Body
Issue/Question
How is BHSU becoming more sustainable?
What is BHSU's plan for Sustainability?
Environment
Resolution
Tree Campus USA - BHSU was named a Tree Campus USA on Arbor Day every year from 2016 until 2024! We have planted 200 trees a year. Click the link BHSU Tree and Sustainability Map to find information about each tree on our campus tree map.
Bee Campus USA - On July 2, 2019, BHSU has become a bee-certified campus where they create sustainable habitats for pollinators.
Recycling - Black Hills State University offers recycling on in all campus buildings. Each year we recycle over 60 tons of material. Learn more about our Recycling Program.
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) - BHSU is rated STARS Silver by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) is a nationally recognized reporting tool.
Carbon Commitment - BHSU has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050. The Carbon commitment is focused on reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible.
Campus Green - Our new landscaping provides a place for people to gather and an ADA-accessible bike/walk path connecting access from campus to town. The new hillside landscaping was given a Lakota name, Oyate Wicaka Wita, meaning people/nation gathering place.
Bioswales – To reduce erosion and direct stormwater, bioswales are located next to the Student Union, West Complex Residence Halls, and Faculty parking lot.
Garden – Get your hands dirty in the campus educational garden, located South of the Yellow Jacket Apartments. We grow vegetables and fruit each summer.
Green Cleaning - Currently 80% of our cleaning chemicals are Green Seal Certified which reduces the impact on health of building occupants, custodians, and the environment. We are moving to obtain 100% of green cleaning chemicals in the near future. 100% of the floor finish that we use in the Resident Halls and classrooms are Green Seal Certified which means no heavy metals released into the environment when scrubbing or stripping. Our paper and plastic products contain post consumer content. All vacuum cleaners in the Student Union and 40% in the Resident Halls (moving to 100%) are equipped with HEPA filtration units that filter to .3 microns at 99.99954% efficiency, to improve indoor air quality. We use microfiber and recycled cotton cloths for general cleaning instead of paper towels to minimize waste.50% of our auto-scrubbers utilize systems that allow us to use 70% less water and cleaning chemicals moving toward 100%.
Water Conservation and Pollution Control - BHSU uses low volume flush valves in new construction and resident hall renovation. New planting areas use native plants for minimum irrigation and maintenance. Recent construction of the Jonas Parking Lot and the Student Union created 3 Bio-swale areas that are designed to filter water before it enters the areas natural water flows. The swales collect water run off and use plant material to naturally filter debris and sediment.
Wind Generation - The 1.8KW wind turbine generates power that is metered back into the electrical grid and powers a small portion of the Student Union's electrical use.
Energy Conservation - The BHSU Utility Master Plan utilizes long range planning and development for expansion and upgrades to create policy and procedures that will benefit our campus community. A state wide energy evaluated energy consumption in over 4100 state buildings. A planned Energy Performance contract will implement energy saving equipment to reduce our electrical consumption.
Solar Energy - There are approximately 2,700+ solar panels installed on seven rooftops. The rooftop solar arrays produce over 1 Mega Watt replacing 20-15% of the campus energy consumption, saving $130,000 per year.
Electric Vehicle - BHSU is the proud owner of a 2019 Chevy Bolt electric car! The purpose of the electric vehicle is for faculty and staff to use when they travel between our Rapid City Campus and our Spearfish Campus. It is 60% more efficient for us to run an electric car over gas cars. The Chevy Bolt can go 224 miles per charge. BHSU has two level-2 charging stations, one near the Life Science building and the other one is located at the BHRC campus in Rapid City. They are both free to use.
Bordeaux: Bordeaux Hall Live Feed
Thomas: Thomas Hall Live Feed
Life Science: Life Science Live Feed
Library: Library Live Feed
Facilities: Facilities Services Live Feed
Donald Young Center: DYC Live Feed
Student Union: Student Union Live Feed
For questions or comments, please contact Debbie Liddick at 605-642-6560 or deborah.liddick@bhsu.edu
Please contact Facilities if you have any questions or concerns.
Please submit a Work Request Form if you need assistance.