GREEN NEWS

Sustainable U - Toward a Greener Campus

Sac State's Sustainability Team collaborated with the University Union to host an art exhibit from April 20 through June 12, promoting the sustainable efforts made on campus.

Titled "Sustainable U," the purpose of the exhibit "...was to raise awareness of campus sustainability efforts and get people thinking about what they could do to contribute to more sustainable change as well," said Sustainability & Operations Analyst Kristina Cullen.

The sustainable and environmental areas featured included: Academics, Dining Services, Environmental Health & Safety, Landscape Planning, Renewal, Recycle/Waste Management, Transportation, and Water Conservation. In terms of outreach, the event was a success - according to Kristina: "The gallery display was a great way to reach a larger audience as the Union is such a public place, and serve as a highlight piece for campus tours."

Many of the images show the promises made by faculty, staff, and students to lead more sustainable lives. As the University Union gallery website states, "The idea of ‘Sustainable U’ is our depiction of the choices individuals are making to ensure sustainability is the responsibility of all. The students, faculty, and staff of Sacramento State have pledged to make our University the most green it can be and want to share that U too can make a difference!"

To learn more about the sustainable efforts made on campus, as well as upcoming events, visit the Sustainability website!

 

Stormwater Management Zones Prevent Runoff and Erosion

Sacramento State’s Office of Water Programs (OWP) and ABA have teamed up with the City of Sacramento to install new stormwater management devices on campus. The devices, also known as Low Impact Device (LID) zones, are intended to reduce stormwater impacts to the American and Sacramento rivers. Stormwater runoff from urban development is one of the leading contributors to water quality degradation.

LID is a sustainability term for managing stormwater. The process involves treating runoff close to its source, incorporating existing infrastructure to optimize feasibility, and enhancing pollutant load reduction through stormwater infiltration, retention, and treatment. The LIDs will reduce runoff that is currently discharged into the American River. This will prevent erosion and replenish groundwater supplies used for campus irrigation.

In addition, the project will provide energy savings. All campus runoff is currently pumped over the levee into the American River, so capturing the runoff will reduce this need. The LIDs will treat runoff from two major parking lots, roof drains from one of the oldest campus buildings, and sections of Jed Smith and College Town drives, as well various impervious walkways in the center of campus. ABA departments instrumental to the project are Facilities Management and Risk Management Services.