A Culture of Sustainability - University of New Haven

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From solar panels and other energy efficient technologies to hydration stations and reusable water bottles to tray-less dining and an on-campus greenhouse, the University of New Haven is committed to promoting environmentally friendly initiatives that enhance the experience of the campus community and lessen our impact on the environment.

A Community Commitment to Go Green

All members of the University of New Haven community play a role in fostering a sustainable campus and in developing the next generation of leaders and innovators committed to preserving the environment.

The University’s Office of Energy and Sustainability, which is a part of the Facilities department, coordinates campus-wide efforts to reduce the University’s carbon footprint, engages students in discussions and programs designed to protect the environment, and develops ways to integrate issues about sustainability into classes and co-curricular learning opportunities, including through Tagliatela College of Engineering, which includes professors who are experts in sustainability and green design.

Learn more about the Office of Energy and Sustainability on myCharger (login required).

OFFICE OF ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY on myCharger

Sustainability In Action

These are some of the ways in which the University strives to lessen its impact on the environment:

Residential Life

Celentano Hall, the University’s largest residence hall, is LEED-gold certified and features a 228-panel solar array on its roof. Westside Hall, the University’s newest residence hall, has been recognized by the Connecticut chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council for using heating and control systems that use significantly less energy than most buildings of its size.

Energy

The University of New Haven tracks energy usage using a centralized Building Management System. A team of staff conducts building audits on a regular basis to identify energy opportunities that increase efficiency where possible.

Water

Hydration stations are located all over campus and encourage students to bring reusable drink containers. By using these stations we lessen the number of plastic bottles that would be added into the waste stream.

Recycling

The University of New Haven offers single stream recycling. This means that recyclables can all go into the same receptacles. Learn more about what can be recycled on campus.

Dining

Sodexo, the University of New Haven’s dining services provider offers tray-less dining, recyclable to-go containers, and reusable food containers and drink containers. Sodexo also offers locally sourced produce and hosts farmers markets on campus.

Transportation

Bike Racks

Bike racks are located around campus to encourage bike travel. The University also has a robust system of on- and off-campus shuttles. In late 2022, the University added charging stations for electric vehicles in two locations on campus.

EV Charging Stations

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and energy conservation, I am pleased to announce that as of Spring 2023 we have eight new level 2 electric vehicle charging stations located on campus, along with future plans to add more.

These new charging stations are now available to all students, faculty, and staff who have made their own commitment to sustainability by driving electric-powered vehicles. Supporting this commitment, the University is proud to offer the use of these new charging stations to faculty, staff, and students free of charge.

These stations pictured below are located in the Beckerman Recreation Center parking lot and in the Celentano Hall parking lot.

Using the stations is very simple. Users will need to create their own account through ChargePoint, which is one of the world’s largest electric vehicle charging companies, with more than 200,000 charge points across the globe. While use of the stations is free to campus users, you will be asked to provide a payment method (Credit Card, PayPal, or Apple Pay) when creating a new account.

Upon creating an account, users should:

Click “connections” and then enter the code UNH1920.
Enter your name, University of New Haven email address, and your vehicle license plate.

After completing these steps, you will receive an email from ChargePoint that your connection to use a charger station on campus has been approved.

Users can also download the ChargePoint app from the App Store on your iPhone or via Google Play to start charging or to receive notifications when your car is done charging or when a charging station is available for use.

Charging time is limited to four hours, which should be more than sufficient to fully charge your vehicle. A nominal fee of $5 will be charged to your account for each hour after four hours of use. This is to encourage sharing of the charging stations and to insure ample availability to all users.

To learn more about this program, please visit ChargePoint.com.

Sustainable Buildings

The Bergami Center for Science, Technology and Innovation is the campus' newest sustainable building. Opening in the fall of 2020, the Bergami Center has earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating that sets is apart from many of the other buildings on campus. The LEED rating system covers 5 key areas; Sustainable Site Selection, Energy and Atmosphere, Material Selection, Water Efficiency, and Indoor Environmental Quality. To learn more about this building please attend a scheduled tour offered bi-weekly. To attend simply fill out this form: Bergami Center Sustainability Tour.