Power for the People
One of the biggest environmental efforts comes in the form of the massive COGEN project, a combined heat and power plant, behind the Fairfield Prep buildings. The plant - one of very few on U.S. college campuses - produces its own electricity via turbine. Through highly efficient use of clean-burning gas, the plant will provide about 99 percent of the campus' peak load and about 67 percent of the University's fossil fuel energy requirements. And what the heck does that mean for the environment? The campus' sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions - those gaseous nasties associated with everything from acid rain to asthma - will be down 96 and 17 percent, respectively.

That's a really big deal that hasn't gone unnoticed. Planners at Boston College called Fairfield for tips on building their own power generator, and a team from a Shelton corporate campus stopped by to tour the facility. Only 40 other colleges in the country use this particular turbine, and Fairfield is just the second Jesuit institution to go the self-powered route.

Energy
In recent years Facilities Management made a concerted push toward all things green. What does that mean for you? Well, you can flush your potty with pride, for one thing! Water-conserving plumbing includes 506 Flushometers, 783 toilets, 231 urinals, and 545 showerheads across campus.

And you can feel a little better about turning on a light switch: A full 7,700 lighting fixtures are outfitted with energy-efficient lamps and electronic starters, and another 800 LED exit signs light a much cooler way out.

Popcorn anyone? Energy-efficient micro/fridges are available in townhouses and dorms, and the fridge shuts off when the microwave's in use. And energy-efficient top-loading washers are not far behind.

Plump My Ride
Fairfield employees who grab some friends and carpool to work don't have to pay the annual parking fee, and there are tax benefits for using public transportation, too. For details, call Human Resources at ext. 4080.

On campus, Fairfield plans to replace its 125-vehicle fleet with biodiesel-powered buses and new hybrids, like this one that Custodian Services Administrator Eddie Rivera tools around in now.