The NYU Sustainability Report: An ongoing look at NYU’s “greening” progress

By Christopher James

2008 GREEN APPLE MOVE-OUT:
• 16,000 pounds (eight tons) of reusable items—clothing, bedding, food, small appliances, etc.—were collected during the first two weeks in May from 10 of the University’s Residence Halls and donated to local charities. The recycling effort, paid for by an NYU Green Grant, saved the University some $4,320.


COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHTBULBS (CFLS):
• 25,000 CFLs were installed over the past year in student housing. The project cost $65,000. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer—CFLs will last for over five years. The annual energy savings: 1,650,000 kilowatt-hours, with an annual cost savings of approximately $350,000.

SEVENTH STREET DORM WATER CONSERVATION:
• Premium, low-flow showerheads were installed in 23 bathrooms; 23 kitchen faucet aerators were installed; and 46 bathroom sink aerators were installed at the dorm. The project cost around $2,500, with an annual cost savings of approximately $7,500. More importantly, the annual water savings is projected to be nearly one million gallons.


The Sustainability Task Force is an advisory body composed of students, faculty, administrators, and staff, who develop recommendations for newpolicies and practices that advance NYU's long-term future as a sustainable university.

The task force represents as many key University constituencies as possible, while also drawing upon participants with specific expertise or interest in environmental issues. It includes representatives from nine NYU colleges, and from numerous student clubs, administrative departments, and university governance bodies.

For more information on the Sustainability Task Force, go to http://www.nyu.edu/sustainability.