Author: jmontilla6

On Oct. 1, the Office of Sustainability (a department within Infrastructure and Sustainability) led the second meeting of the University System of Georgia (USG) Campus Energy and Resiliency Group (CERG) summit to further the conversation around energy management for campuses statewide. Six Georgia schools participated: Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, Emory University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and the University of West Georgia. Staff from the sustainability, utilities, and engineering departments of each of these schools gathered to discuss setting USG energy targets and best practices for reducing energy use, increasing energy efficiency, and establishing shared resources.

USG Vice Chancellor of Real Estate and Facilities Sandra Neuse was the keynote speaker. “I’m thrilled that the Campus Energy and Resiliency Group has come together organically to share their collective expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability,” she said. “Their focus on establishing energy efficiency targets and collaborating with other institutions across the USG will not only avoid costs — it is an investment in the future and a model for our students, who will be the next generation of leaders.”

The call for the development of the summit was inspired by the potential of collaboration throughout the USG, and the acknowledgment that each university has unique expertise, experience, and insight that can aid in energy management strategies for campuses across Georgia.

The key ideas discussed during the summit included:

• Setting statewide USG energy targets.

• Assessing Energy Use intensity, a metric that measures energy use per square foot per year at a building level.

• Developing a framework for best practices within the USG to share strategies for increasing energy efficiency and conservation.

• Developing standards for how utility data is tracked.

Increasing energy management efforts is critical right now as utility rates continue to rise. Jennifer Chirico, associate vice president of Sustainability, presented Georgia Tech’s energy data at the event. “One of the most important aspects of campus sustainability is increasing energy efficiency and setting energy targets to advance progress. We are excited to partner with our peers across USG to share best practices and move this effort forward,” she said.

The Georgia Tech Zero Waste Resource Hub, developed by the Office of Sustainability, a department within Infrastructure and Sustainability, provides an easy-to-use online platform that helps the campus community navigate locations and resources for diverting waste from the landfill. By bringing these services together in one place, the hub supports Georgia Tech’s goal of advancing zero waste practices throughout the campus community.

The hub is designed for students, faculty, and staff and can be used for identifying compost and recycling locations, reusing surplus furniture, and making more sustainable purchases. Key features of the hub include:

• Campus Navigation
  Find drop-off locations for recycling, compost, and hard-to-dispose-of items like electronics, lightbulbs, and batteries.

• Reuse Resources
  Discover how to participate in reuse opportunities around campus, from donating gently used items to sourcing reusable materials.

• Sorting and Disposal Guidance
  Clear instructions to help reduce contamination and ensure items are properly sorted and processed.

• Sustainability Support
  Direct links to relevant forms, procurement resources, and contacts across campus departments.

The Zero Waste Resource Hub was developed through the Living Learning Campus Fellowship program, an initiative within the Office of Sustainability that enables students to collaborate with campus operations and infrastructure. Gabriella Nguyen, a program fellow, worked on the hub as part of her fellowship with other campus units such as the Office of Solid Waste Management, Surplus, and Campus Services.

“Through my study abroad, I had the chance to learn about sustainability initiatives in the EU. As a fellow in the Office of Sustainability, I set out to centralize and simplify all campus zero waste programs and procedures into the Zero Waste Resource Hub. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the staff who exposed me to the incredible initiatives happening across campus. I hope the dashboard makes it easier for everyone to access these resources and get involved,” said Nguyen.

By making sustainability resources more accessible and actionable, the Zero Waste Resource Hub reflects the Institute Strategic Plan’s Foundational Priority 2 of becoming a Zero Waste Campus and our broader commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.