News Release

BOISE STATE NEWS / October 1, 2008

Boise State Receives 2008 EnviroGuard Award from Mayor for Commitment to Environment

Boise State University was one of three organizations presented with the EnviroGuard Award by City of Boise Mayor David Bieter on Oct. 1 for its commitment to the environment, joining Barger-Mattson Auto Supply and St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center.

“It’s important to recognize businesses taking unique and creative approaches to ensuring the sustainability and livability of this community,” Mayor Bieter said. “We can reduce our environmental footprint at work, home and play. These businesses set the example for others to follow in the workplace.”

An independent committee made up of small and large business owners, city and state agencies and business assistance organizations review the applications based on established criteria. The criteria include significant environmental benefits, waste reduction, economic benefit to the company and efficient use of raw materials.

Boise State University has developed a long-term plan to make the campus climate neutral. The master plan commits the university to build high-performance buildings and encourages sustainable land use planning. The school has greatly reduced electrical and natural gas consumption, along with reducing carbon dioxide emissions. It is estimated that Boise State’s electricity savings is enough to power 430 homes per year (calculation courtesy Energy Information Office website). The university is purchasing flex-fuel and hybrid electric vehicles, operating two electric trucks in the central fleet and providing free shuttle service to nearby campus housing facilities and outlying buildings.

“As a campus community we take great pride in the fact that our carbon footprint is so low, but we can’t rest on past success,” said John Gardner, associate vice president for energy research, policy and campus sustainability. “We will continue the use of low water vegetation in landscaping, campus-wide recycling and engaging in campus research in wind energy, geothermal and global warming.”

Along with receiving recognition at the special award ceremony, EnviroGuard winners receive a plaque, banner and their documented case studies are showcased on the City of Boise website. Some of the names of the 34 past winners include Hewlett-Packard, Second Chance Building Supply, The Bogus Basin Nordic Center, the Cat Doctor and Zamzows.

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Media Contact: Frank Zang, University Communications, (208) 426-5391, frankzang@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu. 


 

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Last reviewed on Wednesday, October 01, 2008