Conserve and Save

Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent one can save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Sustainability goes beyond changing our habits and how we live to retrofitting where we live to be more sustainable.

Taking Initiative
Otterbein has taken the initiative to implement sustainable practices and use sustainable materials in campus buildings, including the new science building, the Suites, and the new 25 W. Home Street residence hall, to conserve energy and reduce energy costs.

On Campus

• Otterbein conserves energy through reflecting the seasons. The college maintains 68 degrees-72 degrees for heating and 72 degrees-76 degrees for cooling through its central HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) plant. Additionally, unoccupied buildings are not heated during winter break.
• Motion sensors have been installed in classrooms and academic buildings to turn off lights when rooms or areas aren't in use.
• The printers in the computer labs are limited to 30 sheets of paper per print to reduce waste.

The Suites

• E-glass (emissivity glass) reflects the sun keeping heat outside during the summer (25 percent more than a single-paned window and 11 percent more than a double-paned window) and heat inside during the winter (70 to 75 percent of the heat that would normally stay outside is absorbed).
• Efficient insulation (‘green gunk') was used to increase air and water resistance, helping to lower heating and cooling costs in buildings and providing better protection against water and moisture intrusion.
• The VAN system was used in the core of the building to restrict air flow until cooling was needed.

McFadden Hall (Science Building)

• Carpet squares
• Bamboo molding
• LEED-quality window treatments