local produce. With the assistance of the Sustainability Coalition and Dining Advisory Committee, we will explore more opportunities to educate diners on sustainability and to showcase local products.

Parking and Transportation

An Unbeatable UPASS, a New Green Garage
During spring semester 2009, students passed a referendum indicating their support of the University’s agreement with Greater Cleveland Regional Transportation Authority (GCRTA) for a university student pass at a semester fee of $25. The agreement spans five years and provides students with unlimited riding privileges within Cuyahoga County.

In August 2009, CSU opened the South Garage, which features green technology in its design and offers prime parking spots for vehicles that are energy efficient. During 2009-2010, Parking Services will investigate the benefits and costs related to a campus transportation service for its downtown campus as well as a pricing structure for individuals who wish to carpool. We will develop educational materials to encourage behaviors that will reduce the number of personal vehicles on campus and promote the use of alternative fuels.

Conference Services

Home of the Green Event
Beginning in fall 2009, CSU entered into an agreement with the North Union Farmers Market to present a weekly farmers market at the downtown campus. Conference Services provides administrative oversight and serves as liaison. Outreach efforts to campus and non-campus sponsors will be made to attract other such events to our campus.

Our Metrics for Success:

• Compare utility usage in Fenn Tower and Viking Hall from 2008-2009 to 2009-2010
• Number of residents who take part in energy reduction efforts
• Amount of recycled materials collected from Fenn Tower and Viking Hall, if it can be isolated – or comparison between 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 for campus-wide recycling.
• Comparison of food waste from Viking Hall dining area in 2008-2009 to 2009-2010
• Number of dining events in Viking Hall that showcase local products
• Number of resident diners who take part in food waste reduction efforts and/or in dining events featuring local products
• Comparison of number of students claiming UPASS from 2008-2009 to 2009-2010
• Number of students, faculty and staff who take part in efforts to reduce the use of their personal vehicles
• Participation and sales data from the Farmers Market, fall 2009
• Number of events presented related to sustainability in 2009-2010