A stream called Fleets Branch flows through the campus, this stream collects rain water runoff from roof drains, roadways and parking lots. Fleets Branch flows into the Appomattox River which is a tributary of the James River, Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay. The dumping of used oil, antifreeze, gasoline or other pollutants into the sanitary drains or storm water drains or parking areas on campus is prohibited. Unlawful discharges can harm the environment.
Contractors accomplishing earth work in and around campus in support of building renovations and new construction are required to use silt barriers to contain soil within designated work areas and to keep soil out of the storm drainage system.
The retention basins on campus are intended to provide surge capacity during heavy rains; accordingly it is important to keep paper, bottles and litter out of the gutters and storm water catch basins so as to all allow for proper drainage on campus.
Students, faculty and staff are expected to obey all environmental regulations.
Green Cleaning and Recycling
The University has significant environmental impact. As a major regional university, VSU has a responsibility to contribute to shaping the Commonwealth’s sustainability agenda and to promote the development of sustainability leadership on its campus. The University has an additional responsibility to prepare its students to do their part to protect the planet's human and natural systems.
The most fundamental contribution the University will make will come from the support of faculty, staff and students that develop sustainable strategies and technologies for global solutions, especially in the energy sector. The campus can serve as both a model for advanced practices and as a laboratory for students and faculty to test new approaches.
Consisting of students, faculty, and staff, the University realized that exemplary campus stewardship and preparing VSU's students to become engaged environmental citizens required a comprehensive plan.
The plan provides the framework for members of the University community, individually and collectively, to help VSU play a leading role in the global effort to achieve a sustainable future for everyone.
The University has enacted plans to accomplish the following:
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
• Resource Conservation
• Reduction of the University’s carbon footprint (green vehicles)
• Apply an integrated landscaping approach that helps to restore the quality and capacity of the regional watershed.
• Minimize the use of potable water for irrigation and increase the water retained for use on campus.
• By 2020, decrease personal water use by 25 percent below 2007 levels per student.
• Reduce infrastructure water use to the maximum extent possible.
• Reduce infrastructure electrical use by the maximum extent possible.
• Increase the recycling percentage from the 2010 rate of 5 percent of all household recyclable materials to 50 percent by 2014 (does not include construction and demolition debris).
• Recycle at least 95 percent of all eligible (non-hazardous) materials from demolition and construction waste.
• Convert to 100 percent Green Seal Certified or equivalent cleaning products by 2013, for all facilities.
• Complete the transition to 100 percent recycled disposable paper products in restrooms by 2012.
• Reduce the total use of disposable paper products.
• Maximize the number of purchasing contracts for "green" goods and services.
Useful Links:
Further information regarding the University’s Environmental Compliance Programs can be obtained by calling the Facilities Management Department at 524-5451.
