Environmental Initiatives

Stormwater management
In 1997, Goucher College prepared a plan that divided the college into several stormwater management quadrants that each have facilities that act as filtration devices for water quality and for controlling water quantity runoff.

The college has initiated defined areas as forest buffers that also act as water quality structures for the campus.

There are also several discharge controls that capture water runoff from parking lots.

Sewer discharge
Goucher monitors its sewer discharge to Baltimore County to control the pH levels and fats/oils/greases released to the system. The campus has installed grease interceptors on the discharges for the systems that serve kitchens, etc., to control these types of discharge.

Integrated pest management
This system does not depend on automatic application of pesticides and, instead, focuses on preventative maintenance, such as aeration, responsible fertilization, using native vegetation, and rotating plants. Goucher College follows these principles -- where applicable -- as they are outlined by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Oil tanks
In 1994, Goucher prepared a management plan to begin removing all underground oil storage tanks. The college had 24 tanks--22 of which were removed, and two above-ground tanks that were converted to double-wall tanks when the heating and cooling plants were constructed. The college also has operational procedures in place to prevent spills from the tanks and runoff to the groundwater.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)
In 2000, all 58 of the college's transformers were tested for polychlorinated biphenyls, which are classified as persistent organic pollutants. Three transformers tested positive for PCB. Of those, two have been removed, and one at the college's substation cannot be addressed at this time.

Asbestos
All asbestos has been identified, and as the college renovates or upgrades facilities, the removal is addressed at that time. If the college has areas where material is damaged, it addresses that specific area. All removals are done as prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Scholarship
Goucher College is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The association's mission is to promote sustainability in all sectors of higher education -- from governance and operations to curriculum and outreach -- through education, communication, research and professional development.

Goucher is also a member of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). The NWF is the United States' largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization. The NWF seeks balanced, common-sense solutions to environmental problems that work for wildlife and people.

Administrative Initiatives

• Office of Human Resources is in the process of switching to a computer-based Interview Exchange Applicant Tracking System for job applicants. The electronic system will drastically reduce the amount of paper used in the application process. Applications for open positions at the college will only be accepted online, eliminating the need for printed resumes and coverletters. All evaluations of potential candidates will also be completed online. The department estimates a paper savings of 4500 postcards a year and three reams of paper a week.
• The college is in the process of phasing in the use of recycled paper  throughout campus

Ongoing Initiatives

• Put sensors on vending machines to conserve energy when not in use
• Convert existing equipment to variable speed control models, which allow for much more efficient management of energy flow
• Upgrade equipment to the most energy-efficient models (domestic hot water, building controls, etc.)
• Change operational policies as appropriate to conserve energy

Future Initiatives

• Convert the inefficient air-cooled chillers in the Meyerhoff Arts Center and Sports and Recreation Center to the college’s heating and cooling plant chiller loop
• Replace the windows at the Julia Rogers Library, Hoffberger Science Center, and Dorsey Center
• Investigate future use of solar lighting
• Investigate the use of motion detectors for room lighting, faucets, and flush valves and replace as appropriate
• Use paints that are low in volatile organic compounds, which diminish air quality and may be detrimental to health
• Use recyclable and environmentally conscious floor coverings
• Investigate the use of hybrid models when college vehicles must be replaced
• Investigate using criteria established by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System for retrofitting or renovating existing campus facilities