Programs and Initiatives
Duke University is currently engaged in many environmental programs and initiatives. Once fully developed, the EMS will foster these activities and improve Duke’s environmental performance. Here are some programs highlighted below:
Labs21
The USEPA recognizes the environmental problem posed by high performance labs, and has established a partnership program to help improve the ecological footprint of these labs in the United States. Duke University is a Pilot Partner in the Private Sector, and has focused on the Levine Science Research Science Center thus far.
Current work came from a working group discussion on right-sizing, which involves designing plug loads based on actual use data. The goal of the study is to obtain an accurate assessment of equipment loads in science teaching and research laboratories in order to incorporate environmentally sustainable features such as right-sizing into the consideration of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and electrical design features. The findings should be relevant for future renovations, retrofits and new projects. Paul Mathew of the Lawrence Berkeley Labs in Washington, D.C. is currently gathering data on the UC-Davis and UC-Merced campuses. His study serves as both a model for, and source of comparative data for Duke’s study.
This work will contribute to Duke University’s efforts to improve campus energy efficiency. It will also inform the group involved in developing an Environmental Management System for the campus, as more information will become available for their studies. The ultimate intention is to establish a benchmark to be used in future building design and renovation projects. Please visit http://www.labs21century.gov/ for more information.
Contact: Bill Brewer, brewe029@mc.duke.edu
Mercury Reduction Assessment
As a Partner in Hospitals for Healthy Environment (H2E),
the University committed to the elimination of mercury in
the University’s solid waste stream by the end of Year 2005.
Duke is developing a new strategy to meet the ambitious
goals of the H2E program to virtually eliminate mercury from
the medical center and the campus. A
work plan
was created and will be carried out this summer. The
purpose of this work is to identify sources of mercury in
the hospital, medical center and University laboratories,
evaluate management alternatives using the process of
alternatives evaluation to select the best methods to meet
the elimination goals established in the H2E program.
Contact: Bill Brewer,
brewe029@mc.duke.edu
