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