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Water Conservation
Outreach Initiatives
Water Conservation Outreach Action Plan
Policy and Practices
In the past, the EPAC Water Conservation Workgroup has worked to develop goals and action plans for the water conservation initiatives, including outreach. This workgroup oversees actions taken by volunteers and members to ensure progress in meeting these goals.
As a result of these workgroup members' efforts, a number of successful pilot programs were established on new equipment or potential water conservation techniques. Among these initiatives are:
- A waterless urinal donated to the University was installed in Facilities and tested for a period of one month to measure the reduction in water usage
- Continue to research potential “phase-out” of “once-through” or single-pass cooling for laboratory equipment, air conditioning equipment, and the steam plant – promote closed-loop and forced-air cooling systems
- Upgraded current watering system used for the chicken coops to install a closed loop system which will provide recycling of flowing water to prevent waste- saving 1,000,000 gallons of water annually.
- Irrigation-reducing landscape – encourage native, non-invasive species, xeriscaping, hydrozones, and smart-sprinkler systems
- Installed 522 Maytag Neptune, high efficiency – front load
washing machines on campus. These washers will use 15-18 gallons per load, compared to the 30-32 with top loader machines- saving 2,600,000 gallons of water annually with the front load machines.
Workgroup members have further collaborated with Dining services and other departments to identify opportunities for water conservation, such as:
- Kitchen equipment that can be measured for water usage.
- Irrigation practices for grounds maintenance
- Motor pool practices
Areas of Outreach Concentration
Residential
Community Assistants:
CA's have a unique position and role to pass on important information about the working of the University and dorm life to all UConn residents. To improve outreach on major environmental initiatives here at UConn, it is important that the CA's have access to a range of current information and updates.
- Compile outreach materials for CA’s: including online packets, brochures, pre-made monthly bulletin boards, door knob hangers, and other materials to post in dormitories and/or present at floor meetings.
- Continue to distribute these materials through EcoHusky Webpage: http://www.ecohusky.uconn.edu/communityassistant1.html, and collaboration with DRL representatives
- Collaborate with Hall Directors to develop and implement CA in-service project development on environmental literacy among residents and promoting water conservation practices
- Develop inter-campus competitions utilizing water metering data to measure changes in water usage in each building.
Residents:
UConn student residents also play an important role in the overall use of our resources, and it is important that all residents have access to educational information about how the student community can impact resources such as water. Friendly reminders and informational signage are established to make this outreach effort.
- Developed and broadcasting Public Service Announcements for DRL HuskyVision channel on water conservation in dormitories
- Create informational signage to post at sinks and showers, as well as in laundry rooms
- Implement “Stop the Drop!” signage in Outreach information
- Incorporate signage into residential areas through CA/ResLife environmental education materials
- Encourage standardized system for reporting leaks and malfunctions in plumbing and continue to provide appropriate contact information
Student Organizations
The student body is always busy, and part of the excitement of being at a University is the opportunity to join student groups and organizations. For those students interested and involved with relevant activities or initiatives, a strong support and communication among the student organizations is critical. Often times, we hope to help build collaboration and group efforts to promote important initiatives on campus.
- Collaborate with EcoHusky Student Group, as well as SWCS, Wildlife Society, and other student organizations to promote activities or events to communicate water conservation to peers.
- Utilize meetings to brainstorm signage designs and locations, gather volunteers for outreach events, and reflect on results from outreach campaigns
Administration and Community
The administration, faculty, and staff of the University are no less important. Their participation in outreach efforts and conservation programs serve as an important role model and support for these programs.
- Utilize other local media to inform community and administration on current actions and initiatives, as well as the progress made during these efforts; promote positive PR “conscious community” image to locals and students
- Inter-departmental collaboration on areas of improvement and general conservation practices- example: Department of Engineering publication distribution on Water Conservation Tips to UConn community and outreach to peer institutions abroad.
- EcoHusky Webpage: listing past and present progress in water conservation efforts- an archive of accomplishments
- Letters to the Editor or articles in Daily Campus on current events related to water conservation
- WHUS and other broadband announcements on current water conservation initiatives and improvements
Back to Water Conservation Home Page
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