Sustainability
RPS is committed to protecting the environment. Our daily operations and construction projects are managed to conserve energy, and reduce waste and chemical use. We also promote educational efforts with residents and guests.
For more information about sustainability on campus, see the Office of Sustainability.
Dining Services
- Purchasing Fair trade products such as Equal Exchange Coffees
- Offering “Tray-less” dining
- Introducing more organic, locally grown foods, and cage-free eggs
- Purchasing Energy Star, high efficiency kitchen equipment to replace aging equipment
- Reintroduction of silverware as an option to plastic utensils
- Purchasing paper products made from recycled materials
- Providing waste grease to vendors for conversion into biodiesel and/or other products
- Donating leftover foods to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank
- Using a central receiving and distribution center
- Recycling containers in all dining rooms
- Offering a refill bottle program for fountain beverages
Facilities
- Pursuing Silver LEED certification is being sought for Union Street Center and Briscoe
- Using water based epoxy and Low-VOC latex paint
- Transitioning to fluorescent light fixtures in every student room
- Using Green Seal certified cleaning products from JohnsonDiversey, part of their Responsible Solution product line
- Reupholstering furniture
- Transitioning to drapery material and made of recycled content
- Transitioning to carpet tiles
- Purchasing furniture and carpeting from companies engaged in sustainable manufacturing practices and from local vendors whenever possible
- Recycling used mattresses and carpet
- Purchasing Kimberly Clark 100% recycled JRT tissue paper made totally from recycled paper
- Using GOJO, Green Seal certified , foam hand cleaner in all bathrooms
- Transitioning to vacuum cleaners with high efficiency filtration
- Providing recycling containers to collect mixed paper, plastic containers 1-7, metal containers (tin, aluminum, and steel), and glass are available on all residential floors and in several apartments
- Providing newspaper and household battery collection bins are available in all center lobbies
- Providing toner cartridge and cell phone collection boxes are available in all center lobbies
- Providing cardboard recycling bins are available at all dining locations
Programs for Students
- Energy Challenge
- Offering garden plots for apartment housing residents
