Sustainability
Grounds and Landscaping
Melding Landscaping with Storm Water Management Practices
The University green space has also been adapted in several areas of campus to accommodate a broader ecological concern. Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, streets, parking lots and other hardscapes have traditionally put storm water and associated mineral and biological loading into local streams, rivers and lakes creating additional environmental problems. The diagrams here are representative of these concepts and initiatives being employed at the University campuses.
- Main Campus | BTR | Learn More
Use of GeoMelt (Sugar Beet Juice) and Natural Brine as a Pre-Wet on Rock Salt and as an Anti-Icing Agent on Sidewalks
GeoMelt uses extract from a common vegetable, the beet. GeoMelt is a derivative of the sugar beet after the sugar is removed. It is also completely organic and water soluble. Since it comes from a plant, GeoMelt is entirely environmentally friendly. The resulting syrupy concoction is nature's natural ice melter. Unlike traditional salt, which loses its effectiveness around 15 degrees, a load treated with beet juice works to 30 below. Because it is thicker than other treatments, it lasts longer. GeoMelt stays in the grooves and cracks of the asphalt or concrete requiring less application. The use of GeoMelt on campus helps to minimize salt use during the winter season and in turn helps to control salt contamination in the snow melt run-off.
Snow Melt Systems
WMU uses snow melt systems [SMS] at the entrances to many of its buildings. These systems circulate glycol under low pressure through closed-loop piping embedded in concrete. Snow melt systems are controlled through the Building Automation System [BAS]. The BAS checks that the outdoor air temperature is below freezing and that there is snow on the ground before activating the SMS. Use of the on campus snow melt systems reduce the amount of salt required to thaw walkways, minimize snow buildup near building entrances and reduce the number of slip-fall accidents that occur during winter months.