Sustainability Efforts on Campus

The Rock Valley College Facilities Planning, Plant Operations & Maintenance department contributes to the college's sustainability efforts in numerous ways, including through energy savings, indoor and outdoor environmental efforts, water efficiency, and use of materials and resources.

Energy Savings
 

• Geothermal Field
• Water cooled heat pumps
• Chilled beam cooling
• Variable Air Volume Air Handling Units
• Energy Recovery  on Air Handling Units
• Thermal Efficient Glazing
• White Membrane Roof
• Geothermal Domestic Water Heating System
• Green Power Purchasing
• Variable Frequency Drives
• Daylight Harversting
• Occupancy Sensors
• Multiple Switching Zones
• Building Integrated Photovoltaic Modules
• Co-Generation
• Natural Gas
• Solar Stop Signs
• Relamping existing buildings with LED & Compact Fluorescents
• Solar Power Restroom Fixtures

 

Indoor Environmental
 

• IEQ Management Plan
   
  • Indoor Air Quality Program to include testing
  • Moisture/Water Intrusion Control
  • Record Keeping
     
• Low-emitting Adhesives, Sealants, Paints, Composite Wood & Flooring

Outdoor Environmental
 

• Prairie Plantings
• Bioswales
• Rain Gardens
• Weed Control
• Tree & Shrub Maintenance
• Native Vegetation & Plantings
• Green Roofs

Water Efficiency
 

• Water Use Reduction of 20%
• Water Efficient Landscaping
• Low Flow Plumbing & Fixtures

Materials and Resources

• Assist with recycling of paper, cardboard, plastics, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and computer/electronics
   
• Construction Waste Management
   
• Recycling of redwood and stone from building remodeling
   
• Use recycled content materials during construction – Countertops, restrooms stalls, carpeting, lab flooring, drywall, concrete, structural steel
   
• Use at least 50% Regional Materials