Grounds and Fleet Management is Environmental Stewardship winner

Illinois State University’s Grounds and Fleet Management is the recipient of the 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award. The award, presented by Illinois State’s Green Team to recognize environmental stewardship on campus and in the surrounding community, includes $500 to advance environmental efforts.

Grounds and Fleet Management, a division of Facilities Management, has implemented a number of initiatives that enhance sustainability at Illinois State and provide other universities and communities with examples of effective environmental stewardship.

Over the past several years, multiple stormwater management features have been installed on campus to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the local water system. Those features include a rain garden, two bioswales and three parking lots with permeable concrete. Illinois State was the first public university in Illinois to install permeable concrete, which helps to filter stormwater runoff.

Alternative transportation options for students, faculty and staff have expanded in recent years. Grounds and Fleet Management played a key role in establishing the Reggie Ride bike rental and Connect by Hertz car-sharing programs. In 2008, the Facilities Fleet Division added six Toyota Prius hybrids to the campus fleet vehicle pool, thereby increasing the fuel efficiency of the fleet. Biodiesel is used in all diesel engine vehicles and machinery on campus.

Waste reduction is a priority for Grounds and Fleet Management. A new solid waste contract enables the University to measure the amount of waste it generates and identify waste reduction opportunities. Additional efforts include partnerships to mulch wood waste and increase recycling at tailgating events. Sustainable practices within Grounds and Fleet Management also include the use of organic products and the elimination of fertilizers containing phosphorus, a contaminant in nearby watersheds. The University has been recognized as the first Tree Campus USA in Illinois. Tree Campus USA, launched by the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizes and honors colleges and universities for effectively managing their campus trees as well as fostering the concept of urban forestry beyond campus borders.

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