Freshman Green Guide
Sustainability is a University priority at Notre Dame. Our commitment to reducing our collective environmental impact requires the participation of the whole campus community to succeed. Please support our efforts by adhering to the following guidelines:
As you prepare for move-in day…
APPLIANCES
• Printers are conveniently located in every residence hall and print double-sided as a default. Each student is given an ample print quota, so you don’t need your own printer.
• Refrigerators use a lot of energy and take up precious space: talk to your roommate about sharing a fridge and make sure that it is an Energy Star model.
• TVs and game systems also use a lot of energy – even when off, they draw power unless they’re unplugged. Discuss sharing these items with your roommate and choose an Energy Star TV.
LIGHTING
• Please do not bring incandescent light bulbs to campus. Purchase energy efficient CFLs
(compact fluorescent light bulbs) only.
• If you purchase a floor lamp, avoid “medusa” lamps or other styles requiring many bulbs.
SMALL BUT USEFUL ITEMS
• Surge protectors protect your computer and enable you to easily save energy: just plug your computer, iPod, phone charger, and other appliances into the strip and flip it off when you leave.
• A reusable water bottle will serve you well on campus and avoid the environmental impacts of bottled water. If you prefer the taste of filtered water, a Brita pitcher will come in handy as well.
Once you’re on campus…
THERMOSTATS
• Notre Dame has a campus-wide policy that heating be set below 75° and air conditioning between 70° and 75°; click here for more information on how this policy operates in your dorm.
• If your thermostat does not seem to be working correctly, please contact your RA to request repairs.
RECYCLING
• All residence halls are part of the campus-wide single stream recycling system. Glass, styrofoam, aluminum, cardboard, and all types of plastic and paper can be combined in the same recycling bin in your dorm room. There’s no need to sort or rinse containers.
• A couple of things should not go in the recycling bin. Food and liquid should go in the trash. Batteries, toner cartridges, electronics, and light bulbs should go in specially designated recycling – ask your RA or email recycle@nd.edu if you have questions.
• Please make sure to recycle all your cardboard boxes and packing materials after moving in.
Looking ahead…
• Zipcar rentals are available on campus, with free membership for all students 18 and over. With the convenience and low cost of Zipcar, you may find that when spring semester comes around, you don’t need to bring a car to campus after all.
GET INVOLVED!
• Sign up for the GreeND weekly student environmental newsletter by emailing gogreen@nd.edu.
• Check out the Office of Sustainability website at green.nd.edu for news and information on all things related to campus sustainability.
• If you have any questions, please email sustainability@nd.edu.
