B-W: Green Business Class Suggests B-W Changes

Students in David Krueger’s “Green Business” class not only furthered their own knowledge but provided valuable information to B-W administrators with their “Energy Audit” of the College. The in-depth study, like a Food Service audit from a similar class last spring, looked at the current energy situation at B-W and presented a variety of options for lessening the institution’s environmental footprint.

The class offered recommendations to improve the quality of life on campus in five areas: transportation/buildings and grounds, electricity, HVAC, alternative energy and culture/education. The comprehensive report included a variety of options and a wide range of financial considerations.

In the discussion of electricity, for example, the students took a look at emergency lighting and signage and estimated the annual energy cost of the signs and maintenance to be more than $25,000. They recommended photoluminescent signs which produce high quality illumination that is maintenance and operating cost free. The students estimate that the payback period for this project would be just a little over one year.

Each of the areas studied, students presented meticulously researched recommendations for projects that might be implemented in the near future, to suggestions that might be considered when planning major building projects. From light bulbs to green roofs, the report strives to present solutions that can, “significantly reduce its financial bottom line while becoming a flagship for ecological practices that strengthen the connection with nature rather than destroying it.” For a an electronic copy of the full report, contact David Krueger at dkrueger@bw.edu.

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Green Business Class Suggests B-W Changes