UMass Amherst Environmental Performance and Green Initiatives

Energy Conservation
Water Conservation
Renewable Energy
Bio-Fuel
Recycling and Solid Waste Management
Dining Services
Green Building and Design
Transportation
Chemical Inventory
Mercury Reduction
Environmental Management System
Green Cleaning
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions
UMass Amherst EPAC

UMass Amherst recognizes its far-reaching impact on the environment. We are committed to becoming a "green" leader and striving to reduce our environmental footprint and promote environmental education for the campus community.

From its beginnings as a land grant institution, UMass Amherst has focused on stewardship of the earth. As a leading public research university, UMass has a unique opportunity --and responsibility --to set an example in fostering and following best practices in sustainability.

Energy Savings at a Glance...

Print Services estimates that 60% of the paper it uses is recycled. Since 2004 the Physical Plant Energy Performance Project has resulted in a 24% reduction in steam, 9% reduction in electricity, and 36% reduction in water consumption. Improvements to steam lines have cut roughly a third off of steam distribution losses, leading to big cost savings as well as more efficient heating systems. Estimated reduction of potable water consumption of 25 million cubic feet or 187,250,000 gallons. Using FY 04 as the baseline, the university consumed 59,935,800 cubic feet of water. Potable water consumption in FY 2006 was 38,284,470 cubic feet. The campus realized close to a 36% reduction in potable water consumption, 21 million cubic feet, from FY 04. Disposed of approximately 1,480 thermometers and removed approximately 12 pounds of mercury.
Through its Rideshare program, the campus has reduced Single Occupancy Vehicle commuting numbers by 13% since 1999. UMA anticipates a 30% reduction in emissions, based on projected fuel use, associated with heating and cooling and electricity as a result of the new Central Heating Plant going on-line Summer 2008. In fiscal year 2006, 4,627 tons of material was removed from the waste stream and recycled or processed for energy recovery, resulting in a 56% recycling rate. Due to the success of the Office of Waste Management’s programs the University avoided $275,000 in disposal charges. Dining Services has dedicated about $150,000, or 15%, of its annual produce budget to the “Be A Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown” program to sustain farming by helping consumers find and purchase locally grown products.

 

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