The Rackham Building has received its annual Sustainability Report from Planet Blue. Compared to the weather-adjusted baseline (the baseline was established prior to June 2008), Rackham avoided $198,000 in energy costs in fiscal year 2011. Our FY2011 energy cost was $527,276. Steam usage decreased by 28% (Rackham uses steam for both heating and cooling) and electric usage decreased by 28%. We have been able reduce our usage by changing the building fan schedules, installing motion sensing power strips in offices, installing motion sensing lighting in the second floor study halls, and conserving water in restrooms with dual flush toilets.
While our energy use decreased, our recycling rate has increased! Rackham’s recycling rate for FY2010 was 30.4%. With the introduction of single stream recycling our rate has jumped to 49.6%. Rackham is also participating in the Recycle Write program which provides opportunities to recycle old pens, pencils, markers and highlighters. Recycle Write receptacles are located throughout Rackham offices as well as in the rotunda (outside the Reading Room) on the second floor and in the hallway of the fourth floor.
Published in: Graduate School News