| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 70.14 |
| Liaison | Aaron Durnbaugh |
| Submission Date | Feb. 27, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Loyola University Chicago
IN-24: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Aaron
Durnbaugh Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Water Efficiency and Behavior Change Research
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
In 2014, Loyola received a grant to implement water efficiency steps on campus. We took this opportunity to create a 'Campus as Lab' project partnering with the Psychology Department, Residence Life and Facilities to study relative effectiveness of retrofits versus behavior interventions.
Through this project we saw water use reduced by 790 physical retrofits expected to be greater than 30 million gallons (some assumptions based on the life of the equipment). At 2015 water rates, this will save over $200,000 and is an 11.8 month ROI (all installation costs were done by in-house staff, price of equipment only).
The behavior change initiatives saw similar water use reductions but can only be realized in that performance year because the residence hall population changes buildings every academic year. Many students were motivated by 'personal comfort' messages (see supporting document for examples). Students motivated by environmental issues were much more likely to respond to conservation messages.
In the academic setting (labs, kitchens, etc.) there is no motivation from staff and faculty to conserve water. Retrofits or equipment upgrades (switching to a recirculating water aspirator) may need to be mandated from facilities or budget office.
This study was subsequently published and presented at multiple conferences.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Research
Campus Engagement
Water
Campus Engagement
Water
Optional Fields
None
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Attached is the summary of this report released by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center.
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.