With more than 50,000 students, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is one of the most highly-attended universities in the Northeast. The New Jersey school said it also is one of the greenest. Rutgers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an agreement to expand the school’s environmental programs and commitments. The agreement outlines steps to reduce air pollution from vehicles, increase recycling and improve water and energy use across the school’s three campuses.
“EPA is proud to partner with an institution like Rutgers that has long demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment,” said EPA Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Barbara Finazzo. “When you consider the potential reach of Rutgers’ effort--across several campuses and to more than 50,000 students--small changes translate into big results, which is the most effective way to make a demonstrable difference for the environment.”
“Rutgers University is a national leader in education and research,” President Richard L. McCormick said. “We intend to lead by example in adopting policies and practices that conserve energy, reduce waste and protect the environment of our university community, the State of New Jersey and our nation.”
Among the components of the agreement are plans to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design thus aiming to improve energy and water efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve indoor environmental quality and conserve resources.
The university also plans to cut water usage by some 250 million gal per year, which will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 8,700 tons. The school also would like to improve storm water and turf management practices, including reducing the use of fertilizer and weed control chemicals.
Source: U.S. EPA
