o f f i c e o fe n v i r o n m e n t a ls u s t a i n a b i l i t y

n e w s l e t t e rf a l l 2 0 1 5

An Introduction and Invitation from the Director of the Office of Environmental Sustainability:

Sustainability and environmental awareness have a long history at Plymouth

State University, and we are excited to continue our work to improve our com-

munity’s relationship with the environment. There are many sustainability-re-

lated activities taking place at Plymouth State University, and keeping people

informed about and connected to our efforts is an on-going challenge. One

new component of our efforts to get the word out about everyone’s good work

LV�WKLV�QHZVOHWWHU�IURP�WKH�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\��:HōOO�LVVXH�LW�twice throughout the academic year to provide an informal look at some of our

current projects and plans.

Our hope is that by keeping people more informed we can foster greater col-

laboration and activity among faculty, students, and staff to address our envi-

ronmental challenges. It is only by working together that we can achieve the

important changes that will make our community a more resilient and sustain-

able one.

One of our goals is to provide resources to help the campus community be-

come more sustainable. If you have questions about our sustainability efforts at

3O\PRXWK�6WDWH�8QLYHUVLW\��SOHDVH�FRQWDFW�PH�RQ�EHKDOI�RI�2(6�DQG�ZHōOO�GR�RXU�best to respond quickly.

Thanks for taking an interest in sustainability at Plymouth State University, and

we look forward to working with you to create a more sustainable Plymouth

State University.

%ULDQ�(LVHQKDXHU�'LUHFWRU��2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\�

Sustainability at plymouth

state university

7D\ORU�0F.HQ]LH��2(6�VWXGHQW�VWDII�� Newsletter design and layout

/DXUD�*HWWV��2(6�JUDGXDWH�DVVLVWDQW���Newsletter author and editor

%ULDQ�(LVHQKDXHU��2(6�VWDII���Newsletter author and editor

6WHYH�:KLWPDQ��2(6�VWDII���Newsletter contributor

(PLO\�+\GH��2(6�VWXGHQW�VWDII�� Newsletter contributor

Meet the Office of Environmental Sustainability!

%ULDQ�(LVHQKDXHU��'LUHFWRU 6WHYH�:KLWPDQ��6XVWDLQDELOLW\�Programs Coordinator

Cassandra LaVoie

Laura Getts, Sustainability

Fellow

Nicole Stevens -XVWLQ�+DUGHV\

Taylor Mckenzie (OLDV�%X]]HOO 7XFNHU�+D\IRUG

Jason Phillips Coleen Shaughnessy (PLO\�+\GH

,Ƨ�ƨƮƫ�ƟƢƫƬƭ�ƧƞưƬƥƞƭƭƞƫ ZH�ZDQWHG�WR�IDPLOLDUL]H�\RX�ZLWK�WKH�VWDII�RI�WKH�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\�DQG�VRPH�H[DPSOHV�RI�KRZ�ZH�ZRUN�ZLWK�VWXGHQWV��VWDII��DQG�IDFXOW\�DFURVV�campus WR�DFKLHYH�RXU�JRDOV��6XVWDLQDELOLW\�DW�368�LV�D�SDUW�RI�HYHU\RQHōV�ZRUN��DQG�WKH�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQ-

WDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\��2(6��H[LVWV�WR�IRFXV�RQ�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�LVVXHV��KHOS�RWKHUV�OHVVHQ�WKHLU�HQYLURQPHQWDO�LPSDFWV��coordinate our University wide efforts, and report our accomplishments to our campus community and be-

\RQG��2XU�HIIRUWV�DOZD\V�LQYROYH�RWKHUV��DQG�ZH�DUH�IRUWXQDWH�WR�FROODERUDWH�ZLWK�3K\VLFDO�3ODQW��WKH�2IƓFH�RI�Residential Life, dining services, many academic departments, and other campus groups on a multitude of

diverse activities ranging from curriculum development and energy competition coordination to involvement

in energy purchasing and planning for the University.

7KH�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\��2(6��SULGHV�LWVHOI�RQ�VWXGHQW��IDFXOW\��DQG�VWDII�HQJDJHPHQW��2XU�PHVVDJHV�WDUJHW�WKH�FDPSXV�FRPPXQLW\�DV�D�ZKROH�DQG�DUH�EOLQG�WR�JHQGHU��DJH��UDFH��DQG�FUHHG��2(6�LV�ORFDWHG�LQ�(FR+RXVH��DQG�WKH�ZRUN�LV�FRQGXFWHG�E\�%ULDQ�(LVHQKDXHU��IDFXOW\�PHPEHU�6WHYH�:KLWPDQ��DQG�DQ�active group of student employees and volunteers who are dedicated to the pursuit of sustainability both on

campus and beyond. If you pay attention to campus signage, chances are you have seen our recycling guides

DQG�HYHQW�Ŵ\HUV��3OHDVH�NHHS�DQ�H\H�RXW�WR�OHDUQ�PRUH�DERXW�RXU�HYHQWV��DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV��DQG�KRZ�ZH�FDQ�work together to be more sustainable on campus.

2XU�RIƓFH�RSHUDWHV�D�QXPEHU�RI�SURJUDPV�WKURXJKRXW�WKH�DFDGHPLF�\HDU�WKDW�DUH�GHVLJQHG�WR�LQIRUP�DQG�engage. First up this semester is the student named Do it in the Dark competition, which launched on October

1st. Throughout October and November, students will pull out all the stops to reduce their energy consump-

tion in the residence halls. The Do it in the Dark Campaign was kicked off on October 8th by our Unplugged

2SHQ�0LF�HYHQW�DW�WKH�(FR+RXVH�SHUPDFXOWXUH�JDUGHQ��:H�HQMR\HG�D�ZRQGHUIXO�HYHQLQJ�RI�VRODU�SRZHUHG�smoothies, good company, and talented musicians. A big thank you to the performers and to those of you

that turned out for a great evening of

friends, food, and entertainment. For

additional information about the com-

petition, please refer to the “Do it in the

Dark” article.

2(6�LV�DOVR�JHWWLQJ�UHDG\�WR�ODXQFK�RXU�\HDUO\�*UHHQ�2IƓFHV�SURJUDP��7KLV�voluntary program was established to

encourage sustainable practices in the

368�RIƓFHV�FDPSXV�ZLGH��,W�HQFRXUDJHV�RIƓFHV�WR�UHYLHZ�WKHLU�HQHUJ\�XVH��ZDVWH��printing practices, purchasing patterns,

transportation options, degree of sus-

tainability awareness, and potential for

RIƓFH�LQQRYDWLRQV��7KURXJKRXW�WKH�\HDU��2(6�ZRUNV�ZLWK�IDFXOW\�DQG�VWDII�WR�HQ-

FRXUDJH�EHQHƓFLDO�FKDQJHV�ZLWKLQ�WKHLU�RIƓFHV�DQG�WR�VLPSOLI\�WKH�SURFHVV�RI�creating a sustainable workplace. Keep

your eyes peeled for information about

how you can participate!

At long last, our campus has joined

WKH�UHQHZDEOHV�UHYROXWLRQ��:LWK�D�ORW�of hard work from many departments

across campus, a series of solar panels

KDYH�EHHQ�LQVWDOOHG�RQ�+\GH��3OHDVH�take a moment to admire the new in-

stallation the next time that you are on

campus. For detailed information about

this solar initiative, please read the article, “Solar panels…”.

Aside from concerns about the environment and a desire to ensure that future generations have the re-

sources necessary for social and economic security, why should a university care about sustainability? One

FULWLFDO�UHDVRQ�LV�WKDW�LW�PDWWHUV�WR�WKH�PRVW�LPSRUWDQW�FRQVWLWXHQF\�ZH�VHUYH��RXU�VWXGHQWV��$Q�LQVWLWXWLRQ�of higher learning’s commitment to sustainability is an increasingly important factor in students’ choice of

where to attend college, and Plymouth State University continues to take steps to make its campus and op-

erations more sustainable. “College-bound students are increasingly interested in sustainability issues,” said

Robert Franek, Senior VP/Publisher, The Princeton Review. “Among 7,445 college applicants who participat-

HG�LQ�RXU������Ō&ROOHJH�+RSHV��:RUULHV�6XUYH\�ō�QHDUO\���RXW�RI��������SHUFHQW��WROG�XV�WKDW�KDYLQJ�LQIRUPD-

WLRQ�DERXW�D�VFKRROōV�FRPPLWPHQW�WR�WKH�HQYLURQPHQW�ZRXOG�LQŴXHQFH�WKHLU�GHFLVLRQ�WR�DSSO\�WR�RU�DWWHQG�WKH�VFKRRO�Ő��*UHHQ�*XLGH�3UHVV�5HOHDVH��������7KH�3ULQFHWRQ�5HYLHZ�����1RY��������KWWS���ZZZ�SULQFHWRQ-

UHYLHZ�FRP�JUHHQ�JXLGH�SUHVV�UHOHDVH�DVS[���$W�368�RXU�FRPPLWPHQW�WR�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�LV�VWURQJ��DQG�ZH�DUH�making conscious efforts to positively impact student recruitment and retention.

7R�OHDUQ�PRUH�DERXW�2(6�DQG�RXU�LQLWLDWLYHV�KHUH�DW�368��SOHDVH�YLVLW�RXU�ZHEVLWH�DW��KWWSV���ZZZ�SO\PRXWK�edu/sustainability/, where you can learn about the school’s Climate Action and Implementation Plan, view

WKH�&DPSXV�6XVWDLQDELOLW\�*XLGH�DQG�0DS��DQG�UHDG�WKH�����������6XVWDLQDELOLW\�5HSRUW��$GGLWLRQDOO\��\RX�can Like us on Facebook and receive the latest information about our sustainable initiatives and campus

events.

Do it in The Dark

For additional information

concerning ‘Do it in the Dark’

and other sustainability ef-

forts on campus, please

FRQWDFW�%ULDQ�(LVHQKDXHU��Director of

7KH�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�Sustainability at

Plymouth State University.

As of Thursday, Oct. 1st, students living in residential halls began Plymouth State University’s annual

FRPSHWLWLRQ�WR�UHGXFH�WKH�FRQVXPSWLRQ�RI�HQHUJ\��:KLOH�ZKDW�\RX�GR�LQ�WKH�GDUN�LV�\RXU�RZQ�EXVLQHVV��3O\PRXWK�6WDWH�8QLYHUVLW\ōV�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\��2(6��ZDQWV�\RX�WR�WKLQN�WZLFH�DERXW�the impact that simple actions, or inactions, can have upon energy consumption.

Launched in 2007 by students at PSU, the campus-wide, “Do it in the Dark” competition pits residential

halls against one another to reveal which group of residents can work together to save the most elec-

tricity. This incentivized competition runs yearly from October 1st until November 30th and features half

priced laundry in February for the winning dorm.

:KLOH�KDOI�SULFHG�ODXQGU\�LV�D�JUHDW�LPSHWXV�IRU�UHGXFLQJ�HQHUJ\�FRQVXPSWLRQ��WKH�JUHDWHU�JRDO�RI�ŏ'R�LW�in the Dark’ is to raise awareness about the ease of saving energy and to empower students to save both

energy and money throughout the course of their lives. Collectively, actions as simple as unplugging

XQXVHG�FKDUJHUV�DQG�DSSOLDQFHV�FDQ�PDNH�D�WUHPHQGRXV�GLIIHUHQFH��7KLV�\HDU��2(6�LV�KRSLQJ�IRU�ELJJHU�reductions on campus than ever before and is excited to help the largest incoming class in PSU history

lead the way in creating a more sustainable campus.

2(6�GHWHUPLQHV�ZKLFK�UHVLGHQFH�KDOO�KDV�VDYHG�WKH�PRVW�HQHUJ\�E\�FDOFXODWLQJ�SHUFHQWDJH�UHGXFWLRQV�IURP�HDFK�KDOOōV�ƓYH�\HDU�DYHUDJH�XVH�IURP�2FWREHU�WKURXJK�1RYHPEHU��

$V�RI�1RYHPEHU�����������WKH�GDWD�WR�GHWHUPLQH�WKH�ƓUVW�VHW�RI�VWDQGLQJV�KDYH�EHHQ�DQDO\]HG��3HPLJH-

ZDVVHW�+DOO�LV�LQ�ƓUVW�SODFH�ZLWK�D�UHGXFWLRQ�RI�������LQ�WKHLU�XVH�RI�HOHFWULFLW\��,Q�VHFRQG�SODFH��QRW�IDU�EHKLQG�IURP�ƓUVW�SODFH��LV�*UDIWRQ�ZLWK�D�UHGXFWLRQ�RI��������&ORVH�EHKLQG�LV�%HONQDS�+DOO��ZLWK�D�������UHGXFWLRQ�LQ�WKH�XVH�RI�HOHFWULFLW\�FRPSDUHG�WR�KLVWRULFDO�DYHUDJHV��6PLWK�+DOO��/DQJGRQ�:RRGV��DQG�%ODLU�+DOO�DUH�QRW�IDU�EHKLQG��,Q�ODVW�SODFH�LV�0DU\�/\RQ�+DOO��ZKLFK�LV�XVLQJ�D�ELW�PRUH�HOHFWULFLW\�RQ�DYHUDJH�than in the past.

These standings will certainly change in the remaining weeks of the competition, and any residence hall

has the ability to win this competition. The idea behind this competition is to make everyday changes in

our lives that will save us money and help us live more sustainably for a lifetime. Making simple changes,

such as turning off unused appliances, TVs, and game consoles can make a big difference. Make these

FKDQJHV�PRUH�RIWHQ�DQG�\RX�PD\�VHH�\RXU�UHVLGHQFH�KDOO�VHFXUH�WKDW�ƓUVW�SODFH�VSRW��

Growing Our Use of Renewable

Energy – Let’s Make Green More Than

Our School Color

It is an exciting time on the Plymouth State University campus, as we currently have two of our largest renew-

DEOH�HQHUJ\�SURMHFWV�HYHU�FRPLQJ�RQ�OLQH��$����N:K�VRODU�SKRWRYROWDLF�DUUD\�RQ�WRS�RI�+\GH�+DOO�WKDW�ZLOO�SURGXFH�MXVW�XQGHU����RI�WKH�HOHFWULFLW\�RXU�FDPSXV�XVHV��DQG�D�KHDWLQJ�V\VWHP�LQ�WKH�QHZ�$//:HOO�&HQWHU�WKDW�XVHV�VXVWDLQDEOH�KDUYHVWHG�ELRPDVV�ZRRG�SHOOHWV�IURP�1HZ�+DPSVKLUH�IRU�IXHO��7KHVH�HIIRUWV�DUH�VXEVWDQWLDO�developments for PSU that are cost effective ways to increase our use of renewable energy, and we look for-

ZDUG�WR�WKH�EHQHƓWV�WKHVH�SURMHFWV�ZLOO�EULQJ�WR�RXU�VWXGHQWV��WKH�FDPSXV�FRPPXQLW\��DQG�WKH�VWDWH�RI�1HZ�+DPSVKLUH��

Plymouth State University set ambitious goals to address climate change when becoming a charter signatory of

the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, pledging to reduce our car-

ERQ�HPLVVLRQV�E\�����E\������DQG������E\�������$FKLHYLQJ�WKHVH�JRDOV�LV�D�FRPSOH[�SURFHVV�WKDW�UHTXLUHV�the support of our community and hard work from many of us. In 2013 Plymouth State University developed

D�&OLPDWH�$FWLRQ�,PSOHPHQWDWLRQ�3ODQ��KWWSV���ZZZ�SO\PRXWK�HGX�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�SO\PRXWK�VWDWH�XQLYHUVLW\�FOL-PDWH�DFWLRQ�LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ�SODQ���WKDW�RXWOLQHV�WKH�VSHFLƓF�VWHSV�ZH�QHHG�WR�WDNH�WR�PHHW�RXU�LQVWLWXWLRQDO�sustainability goals, and switching away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is an essential part of our

efforts.

'HVSLWH�WKH�LPSRUWDQFH�RI�WKHVH�HIIRUWV�WR�XV�DOO��QRQSURƓWV�LQFOXGLQJ�FROOHJHV�DQG�XQLYHUVLWLHV�KDYH�EHHQ�VWUXJJOLQJ�WR�ƓQG�ZD\V�WR�ƓQDQFH�DQG�LQVWDOO�VRODU�HQHUJ\�DQG�RWKHU�UHQHZDEOHV�DV�SDUW�RI�WKH�HIIRUWV�WR�EH�FRVW�HIƓFLHQW�DQG�UHDFK�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�JRDOV��7D[�ODZV�DQG�VWDWH�JUDQW�SURJUDPV�DUH�QRW�DYDLODEOH�WR�QRQSURƓWV��ZKLFK�LV�LPSRUWDQW�EHFDXVH�WKHVH�LQFHQWLYHV�EULQJ�WKH�FRVW�RI�VRODU�HQHUJ\�GRZQ�VLJQLƓFDQWO\�DQG�VKRUWHQ�WKH�SD\�EDFN�SHULRG�RQ�VRODU�HOHFWULFLW\�SURMHFWV��7R�DGGUHVV�WKLV�FKDOOHQJH�WKH�368�(QHUJ\�&RPPLWWHH��6WHSKHQ�7DNVDU��9LFH�3UHVLGHQW�IRU�)LQDQFH�DQG�$GPLQLVWUDWLRQ��(OOHQ�6KLSSHH��'LUHFWRU�RI�3K\VLFDO�3ODQW��'RQ�3HUULQ��$VVLVWDQW�Director of Operations / Capital Projects; Linda Dauer, Associate Vice President of Finance and Administration;

+HDWKHU�+XFNLQV��'LUHFWRU�RI�3XUFKDVLQJ��'LVEXUVHPHQWV��&RQWUDFW�6HUYLFHV��%LOO�&UDQJOH��(QHUJ\�3URMHFW�&RQ-

VXOWDQW��KDYH�VLJQHG�D�3RZHU�3XUFKDVH�$JUHHPHQW��33$��EHWZHHQ�3O\PRXWK�6WDWH�8QLYHUVLW\�DQG�6XQ5DLVHU�//&��WR�HVWDEOLVK�DQ�HOHFWULFLW\�SURGXFLQJ�VRODU�DUUD\�RQ�WKH�URRI�RI�+\GH�+DOO���

,Q�VKRUW��D�33$�LV�D�SULYDWH�OLPLWHG�SDUWQHUVKLS��//&��WKDW�LQVWDOOV��RZQV�DQG�PDLQWDLQV�VRODU�SDQHOV�DQG�VHOOV�WKH�SRZHU�JHQHUDWHG�EDFN�WR�XVHUV��LQ�WKLV�FDVH��368��XQGHU�D�PXOWLSOH�\HDU�FRQWUDFW��,Q�WKH�33$�368�KDV�VLJQHG�we’ll be paying the same rate for electricity purchased from the solar LLC as we do for electricity purchased

from our regular providers, with increases each year set by market averages. The LLC is able to take advantage

of the state and federal grants and tax deductions by passing them along to their investors. At the end of six

\HDUV��WKH�8QLYHUVLW\�KDV�WKH�RSWLRQ�WR�SXUFKDVH�WKH�VRODU�V\VWHP�IURP�WKH�SDUWQHUVKLS�DW�D�VLJQLƓFDQWO\�UHGXFHG�SULFH�EHFDXVH�RI�WKH�UHEDWHV�FDSWXUHG�E\�WKH�//&��a����RI�RULJLQDO�FRVW���DQG�WKH�V\VWHP�ZLOO�FRQWLQXH�WR�SUR-

GXFH�HOHFWULFLW\�IRU�PDQ\�\HDUV��33$�DJUHHPHQWV�DUH�FRPPRQ�LQ�KLJKHU�HGXFDWLRQ�DQG�QRQ�SURƓWV��DQG�DUH�D�SRZHUIXO�ƓQDQFLDO�WRRO�WR�KHOS�RUJDQL]DWLRQV�OLNH�368�UHDFK�RXU�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�JRDOV�LQ�FRVW�HIIHFWLYH�ZD\V��

In addition to the solar project we are also excited to see another renewable energy project come to fruition

RQ�RXU�FDPSXV��WKH�XVH�RI�D�ZRRG�SHOOHW�ELRPDVV�KHDWLQJ�V\VWHP�LQ�WKH�QHZ�$//:HOO�IDFLOLW\��8VLQJ�D�ELRPDVV��wood pellet heating system enables the addition of essential space to campus for students’ and community

members’ activities, is cost effective, and minimizes the environmental impacts of the building in a manner

that is in line with University sustainability goals. Fuel for the heating system will be purchased from local New

+DPSVKLUH�ƓUPV��ZKLFK�DOVR�HQVXUHV�WKDW�WKH�IXQGV�ZH�VSHQG�IRU�HQHUJ\�EULQJV�WKH�PD[LPXP�EHQHƓW�WR�1HZ�+DPSVKLUH�SRVVLEOH���7KH�LQQRYDWLYH�V\VWHP�ZLOO�QRW�RQO\�PHHW�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�JRDOV�DQG�IHHG�WKH�UHJLRQDO�HFRQR-

my, it also offers energy and science classes the chance to use the PSU campus as a “living-learning laboratory”

WR�XQGHUVWDQG�HQHUJ\�LVVXHV�DQG�UHJLRQDOO\�EHQHƓFLDO�ZD\V�WR�DGGUHVV�WKHP��

%\�VHHNLQJ�LQQRYDWLYH�VROXWLRQV�WR�DGGUHVV�FDPSXV�QHHGV�WKDW�EHQHƓW�3O\PRXWK�6WDWH�8QLYHUVLW\�DQG�VHUYH�WKH�QHHGV�RI�WKH�VWDWH�RI�1HZ�+DPSVKLUH��WKH�QHZ�$//:HOO�1RUWK�IDFLOLW\�DQG�RXU�VRODU�SURMHFW�RQ�+\GH�+DOO�DUH�VWURQJ�H[DPSOHV�RI�368ōV�FRPPLWPHQW�WR�LWV�PRWWR��ŏ8W�3URVLPŐ��WR�VHUYH�WKH�SHRSOH�RI�1HZ�+DPSVKLUH��:H�ORRN�IRUZDUG�WR�FRQWLQXLQJ�WR�ZRUN�ZLWK�RXU�FDPSXV�FRPPXQLW\�WR�ƓQG�LQQRYDWLYH�VROXWLRQV�WR�DGGUHVV�RXU�climate change challenges.

Turn off the lights when leaving a room

(OLPLQDWH�ŏ3KDQWRP�/RDGŐ�E\�XQSOXJJLQJ�\RXU�electronics or plugging them into a power strip, which can be

easily switched off

(OLPLQDWH�VFUHHQ�VDYHUV�DQG�VHW�\RXU�FRPSXWHU�WR�VOHHS�RU hibernate mode

:DVK�DQG�ULQVH�FORWKLQJ�LQ�FROG�ZDWHU�ZKHQ�SRVVLEOH

Skip the mini-fridge. If you must, try to purchase one that is

HQHUJ\�VWDU�RU�RWKHU�ORZ�HQHUJ\�FHUWLƓHG

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR

REDUCING YOUR ENERGY

USAGE!

� 6WXGHQW�LQYROYHPHQW�RQ�FDPSXV�LV�GHƓQLWHO\�D�SULRULW\�RI�3O\PRXWK�6WDWH�8QLYHUVLW\��DQG�KDY-

ing collaboration between students, faculty and staff is a great way to showcase that involvement.

7KH�2IƓFH�RI�(QYLURQPHQWDO�6XVWDLQDELOLW\�DV�ZHOO�DV�D�FRXSOH�RI�VXVWDLQDELOLW\�FODVVHV�DUH�WDNLQJ�IXOO�DGYDQWDJH�RI�WKHVH�RSSRUWXQLWLHV��6SHFLƓFDOO\��WKH�3HUPDFXOWXUH�FODVV�IURP�WKH�63���ō�VHPHVWHU�DQG�the Sustainability in Residences class of this fall semester have been working with Physical Plant

Staff to transform areas around campus. The transformation of these landscapes uses permaculture

and low impact development designs to treat stormwater before it reaches the river, provides habi-

tat, and creates a landscape that it aesthetically pleasing to by passers.

One of the projects that was recently implemented is a rain garden on the south side of

Lamson Library. The design was created by a group of students in the permaculture class with the

KHOS�RI�3K\VLFDO�3ODQW�6WDII��3K\VLFDO�3ODQW�SURYLGHG�WKH�ORFDWLRQ�WKH\�IHOW�ZRXOG�EHVW�ƓW�WKH�SHUPD-

culture concepts that the class was learning and the designs they were envisioning. One of these

concepts is the importance of capturing water before it runs off into storm drains and goes into the

Pemi River.

A great way to capture this runoff is through rain gardens which help slow, spread, and sink

ZDWHU�LQWR�WKH�VRLO��K\GUDWLQJ�WKH�VLWH�DV�ZHOO�DV�ƓOWHULQJ�RXW�SROOXWDQWV�WKDW�ZRXOG�HQG�XS�LQ�WKH�ULY-

er. Using the permaculture design, the Sustainability in Residences class worked with Physical Plant

WR�FRPH�XS�ZLWK�D�OLVW�RI�SODQWV�WKDW�ZHUH�DYDLODEOH�DQG�ZRXOG�DOVR�ƓW�ZHOO�RQ�WKH�VLWH��$IWHU�D�FRXSOH�of hands on worksessions with Physical Plant, the rain garden was complete and ready for some

water!

� +DYLQJ�VWXGHQWV�ZRUN�ZLWK�GLIIHUHQW�3O\PRXWK�6WDWH�8QLYHUVLW\�GLYLVLRQV�DQG�IDFXOW\�JLYHV�VWX-

dents the access to information and materials that might not otherwise be available. This collabora-

tion can also help Plymouth State promote student involvement around campus. This lets student

voices be heard and allows them to show what they have learned from their coursework and share

their accomplishments with the outside world.

The Rain Garden Initiative: A Student/Faculty/Staff Collaboration written by Emily Hyde, Environmental Planning 2016

Sustainability+Resources+for+Plymouth+State+

University+

PSU’s&Climate&Ac0on&Plan&Iden0fying&Specific&Steps&

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