Description: Green roofs are a fantastic way to improve stormwater management, conserve energy, cut back on carbon emissions, and generally make urban spaces more pleasing. Nordenberg’s outdoor area has a small “green space” that is mostly grass, but this could easily be converted into a student garden or at least a better and more pleasing area. Nordenberg is only one example of the many places students might endeavour to incorporate more green space into campus, whether they want to improve upon an existing space or create entirely new green roofs.
Contact Information/References: Scott Bernotas Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management: [email protected]
More Efficient Urinals
Description: This project entails replacing University of Pittsburgh urinals with those which reside by Pitt's water replacement standard of 0.125 gallons/per flush. This is extremely beneficial because it not only conserves water but also keeps water out of the combined sewer overflow system.
Description: Rain barrels are an easy way to reduce water waste. The greatest challenge is the construction, which, even then, is comprised of cheap and accessible materials. Once installed, they capture rainwater which can be used in landscaping and gardening in place of water from the tap. This reduces costs and waste water. There is ample opportunity for such barrels to be installed around campus and help the University become a more eco-friendly environment.
