Though Eastern has long enjoyed statewide recognition as a campus known for “bleeding blue,” the school’s history of going green has recently gained national attention.

Eastern’s extensive environmental efforts, led by Facilities Planning and Management and backed by administrative support, was presented with the 2009 Outstanding College and University Recycling Program award by the Illinois Recycling Association.

“We were honored to be recognized for our recycling efforts,” said Ryan Siegel, campus energy and sustainability coordinator, whose responsibilities include tracking and proposing ways to reduce utility consumption. “EIU has recognized the ongoing benefits of being green, including being better for the environment and leading to healthier students and employees.”

Siegel said the school has received grants toward enhancing energy projects from the federal Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Clean Community Foundation, but the majority of Eastern’s successful environmental projects have been funded internally.

In total, the institution’s environmentally conscious methods have saved the school in excess of $16 million.

“Eastern has encouraged others to pursue energy conservation projects as well,” Siegel said. “The city of Charleston has entered into a performance contract with Siemens, which will reduce its energy consumption and provide for a better environment. The city’s project, while smaller, will make a significant impact on its budget as well. These projects allow for investment into the community while lowering the need in the future to raise taxes.”

Reducing the school’s environmental impact has long been at the forefront of progressive preparations for the future both locally and globally.

Originally established in 1992, the program has since expanded to conserve water and energy through the installation of highly efficient equipment and green technology. This method in past years has enabled the campus to divert upwards of 56 percent of its waste through recycling efforts.

Seventeen years and an array of accolades later, including induction as an Enviromental Protection Agency-based WasteWise partner in 1997, Eastern continues to endeavor to lessen its ecological footprint.

The university recycles paper, cardboard, No. 1 plastics and aluminum.

Items such as steel, used office furniture and supplies, wood pallets, ink cartridges and styrofoam are reused as well, though comprise a special program that is not yet available everywhere.

The campus has also committed to utilizing electric and hybrid vehicles with the carbon equivalent of 40 mpg instead of standard 12-mpg vans.

The school’s energy conservation program plans for pending improvements, including the construction of the new biomass plant intended to reduce pollutants, are listed and expected to break ground this fall.

“The largest improvement is the Guaranteed Energy Performance Project,” Siegel said. “In addition to the Renewable Energy Center, the project will include tune-ups for buildings, reconfiguration of the chilled water system on campus, new residence hall windows, and water and lighting upgrades.”

These projects will lower energy costs on campus by nearly $2 million per year on top of the $2.5 million Eastern saves annually from previous projects, Siegel said.

He urged students to contribute to the mass conservation transformation.

“Students should be good stewards of their resources and realize that by conserving energy and food on campus, that the university can reinvest those saving back into the environment to improve living conditions on campus,” Siegel said.

“Many of these things are simple, such as don’t take more food than they need and turn off lights and TVs when leaving a room.”

He also suggested parking farther from buildings to avoid driving and wasting gas while searching for a parking space, and using the recycling receptacles whenever possible.

Jason Sandidge, a junior sociology major and Student Senate member, is chair of the university recycling and development committee. He said students should get onboard with the environmental effort.

“We try to beautify the campus and to promote student enjoyment,” Sandidge said. “In my opinion, we’re not doing enough. We have a lot of paper waste, and although we have some recycling receptacles, they’re too spread out.”

Sandidge and the committee have lobbied for the administration to fund the construction of additional receptacles on campus.

“We need to get with the program,” Sandidge said. “Not just for us, but for future generations to come.”

Erica Whelan can be reached at 581-7942 or Dennewsdesk@gmail.com.

Recycling bins around campus are in place to remind students, faculty and staff to “reduce, reuse, recycle” while walking between classes.(Rachel Morris/The Daily Eastern News)

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