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WVU Parkersburg goes green with recycling initiatives and improved technology CONTACT: Dave White, director of facilities, 304-424-8225 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Parkersburg, W.Va. 7/20/11 – From recycled carpet and paper products to water-saving technology, West Virginia University at Parkersburg continues to increase its “green” initiatives. For the past three years, the college has implemented measures to ensure that it uses resources wisely and efficiently. After an extensive evaluation by the Siemens Corporation in 2008, it was determined that the school could save approximately $350,000 each year by installing equipment that would limit the use of natural gas, electricity and water. For example, by changing out the toilets, sinks and urinals, the college went from using 1.5 million gallons of water each year to just a half million. “The total cost of the changes was more than $3 million, which is paid in $260,000 increments over the course of 12 years,” said Dave White, WVU Parkersburg director of facilities. “However, with the equipment expected to last 25 years, the updates more than pay for themselves.” The college also now uses paper towels, toilet tissue and flooring made from 100 percent recyclable material. The new flooring, which is installed in various areas of the main campus, has a 40-year lifespan versus the 10 years that regular carpet is rated to last. Between 2009 and 2011, WVU Parkersburg was awarded two grants totaling $59,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a recycling program at both the main campus and the Jackson County Center located in Ripley. There is now a total of approximately 500 recycling bins placed throughout each building. “We divert about 2,500 pounds of paper, plastic and cardboard to the recycling center rather than the landfill each week,” said White. “When you think about the impact that has on the environment, it’s pretty incredible.” For additional information, contact: Katie Wootton WVU Parkersburg Director of Marketing and Communications 304-424-8203 Recent Releases News Archive |
