Extra bins are brought to campus during move-in to collect a rather large influx of corrugated cardboard.  Permanent locations are behind Dinkins, Thomson Cafeteria, Sims, in the gravel parking lot at the Facilities Management Operations Center, and next to McBryde. please call the recycling coordinator, Tim Hill at 323-2318 or the sustainability coordinator, Chris Johnson at 323-2389.  

How can I help to reduce energy consumption on campus (and in my personal life)?

Winthrop encourages energy efficiency through its Energy Conservation Plan and Policy.  The policy recommends that all faculty, staff, and students help reduce energy use by practicing the following requests:

• Turn off all lights when leaving an empty classroom or office or when natural daylighting is available and adequate.

• Turn off all computers, printers, scanners, TVs, stereos, bathroom and kitchen fans, etc. when they are not in use.

• Unplug cell phone chargers when not in use.

• Turn off computer screen savers - they are not required and use about as much energy as the computer itself.   

• Consider walking, biking, roller skating to destinations instead of using a car or truck.

• Personal heaters and fans are prohibited by Energy Policy.
• Reduce office lamp usage. Replace light bulbs with CFL bulbs.

• Be sure all exterior doors and windows are closed during he heating and cooling seasons.

• Move furniture away from heat source to allow heat to flow into the office space.

Visit the US EPA, South Carolina Energy Office or your utility provider's website for additional resources about methods for reducing energy consumption.

How can I reduce the amount of paper I use on campus?

In general, think before you print.  Do not print email unless necessary; print on both sides of paper; communicate through email instead of paper memos; use the web page for class administration purposes; and, have assignments submitted electronically where possible.  Many forms on campus are now being converted to electronic submission.

How is dining services doing its part to be more sustainable?

Winthrop Dining Services is contracted through ARAMARK.  Special emphasis is given to sustainable initiatives. 

How are the residence halls doing their part to be more sustainable?

Residence Life sponsors three residence hall floors as Environmental Issues Academic Success Communities; provides recycling bins in every student room; provides recycling stations in every lobby or designated trash areas in the residence halls; participates in the RecycleMania, a national recycling competition; encourage Resident Assistants do programming on sustainable issues; and, have developed and implemented on-line procedures to eliminate departmental forms and files on student and operational issues.

Does Winthrop purchase “green” products?     

Yes.  Winthrop University has approved a Sustainable Procurement Policy.  The purpose of the policy is to support the statewide Green Purchasing Initiative per the SC Senate Bill 1497 by purchasing products that minimize the harmful effects of their use and final disposition upon the environment. Winthrop University recognizes that the purchasing decisions of our employees can make a difference in favor of environmental quality. We prefer the purchase of environmentally preferable products whenever they perform satisfactorily and are available at a reasonable price.

 Prior to approving the Sustainable Procurement Policy, Winthrop purchased paper products (office and otherwise) with recycled content, use furniture vendors who include recycled content in their products, and use low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.

Are there any “green” buildings on campus?

Yes.  The Lois Rhame West Center is a LEED-certified building.  In spite of the historic nature of campus and its buildings, efforts are made to green-up buildings during renovations. 

Is there a no-idling policy on campus?

Yes.  The Vehicle No Idling Policy applies to employees and students using personal or Winthrop University gasoline or diesel powered passenger vehicles and light trucks should turn them off if idling more than 30 seconds. Larger diesel vehicles operating under heavy load should be allowed to idle for 3 minutes to cool down. Vehicles should not be left running while unattended. The operator of the vehicle/equipment should turn off the unit and remove the keys from the ignition. Visitors to campus, including buses and contractor/vendor vehicles, are subject to the same policy as employees and students and will be asked to comply.

The campus is beautiful.  What kinds of sustainable initiatives influence landscaping and grounds maintenance on campus? 

Winthrop University uses mulch from our mulching operation in the greenhouses for hanging baskets, and also in the plant and flower beds. Additionally, we plant native species plants as much as possible that are already adjusted to the area’s rainfall to avoid having to water plants.