Potential Research Topics
NRE 306: Greening the Maize and Blue, Fall 1995


A. HEATING, COOLING AND VENTILATION

Heating System Audit

Examine radiators, thermostats, piping, etc. for proper functionality. Check ventilation system. Estimate costs and benefits of repairs. Recommend repairs to Utilities Department.

Draft Hunt

Inspect windows, outside doors and other potential openings for air leakage. Estimate current leakage rate, potential leak control repairs/retrofits, and determine feasibility for repairs/renovations to curb air leaks.

B. LIGHTING AND ELECTRICITY USE

Lighting and Computer Audit

Finish the lighting and computer audit that was started in Winter 1995. Work with the Utilities Department to analyze the current lighting and computer monitor electrical use, and help plan appropriate retrofits. Publicize the findings and proposed retrofits to the SNRE community.

C. WATER USE AND WATER POLLUTION

Water Use Audit

Determine how much water is used in the Dana Building. Audit water use devices (faucets, toilets, drinking fountains, labs, etc.) for leaks, etc. Examine feasibility for implementing water conservation strategies, such as sink aerators, etc. Encourage Dana users to conserve water.

D. GROUNDS AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Turf/Prairie Maintenance Practices

Investigate the environmental impacts, user preference, and other issues associated with intensive turf maintenance techniques (mowing, fertlizers, pesticides and watering) versus less intensive techniques. (Assistance from LA Concentration, EPA, A2 Parks & Recreation.)

E. WASTE PREVENTION AND RECYCLING

Managed Photocopy Program

Investigate account/course photocopying behavior in SNRE (Dollar Bill and in-house). Track past trends, compare procedures with similar departments, and research copy machines/services. Recommend potential user and environmentally friendly photocopying service options. Could be expanded to cover computer printing and faxing.

Contaminants B'Gone

Investigate sources of common contaminants in the new combined office paper recycling program. Implement an educational program to increase recycling diversion rate and reduce paper contamination.

F. MISCELLENANEOUS

Information Feedback

Provide Dana Building users with information about past trends in resource use and waste generation. Investigate mechanisms to make this information more readily available in the future.

Space Analysis

Examine how rooms, particularly classrooms, in the Dana Building are used -- for what purpose and time period. Make recommendations to more efficiently utilize available space and to decrease resource consumption (heating, lighting, etc.).