Sustainability at the University Health Center

How is the University Health Center contributing to improving environmental health?

Conservation and Waste Reduction

The University Health Center’s HVAC system uses outside air (up to 50 degrees) instead of using chilled water to heat and cool the building.

The University Health Center participates in the University of Maryland's Department of Environmental Safety's Energy Check program.

Shutting down computers, turning off lights; recycling are part of employee performance review.

A number of University Health Center staff use Metro or other public transportation, bike, or walk to work

University Health Center Staff and visitors are reminded to use the stairs to help their hearts and their Earth!

University Health Center staff have reduced paper consumption by making many resource materials available on-line

Forms and educational materials that are printed are done so on 30% post-consumer waste paper.

The University Health Center saves our empty boxes for the staff to use for packing or moving

The University Health Center gives used furniture and computer equipment to Terp Trader for re-sale and re-use of items by others and purchases needed items from Terp Trader when possible.

Recycling

The staff at the University Health Center takes recycling seriously…and makes serious work fun!

Monthly recycling contests between departments are held to encourage innovative ways to recycle and to make sure everyone complies with the University of Maryland Division of Student Affairs Sustainability Plan. Contest winners are posted on the Recycling Education board located in the lobby.

Winning units have increased the amount of recycling they do, the types of recycling they do, holding each other accountable for doing their part, and creating individual projects using recycled materials.

The University Health Center recycles the following:

    * Cardboard
    * Paper
    * Printer Cartridges
    * Mixed Paper
    * Plastic Bottles
    * Glass
    * Aluminum Cans
    * Batteries

Green Products

The University Health Center uses the Oxysmart system from Daycon for cleansing and disinfecting. The chemical is 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive and safe on all surfaces.

The internal paint at the University Health Center is water based.