Water
The University of Vermont tracks wastewater usage and has been making progress in reducing water use on campus. Efforts include installing waterless urinals in bathrooms, automatic sinks, low-flow shower heads in the Davis Center, and water bottle refill stations all over campus.
UVM also has a stormwater runoff reduction policy and tries to plant zone-hardy, perennial, and site-specific native plants whenever possible.
OP Credit 22: Water Consumption (3.48/7)
UVM only tracks its wastewater usage and not water consumption because wastewater/sewage is a good proxy for water consumption. In 2009, UVM reduced its water use by 15 % per campus user compared to a 2006 baseline (earliest year for which data are available). Based on the STARS calculations for tracking and waste water, UVM would receive 3.48 out of 7 points for this credit.
Richard Wolbach, Energy Management Engineer
UVM Physical Plant Department
N/A
OP Credit 23: Stormwater Management (2/2)
The University of Vermont currently has a stormwater runoff reduction policy that “uses best management practices to prevent, control, and treat stormwater runoff on campus.” The policies aim to mitigate runoff for new construction and regular campus operations. The university has a permit from the State of Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Conservation. UVM would receive 2 out or 2 points for this credit.
Linda Seavey, Director
Campus Planning Services
Tier Two Credits
Credit 1: Waterless Urinals (0.25/0.25)
UVM has installed waterless urinals in the two new LEED buildings: the Davis Center and the Jeffords building. The Davis Center also has water-efficient toilets that use only about 1.6 gallons of water per flush, which reduces water usage in the building. UVM would receive the full 0.25 points for this credit.
Richard Wolbach, Energy Management Engineer
UVM Physical Plant Department
Credit 2: Building Water Metering (0.25/0.25)
UVM monitors the wastewater and sewage by building; therefore, would receive the full 0.25 points.
Richard Wolbach, Energy Management Engineer
UVM Physical Plant Department
N/A
Credit 3: Non-Potable Water Usage (0.25/0.25)
UVM waters the athletic fields and the main green lawn on campus using graywater. UVM would receive the full 0.25 points for this credit.
Rosemarie Leland, Grounds Supervisor
UVM Physical Plant Department
Credit 4: Xeriscaping (0.25/0.25)
UVM tries to plant zone-hardy, site-specific native plants and plants that require less maintenance and water, including drought tolerant plants. UVM also tries to plant zone-hardy, site-specific native plants as well as perennials on campus. UVM would receive the full 0.25 points for this credit.
Rosemarie Leland, Grounds Supervisor
UVM Physical Plant Department
Credit 5: Weather-Informed Irrigation (0/0.25)
UVM currently does not employ this technology and would receive 0 points for this credit.
Rosemarie Leland, Grounds Supervisor
UVM Physical Plant Department
N/A
