Ways we're working toward sustainability
Recycle Programs
New! We've set up recycling bins at each exit, so on your way out you can personally make an impact by recycling your programs.
Biodegradable Coffee Cups
You're drinking out of an environmentally friendly, biodegradable cup. Traditional disposable coffee cups are lined with petroleum based plastic linings.
The biodegradable coffee cups are lined with Ingeo, a plastic made entirely from plant starch. They can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
LED Light Fixtures
Over the past several years the Vineyard has replaced traditional lighting with LED fixtures across the entire campus. In the first year we saw savings of 39,277 kilowatt hours in the Healing Center and Student Union buildings, and 104,640 in the Main Building.
This resulted in a 15% reduction in utility usage. The upfront cost for the project was $63,967. We are saving $34,793 per year. This means we will have recouped all of the money for the project in two years and we will continue to save going forward.
Solar Panels
In conjunction with the Staff Office Building remodel, in 2019 we installed solar panels on the roof and converted to all electric HVAC. The upfront cost for this project was $178,670. The projections are that we will reduce our utility usage in that building by 75-80%.
This will result in a projected annual cost savings of $15,970. According to these projections we will recoup the upfront money in 11 years. This one is a bit of a longer term play. We would love to increase our use of solar panels across the campus.
Our ability to expand solar on the campus or engage in other initiatives is determined somewhat by how quickly we can recoup the upfront costs of this solar project at the Staff Office Building. If you are interested in these types of “green” initiatives and would like to help financially with future projects, contact Trevor Bryan at trevor.bryan@vineyardcincinnati.com or call him at (513) 671-0422 ext 226.
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