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PSU Sustainability Initiatives

LEED Gold 2013 300x300The Plemmons Student Union has been a campus leader in sustainability, retrofitting major systems in the older parts of the building, and making significant choices to achieve LEED Gold certification in the 2013 addition of the building. From smaller actions such as prominent recycling stations throughout the building to larger programs that coordinate room usage & reservations with our HVAC system, the Plemmons Student Union promotes sustainability at Appalachian State University. 

We have accepted the Chancellor’s challenge to have a Zero Waste campus by 2020, and are taking steps now to do our part to help campus accomplish this goal!


Education:  We want the PSU to be a learning experience for the casual student and user, as well as for classes and visiting groups. There is so much to learn regarding sustainability and how to build environmentally-friendly facilities, and in doing so, how to lead more sustainable lifestyles.


Energy Conservation: Through implementing special software to combine our room usage with our HVAC system, along with other progressive moves such as LED lighting, solar units on the roof, and more, we have reduced overall energy consumption while increasing our square footage by nearly 60,000 sq ft! We are really proud of this accomplishment, and it has exceeded our initial expectations.


Energy Usage Statistics: We think this is so interesting; you’ve just got to check it out! Look at our graphs to see the significant reduction in energy. It’s amazing! 


Waste Reduction & Recycling: You simply cannot walk around the building without seeing a recycling container! Discover the additional ways that the PSU promotes waste reduction.


Water Conservation: Water is one of our most precious resources, and the PSU is doing what it can to conserve this important resource.


Slide 04Green Materials & Supplies: The PSU strives to make purchasing decisions that make sense for our environment, and for our limited budget. In any way we can, we consider the environmental impact of our purchasing power, from seemingly smaller choices such as cleaning supplies, to larger choices such as building design.


LEED: From the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) website, we knowLEED certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy.” The Plemmons Student Union is prout to have achieved LEED Gold Certification for the 2013 addition.