Sustainability in Operations

Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC) awarded WAICU (Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) one of its nine annual Friend of the Environment Awards. A member of WAICU, Mount Mary College along with other member institutions received the "Friend of the Environment: Environmental Innovation Award" in May, 2012 for its EPA/DNR Environmental Health and Safety Audit program.

Mount Mary College in conjunction with the other WAICU members saved hundreds of thousands of dollars as a result of its audit program. The audit program and the WMC award also reinforce WAICU's and Mount Mary College's deep commitment to protecting our environment.

"It's through WAICU members' willingness to collaborate and innovate that we have been successful in our efforts to safeguard the environment."

-- WAICU president Dr. Rolf Wegenke

Buildings

• All new energy efficient lights have been placed throughout the renovated areas of Haggerty Library, Parkway Place, and four new classrooms. Moving from t-12 to t-5 lighting provides the same light for much lower wattage.
• All shower heads in the residence hall have been replaced with low-flow shower heads, reducing consumption by three gallons per minute.
  
• The cooler/freezer and refrigerators used in the new food service areas are energy efficient models.
• Floors across campus are cleaned with chemical-free, electronically ionized water.

Grounds

• The campus turf is mowed to 3.5 inches reducing weeds and the need to water during drought/dry summer periods.
• Drought tolerant plants are used in landscaping and the grounds crew waters plants, trees and athletic fields selectively during dry periods.
• Grass clippings are not collected, rather they are left in place which reduces the need to fertilize the turf by one application per year.
  
• Trees within the campus landscaping have three inches of mulch at the base, increasing weed control and moisture retention and reducing the potential for mechanical damage around the base of the trees.
• Leaves are mulched and left as natural fertilization of the soil.
  
• In the summer of 2006, faculty in Mount Mary College's Health and Sciences Division collaborated with the College's Groundskeeper and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to develop a rain garden. The garden is a seasonal testament to Mount Mary's commitment to sustainability. The garden collects the rain water allowing it to soak into the ground naturally filtering sediments and slowing the flow of water into the storm sewers. See more photos at WISN ULocal.

Dining Service

• The College collaborates with our food service provider, FSI, Inc., in the composting of all food preparation materials, plant waste and coffee grounds. The efforts, which began in February 2009 produce, eight, 18 gallon totes of compost each week during the school year.
  
• The College has converted to "trayless service" which saves on average on ounce of food-waste per plate. Mount Mary College saves the equivalent of one shower for every 20 trays not washed each month.
• Future recycling plans include collaborative efforts with Growing Power of Milwaukee and other local growing vendors

Recycling

• Approximately 11 dumpsters (ten yards each) filled with metal material were recycled during recent college campus renovations.
  
• The College continuously recycles outdated computer equipment, metals, and delivery pallets.
• Additionally, separate recycling efforts have also been implemented for light bulbs, ballasts, electronic devices and batteries. Collection points have been placed in various areas on campus for convenience.