Browsing by Subject "water conservation"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Open Access
CREATING A WATER-EFFICIENT FUTURE FOR NORTH CAROLINA
(2009-04-24T02:27:22Z) Ward, Teagan E.
North Carolina has become increasingly vulnerable to drought events in recent years as a result of population growth and the effects of climate change. While many western states began managing for water scarcity decades ago, water conservation is a relatively new management goal in much of the southeast. The aim of this study was to develop a set of recommendations for an effective water efficiency program for the state of North Carolina by applying the lessons learned by a select group of successful water- and energy-efficiency programs. Specifically, this research set out to answer the following questions: 1) what are some of the accomplishments and challenges faced by successful water- and energy-efficiency programs, 2) what drivers are responsible for motivating conservation-oriented behaviors, and 3) what is the most effective organizational framework for advancing water efficiency efforts? Research questions were addressed using a comparative case study approach. Data for this study were collected using document analysis methods and phone interviews with program administrators from five programs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using NVivo 8, a qualitative research software program. Results of this study suggest that the creation of partnerships between utilities and environmental groups is the most effective organizational framework for advancing water efficiency efforts.
Open Access
Improve Energy and Water Efficiency in Duke Laboratory Buildings
(2013-04-26) Liu, Luqin; Zhang, Shuai; Lee, Andy
The Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) supports the university-wide efforts to manage safety and environmental programs in education, healthcare delivery, medical teaching and research. While the organization focuses on health and safety issues, it also extends its reach to those projects that will further the institutionalization of sustainability at Duke University. This Masters project is a collaborative effort between OESO and the Nicholas School of the Environment to frame and study the challenges of reducing environmental impacts and further improving environmental performance at Duke University. The team focused on two metrics: electric power generation and water conservation in scientific research laboratories. This research paper (1) investigated whether it is environmentally and financially viable to participate in the Demand Response program with a local utility provider; (2) strategized ways to promote appropriate waste disposal, and (3) suggested potential opportunities to enhance water efficiency in laboratories. By conducting an electric generator pilot study and interviews with key stakeholders, the results of the study concluded that all eligible emergency generators at Duke University should participate in the Demand Response program, which would lead to significant cost savings and potential carbon dioxide reductions. Interviews with the staff in ten laboratories identified promising opportunities to strengthen environmental performance such as reusing water locally and identifying behavioral best practices. These recommendations could be rolled out to additional laboratories at Duke University and other academic institutions to promote environmental sustainability within the American higher education sector.
Open Access
Improving Energy and Water Efficiencies in Duke Laboratory Buildings
(2013-04-26) Lee, Andrew; Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Luqin
The Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) supports the university-wide efforts to manage safety and environmental programs in education, healthcare delivery, medical teaching and research. While the organization focuses on health and safety issues, it also extends its reach to those projects that will further the institutionalization of sustainability at Duke University. This Masters project is a collaborative effort between OESO and the Nicholas School of the Environment to frame and study the challenges of reducing environmental impacts and further improving environmental performance at Duke University. The team focused on two metrics: electric power generation and water conservation in scientific research laboratories. This research paper (1) investigated whether it is environmentally and financially viable to participate in the Demand Response program with a local utility provider; (2) strategized ways to promote appropriate waste disposal, and (3) suggested potential opportunities to enhance water efficiency in laboratories. By conducting an electric generator pilot study and interviews with key stakeholders, the results of the study concluded that all eligible emergency generators at Duke University should participate in the Demand Response program, which would lead to significant cost savings and potential carbon dioxide reductions. Interviews with the staff in ten laboratories identified promising opportunities to strengthen environmental performance such as reusing water locally and identifying behavioral best practices. These recommendations could be rolled out to additional laboratories at Duke University and other academic institutions to promote environmental sustainability within the American higher education sector.
Open Access
Improving Energy and Water Efficiencies in Duke Laboratory Buildings
(2013-04-26) Zhang, Shuai; Liu, Luqin; Lee, Andy
The Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) supports the university-wide efforts to manage safety and environmental programs in education, healthcare delivery, medical teaching and research. While the organization focuses on health and safety issues, it also extends its reach to those projects that will further the institutionalization of sustainability at Duke University. This Masters project is a collaborative effort between OESO and the Nicholas School of the Environment to frame and study the challenges of reducing environmental impacts and further improving environmental performance at Duke University. The team focused on two metrics: electric power generation and water conservation in scientific research laboratories. This research paper (1) investigated whether it is environmentally and financially viable to participate in the Demand Response program with a local utility provider; (2) strategized ways to promote appropriate waste disposal, and (3) suggested potential opportunities to enhance water efficiency in laboratories. By conducting an electric generator pilot study and interviews with key stakeholders, the results of the study concluded that all eligible emergency generators at Duke University should participate in the Demand Response program, which would lead to significant cost savings and potential carbon dioxide reductions. Interviews with the staff in ten laboratories identified promising opportunities to strengthen environmental performance such as reusing water locally and identifying behavioral best practices. These recommendations could be rolled out to additional laboratories at Duke University and other academic institutions to promote environmental sustainability within the American higher education sector.