Franklin College Climate Action Plan
January 2010
Forward:
The Franklin College community has embarked on an ambitious journey to identify and
reduce our campus carbon footprint, with the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral. In
central Indiana the primary source of electricity is coal burning power plants. Reliance on coal
will not be easy to overcome as it remains a relatively inexpensive source of power in the Midwest; however the environmental impact of burning coal is significant. We recognize as the
energy industry shifts away from fossil fuels, coal related jobs must be replaced with green
energy related jobs paying a comparable wage. As one reads through our climate action plan a
prominent feature is the emphasis on process and collaboration. Many of the Franklin College
faculty, staff, and students have played some role in our continuing efforts to reduce our campus
carbon footprint and help our community better understand how the issue of climate change will
affect all of us. Although it may be impossible to name everyone who has shaped the Franklin
College Climate Action Plan, we have attempted to recognize several. Many thanks go to our
President, Dr. James Moseley, for his leadership and continual support of our campus efforts.
We also wish to recognize the following:
Ms. Carmen Alejo, Class of 2011
Mr. Josh Allison, Class of 2010
Ms. Deidra Baumgardner, Director of Public Relations
Dr. Ray Begovich, Associate Professor of Journalism
Dr. Robert Beasley, Professor of Computing
Dr. John Boardman, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Mr. Larry Bridges, Physical Facilities Superintendant
Miss Dalene Byrum, Class of 2010
Mr. Greg Cataldi, Physical Facilities Superintendant
Dr. David Chandler, Professor of Philosophy & Religion
Miss Krista Coy, Class of 2011
Mr. James Douglas, Class of 2009
Mr. Adam Dunigan, Class of 2009
Ms. Lisa Fears, V.P of Plant, Planning and Technology
Miss Jessica Finke, Class of 2009
Dr. Richard Gawthrop, Professor of History
Miss Maggie Holden, Class of 2011
Dr. Alice Heikens, Professor of Biology
Mr. Michael Jones, Class of 2010
Miss Brittni Kirkby, Class of 2011
Miss Helen Lahrman, Class of 2010
Mr. Mark Lecher, Director of Physical Facilities
Miss Amanda McIntosh, Class of 2010
Mr. Kevin Mitchell, Physical Facilities Superintendent
Miss Cathleen Nine, Class of 2011
Mr. Ariel Palma, Class of 2012
Mr. Ray Pena, Class of 2012
Mr. Les Petroff, Director of Dining Services
Mr. Tanner Pickett, Class of 2010
Miss Amber Moon, Class of 2010
Miss Stephanie Radtke, Class of 2009
Mr. Ron Schuetz, Director of B.F. Hamilton Library
Miss Jennifer Searcy, Class of 2009
Mrs. Tasha (Davis) Sizemore, Class of 2009
Ms. Betsy Schmidt, Director of Development Research
Miss Lauren Trisler, Class of 2009
Ms. Amy Versteeg, Editor of Publications
Without the time and talent of these individuals our climate action plan could not be
possible. Together we can create a brighter greener future for our campus and our planet.
Respectfully Submitted,
Thomas Patz, Franklin College ACUPCC Coordinator
Introduction:
Founded 175 years ago in 1834, Franklin College is a residential four-year undergraduate
liberal arts institution with a scenic, wooded campus located 20 minutes south of downtown
Indianapolis. The college prepares men and women for significant careers through the liberal
arts, offering its 1,047 students 36 majors, including biology, business, education and journalism.
In 1842, the college began admitting women, becoming the first coeducational institution in
Indiana and the seventh in the nation. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association with
the American Baptist Churches USA.
Franklin College is a community based on the values of respect, honesty, responsibility,
faith, and the life-long pursuit of learning. As campus citizens faculty, staff, students and alumni
work together to create the Franklin College experience.
Franklin College changes students’ lives through an education grounded in strong
principles of the liberal arts for career preparation. The great resource of Franklin College – the
reason we have been able to strengthen our college while other have been scaling back – lies in
our deeply shared commitment to preparing men and women for significant careers through the
liberal arts. Not many institutions do it our way. On the one hand, lots of institutions get people
ready for entry-level jobs but fail to prepare them for meaningful, creative, ongoing, changing
careers. On the other hand, lots of institutions introduce students to the ideas and ideals of the
liberal arts but fail to connect those ways of thinking to the real world of human needs, human
opportunities, and meaningful, satisfying work.
Franklin College graduates have the skills and knowledge not only for the first jobs or for
graduate school but for their careers and lives as responsible citizens. We know that learning to
think for oneself, learning to communicate clearly, and learning to work with, for , and on behalf
of other people is the true path to a life of excellence, leadership, and service. We know that
excellence, leadership, and service are fundamental to meaningful, satisfying careers, as leaders,
professionals and citizens through the liberal arts. The critical elements for our institutional
growth is quality is our shared commitment to engagement, sustainability and service.
In November of 2007, the president of Franklin College, Dr. James Moseley, signed the
American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. The signing of the
commitment was only after careful thought and consideration by many members of the Franklin
College community. The consensus that was achieved was based upon the conclusion that there
is no greater issue than climate change that will affect our student body and the world that we
will pass on to our children. The principles of the American College and University Presidents
Climate Commitment are that higher education must take a leadership role in this issue and both
model ways to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that our graduates are educated on
the issue and possess the knowledge to help eliminate greenhouse gas emissions which
contribute to climate change. Franklin College is committed to these principles and the careful
analysis and action that will follow.
Section 1: Current Campus Carbon Footprint:
During 2007 and on continual basis since, efforts have been continual to measure our net
impact on climate emissions as a campus. Data has been collected from a variety of sources to
measure all sources of greenhouse gas emissions. This data was collected by students, business
office personnel, physical facilities personnel, and utility company personnel. One very
productive conclusion from the initial collection of data was that we need a better system to both
collect and share information on campus energy usage. This conclusion resulted in a new system
of scanning utility bills along with other useful data to be shared so many can benefit from the
ability to make data driven decisions on energy usage.
The Cleanair-Coolplanet carbon calculator was used to determine the current carbon
footprint of Franklin College. The overall campus carbon footprint calculated in 20078 is
visually depicted below. Each scope will be discussed in detail.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Carbon
Footprint) Breakdown by Scope
Metric Tons eCO2
652
6309
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
1859
FC Greenhouse Gas Emissions by
Percentage
Percent of Total Greenhouse Emission
7.40%
21.10%
71.50%
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
Scope 1=Natural Gas Usage, Refrigerant Loss and Carpool Gasoline
Scope 2 = Purchased Electricity
Scope 3 = Commuting Faculty, staff, students, Air Travel, and Trash
Scope 1: Natural Gas, Refrigerant Loss and Carpool Emissions
During calendar year 2007 scope 1 emissions represented approximately 21% of campus
emissions. The majority of the emissions under this scope was from natural gas usage. Franklin
College operates the following natural gas burning equipment on campus:
Building
Type
Maximum Capacity Btu/hr
Barnes
Boiler
3,253,000
Spurlock
Boiler
1,289,000
Campus Center
Boiler
2,000,000
Campus Center
Boiler
2,000,000
Cline
Boiler
1,400,000
Cline
Boiler
1,400,000
Library
Boiler
1,632,000
Dietz
Boiler
995,000
Dietz
Boiler
995,000
Old Main
Boiler
2,603,000
Old Main
Boiler
2,603,000
JCFA
Boiler
2,186,000
JCFA
Boiler
2,186,000
Johnson/Dietz
Boiler
1,500,000
Johnson/Dietz
Boiler
1,500,000
Shirk
Boiler
935,000
TKE
Boiler
672,000
TKE
Boiler
588,000
Dietz Center
Water Heater
300,000
Dietz Center
Water Heater
300,000
Dietz Center
Water Heater
399,000
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
399,900
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
300,000
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
300,000
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
300,000
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
300,000
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
300,000
Elsey Hall
Water Heater
399,900
Spurlock
Water Heater
1,350,000
Campus Center
Water Heater
650,000
Campus Center
Water Heater
650,000
Johnson/Dietz
Water Heater
275,000
Johnson/Dietz
Water Heater
275,000
Barnes
Water Heater
40,000
JCFA
Water Heater
75,100
JCFA
Water Heater
75,100
Shirk Hall
Water Heater
40,000
Old Main
Water Heater
40,000
Cline
Water Heater
999,960
Cline
Water Heater
999,960
Welcome Center
Water Heater
36,625
TKE
Water Heater
380,000
Hamilton Library
Water Heater
40000
38,962,545
During calendar year 2007, these devices represented 31,000 MMBtu of use.
Franklin College maintains a fleet of vehicles for college related business. Currently this
fleet consists of six (6) 8-passenger vans, one mini-van, and four (4) 12 passenger vans.
Currently there are 14 buildings on campus that are cooled in the summer months primarily with
units using HCFC-22 refrigerant. There are also numerous ice machines and 7 commercial
refrigerator/freezers on campus using HCFC refrigerant.
Scope 2: Purchased Electricity
During calendar year 2007, purchased electricity totaled 8.88 million Kilowatt-hours. This
source of eCO2 represents the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (over 70%) and the
most serious challenge to reduce our campus carbon footprint.
As we look at the campus electrical supply grid, several campus buildings are part of a
large campus “electrical loop”. This loop includes Barnes Hall, Hoover-Cline Hall, Fitness
Center, Hamilton Library, Johnson Center for Fine Arts, Johnson-Dietz Hall, Napolitan Student
Center, Old Main, Richardson Chapel, and Shirk Hall. In total building square footage this
electrical loop represents over 70% of our total square footage. The majority of electricity usage
on campus is related to lighting and HVAC equipment (air handlers, chillers, and control
equipment).
Scope 3: Commuting Faculty, Staff, and Students, Air Travel and Trash
Scope 3 emissions currently comprises roughly 7% the total eCO2 generated by Franklin
College. Scope 3 emissions primarily are generated from commuting patterns of faculty, staff,
and students. Air travel and trash are currently contributing insignificant levels of eCO2 to our
campus carbon footprint. Franklin College has an aggressive recycling program that includes
paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminum, motor oil, cooking oils, e-scrap, batteries,
and fluorescent lights. All non-regulated waste that does not get recycled is transported to a
waste-to-energy incinerator in Indianapolis, Indiana where it is burned to create steam and sold
to Citizens Gas. This process creates a net zero eCO2 effect according to the “Clean-air Cool
Planet” carbon calculator.
Franklin College has estimated the number of air miles that are traveled each year. Using
very liberal estimations, this amount of eCO2 is remains a very minor source of carbon
emissions for Franklin College.
Section 2:
2009 and Beyond: The Franklin College Climate Action Plan
It is clear that our first priority must be to understand the source of emissions on campus
before we can actively manage the source reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Engaging
students in statistical analysis would provide an opportunity for those students to work with real
data and help develop strategies for mitigation of emissions. This first statistical analysis of
electricity usage by campus building was performed in the spring of 2008. In the spring of 2009
students performed a statistical analysis on natural gas usage by campus building. A summary of
some of the analysis is visually depicted below.
Electricity Use Analysis Summary:
Dotplot of KWH/sq.ft.
Dietz Center
Elsey
Old Main
Loop
Physical Plant
Spurlock
TKE/LCA
Welcome Center
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
KWH/sq.ft.
1.75
2.00
2.25
Formulate: Ho: ======

not all i are equal
Ha:

Solve: One-way ANOVA: KWH/sq.ft. versus Loop
Source
Loop
Error
Total
DF
6
166
172
S = 0.2653
SS
24.5391
11.6811
36.2202
MS
4.0898
0.0704
R-Sq = 67.75%
Level
Dietz Center
Elsey
Old Main
Physical Plant
N
25
25
25
25
Mean
1.2033
1.5909
1.5545
0.6065
F
58.12
P
0.000
R-Sq(adj) = 66.58%
StDev
0.2653
0.2996
0.3299
0.0941
Individual 95% CIs For Mean Based on
Pooled StDev
---+---------+---------+---------+-----(--*---)
(--*---)
(---*--)
(--*---)
Spurlock
TKE/LCA
Welcome Center
25
24
24
1.4010
1.2313
0.6287
0.3592
0.2767
0.0823
(---*--)
(---*---)
(---*---)
---+---------+---------+---------+-----0.60
0.90
1.20
1.50
Pooled StDev = 0.2653
Natural Gas Usage Analysis Summary:
One-way ANOVA: MMBTU/sqft versus building
Source
building
Error
Total
DF
14
525
539
S = 0.003703
SS
0.0018322
0.0072005
0.0090327
MS
0.0001309
0.0000137
R-Sq = 20.28%
Mean
0.005772
0.007695
0.004432
0.005895
0.002588
0.007608
0.004031
0.005375
0.003074
0.004155
0.001937
0.002891
0.004800
0.007241
0.002428
F
9.54
P
0.000
R-Sq(adj) = 18.16%
Level
Barnes
Cline Hall
Dietz Center
Elsey Hall
Fitness Center
Grizzly Den
Hamilton
JCFA
Johnson-Dietz
Old main
Physical Plant
Shirk Hall
Spurlock
Student Center
Von Boll
N
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
36
Level
Barnes
Cline Hall
Dietz Center
Elsey Hall
Fitness Center
Grizzly Den
Hamilton
JCFA
Johnson-Dietz
Old main
Physical Plant
Shirk Hall
Spurlock
Student Center
Von Boll
Individual 95% CIs For Mean Based on
Pooled StDev
-------+---------+---------+---------+-(----*----)
(----*----)
(----*----)
(----*---)
(---*----)
(---*----)
(----*----)
(----*---)
(----*----)
(----*---)
(----*----)
(----*---)
(----*----)
(----*----)
(----*----)
-------+---------+---------+---------+-0.0025
0.0050
0.0075
0.0100
Pooled StDev = 0.003703
StDev
0.006256
0.006347
0.002233
0.003243
0.002988
0.005384
0.004828
0.002076
0.002613
0.001799
0.002067
0.002892
0.003607
0.002612
0.001656
Students in our statistical analysis classes who performed the above analysis completed a
key step in understanding which areas on campus we should begin our efforts to lower
greenhouse gas emissions. Beginning with the electrical usage, our a environmental studies class
completing a lighting survey to identify types of lighting that could be updated with more energy
efficient lighting and would make substantial reductions in KWh usage. An example of a
lighting survey conducted by students is depicted below:
Spurlock Center
Gym Floor
Total # of Lights
60
H38 (400watts)
24,000
3 Bulb F32 T-8 (96 watts)
4 F32 T-8 (128watts)
2 F32 T-8 (64watts)
F32 T-8 U Bent Lamps
F13 CFI
Halls
220
Classrooms
24
Balcony
21
Stair Lamps
3
Spot Lights
32
Exit Signs
16
Trophy Cases
6
Racquet Ball
12
Lamps
4
21,120
3,072
1,344
96
120
Total Watts
Total # of Watts
# Hours Used Per Day
24,000
21,120
Gym Floor
24,000
12
Halls
21,120
3,072
Classrooms
3,072
12
12
Total # Kilowatt Hours Used in 30
144
Days
34.56
Line 22=Per Fixture
Total # for All Fictures
3,456,000
729907.2
1,344
96
Balcony Stair Lamps Spot Lights
1,344
96
24
24
46.08
92.16
46.08
6522981.58
123863.04
4423.68
120
Exit Signs
24
Trophy Cases
Racquet Ball
6
Lamps
120
8
Potential Renewable Sources of Energy
In central Indiana the vast majority of electricity is generated by the burning of coal. Electricity
is inexpensive compared with many areas of the U.S. but it comes at a high cost when one
considers the environmental impact of both mining and the burning of fossil fuels. The
geographical region that Franklin College is located within may present the most difficult
challenge to overcome as we work towards carbon neutrality. Renewable energy sources will be
pursued and researched carefully as we renovate and update campus buildings. Current wind
maps of Indiana show unreliable wind patterns for Johnson County.
Solar power can become an option with current subsidies and renewable energy grants.
Although current electricity rates are relatively low (approximately $0.06 – $0.11 /KWh), the
forecast for even the near future from Duke Energy is that the rates will rise between 5% and
8%, making some equipment updates (to more energy efficient models) more economically
attractive. The current pricing forecast for Duke Energy is seen below:
Purchasing renewable energy certificates is an option however out first priority will be to
determine opportunities that exist to update inefficient lighting fixtures, control motors, and
building envelopes. After significant investment in these areas renewable energy certificates will
be considered.
After analysis of efficiency of electricity usage and natural gas usage there are two major
strategies. The first major strategy is to achieve LEED silver status with all new building
projects. Richardson Chapel was being renovated in the same time frame as the signing of the
ACUPCC. Although this building has not went through the formal process to receive LEED
certification the building includes energy efficient heating/cooling, energy efficient lighting,
point source water heaters, waterless urinals and triple pane windows for energy conservation.
There are also several buildings which are identified as being low efficiencies by statistical
analysis which are also identified in our 2009 Campus Master Plan for desired improvements.
As our 2009 Master Plan is implemented, an opportunity for major steps forward in reducing our
campus carbon footprint emerges. Verbiage from our 2009 Campus Master Plan includes:
The specifics of our 2009 Campus Master Plan include renovating and updates to several
buildings including Barnes Science Building, B.F. Hamilton Library, Fitness Center, HooverCline Residence Hall, and replacing an outdated fraternity house with updated housing. These
opportunities will include using the latest energy efficient technologies for all building systems.
This 2009 Master Plan will chart the course for the next 10-15 years so it is believed these
improvements in building efficiencies will be completed by the year 2025, with some being
completed much sooner. After the master plan is fully implemented approximately 35% of the
total building square footage of building space on campus will meet LEED standards for energy
efficiency. This will contribute substantially to reducing our campus carbon footprint.
The second major strategy is to continually review energy data and analyze the benefits
of updating to new efficient equipment. If a specific building has not been identified on the 2009
Campus Master Plan to be renovated we are still reviewing building systems for opportunities to
improve efficiencies. One such example is Spurlock Gymnasium. In the spring of 2009 the
lighting survey above was completed by a student group as a class project. Shortly after the light
survey was completed approximately 60 inefficient fixtures were replaced by 52 efficient
fixtures. Slides depicting both the KWh savings and utility cost savings follow:
Spurlock Lighting Updates
October
September
2009
2008
August
July
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
KWh of Electricity Used
Spurlock Lighting Updates
$8,000.00
$7,467.29
$7,000.00
$6,000.00
$6,504.80
$5,984.82
$5,219.48
$5,000.00
$5,861.31
$5,056.58
$5,130.28
$3,948.96
$4,000.00
2009
2008
$3,000.00
$2,000.00
$1,000.00
$July
August
September
October
Spurlock Monthly Electric Bill in Dollars
Another example of building efficiency review is the Napolitan Student Center. When
water usage and natural gas usage seemed out of the norm for the age of the building, college
personnel reviewed the records and building use. A strategy was developed along with Sodexho
Food Services to go “trayless” in the 2009-2010 school year. With the removal of trays we have
documented very substantial water and associated softening, heating, and chemical treatment
savings. If the current trend continues, this effort will save approximately one million gallons of
water and the associated natural gas to heat each academic year.
Going “Trayless” in Food Services
490500
October Water Usage
321000
456000
September Water Usage
335500
2008
2009
314500
286500
August Water Usage
0
100000 200000 300000 400000 500000
Student Center Monthly Water Usage in Gallons
Examples such as the Spurlock lighting upgrade and “trayless” cafeteria are two that
emphasize the importance of continually evaluating opportunities to upgrade aging equipment
such as lighting, HVAC motors and processes. In the Spurlock lighting situation the upgrade
was a somewhat easy decision based on data gathered and evaluated by students. Making data
driven decisions will remain a very important piece of our plan to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. During the initial data collection phase for campus many processes were found to be
cumbersome and since updated. Currently utility bills are either received electronically or
scanned into our system so many can view easily and track energy usage. Also we are currently
pursuing obtaining electrical sub meters to better understand exactly which specific buildings are
both most and least efficient. Commitments have been established by faculty to continue to
analyze areas such as electricity usage, natural gas usage, lighting, carbon sequestration, and
renewable energy resources. It is understood this is a long term commitment to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Commuting Faculty, Staff, and Students:
The benefits of walking or bicycling to work or school are many. Although it is not
practical for all faculty, staff, and students will be able to walk or ride a bike to campus, facilities
did not exist prior to fall of 2009 to ride a bike to campus, secure the bike and keep the bike out
of inclement weather. In August of 2009 approximately 24 new bike stations were located on
campus. These new bike racks were immediately used and addressed an unmet need or desire by
many to leave their cars behind and ride their bikes. As emerging needs for bike facilities are
identified they will be addressed.
The Importance of Telling our Climate Action Story:
The Franklin College “Franklin Connection” helped craft many strategies to share,
celebrate and educate our community about efforts to green our campus. The following
communication plan will be a guideline for telling our climate commitment story.
Telling the Climate Commitment Story
A Strategic Communications Plan for Franklin College’s Participation in
The American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment
Prepared by Franklin Communications
(Student-Managed Public Relations Agency)
Spring/Summer 2009
Situation Analysis
Franklin College is making a serious effort to significantly improve its energy efficiency
and to reduce potential negative impacts, such as emissions that contribute to global warming, on
the environment. A key development on this front is the college’s decision to work toward
achieving climate neutrality by signing on to the American College and University Presidents’
Climate Commitment. The ACUPCC is a collection of higher education institutions that have
agreed to model the way for climate change.
Franklin College wants to reduce global warming emissions and cut out any dollars
wasted on unnecessary energy usage. In order to achieve those desired outcomes, the college
needs to win the active support of a number of its stakeholders. A strategic communications plan
is needed to help the college gain as much support as possible.
It must be noted that “green” efforts are not new to Franklin College. The college’s past
and present efforts to reduce global warming emissions include composting cafeteria food,
recycling, refitting lighting units, purchasing Energy Star equipment, installing automatic light
switches, establishing a Green Team, buying supplies and services locally whenever possible,
and creating “green” classrooms. That is only a sampling of the college’s “green” activities.
Communicating about those activities, however, has been more sporadic, more hit-and-miss,
more casual than such important efforts deserve. In other words, like most such efforts in most
organizations, communication is not as structured, not as monitored, not as innovative as the
operational efforts themselves. Through its menu of strategies and Student Suggestions, this plan
provides an organized approach to communicating more creatively and consistently. More
effective communication increases the odds that the college’s climate goals will be met.
The college’s membership in ACUPCC means in part that the college’s performance in
improving its environmental impact will available for any member of the campus community –
and indeed of the public at large – to see via the ACUPCC Web site. In a sense, the college has
voluntarily made itself more publicly accountable for its impact on the environment. The college
will submit reports that show its efforts to achieve climate neutrality on a realistic timeline. The
ACUPCC Web site does not lend itself to valid comparisons among its member institutions
because there are far too many variables among member colleges (it would always be an apples
to oranges comparison). However, the ACUPCC Web site does enable the tracking, over the
years, of an individual institution’s progress, and provides valuable opportunities for its members
to learn from each other. Therefore, the public nature of Franklin College’s ACUPCC
participation compels the college to be smarter and shaper about telling the story of its climate
improvement efforts to target audiences that can help those efforts.
A communication plan is not a magic wand. In fact, it is inherently fraught with
challenges and complications that lie along the path between sender and receiver, between big
ideas and little practicalities, between desired outcomes and actual audience behavior. Also,
strategic communication requires investment of an organization’s time, talent and treasure. The
following pages present ideas to tell Franklin College’s climate commitment story. These ideas
can be adopted, rejected or modified; and new ideas can be added. Audiences, for the most part,
are limited to the immediate Franklin College “family” to keep the plan reasonable and
affordable. A more extensive, more expensive plan would be needed to reach every stakeholder
and additional audiences. Of course, more audiences and more Student Suggestions can be
added, but with those additions comes the increased likelihood that the plan becomes an end in
itself and not a lean, actionable means to an end.
This plan is intended for use by those charged with implementing the college’s ACUPCC
activities, and therefore assumes reader knowledge about those activities, about the college itself,
about some public relations jargon, and about Franklin Communications’ insistence that 1) all
messages are accurate and truthful; and 2) critical and opposing viewpoints also have
opportunities to be aired on campus.
Desired Outcomes
Quantitative Outcome: Reduce campus global warming emissions by 10 percent from December
31, 2007 to December 31, 2015.
Qualitative Outcome: Strengthen the campus community’s understanding of the college’s
participation in the ACUPCC.
Audiences
Current Franklin College students
Incoming Franklin College students
Franklin College faculty
Franklin College staff
Franklin College alumni
Franklin College parents
Strategies
Strategy 1: Communicate through campus media.
Strategy 2: Communicate directly to current students.
Strategy 3: Communicate directly to incoming students.
Strategy 4: Use student organizations as conduits for key messages.
Strategy 5: Communicate directly to faculty.
Strategy 6: Use alumni communication tools that are already in place.
Strategy 7: Communicate directly to parents.
Strategy 8: Communicate directly to staff.
Strategy 9: Use the campus itself as a communications vehicle.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 1: Communicate through campus media.
1.1 Place an advice ad once a month in The Franklin student newspaper.
The paper will be printed anyway, so there’s no extra paper being used. The ads must be
highly creative and slickly produced, and will provide tips/advice on how individuals and
groups can reduce their carbon footprints on campus. Humor is appropriate in campus
newspaper ads.
1.2 Schedule monthly interviews with Tom Patz on WFCI, 89.5 FM.
Mr. Patz would appear once a month on a student-produced radio show to discuss different
aspects of the climate commitment effort.
1.3 Pitch a fall feature story idea to The Franklin on a student who participates in the
Earth Club.
The story should focus on a student’s active participation and experiences with the Earth
Club.
1.4 Pitch a multimedia story to The Franklin Online that visually explains the
recycling process.
The story suggestion should include videography that follows a piece of paper from
placement in a recycling can through the entire recycling process.
1.5 Produce a monthly 30-second video PSA to run on the college’s Web site.
All visitors to the site will be able to see a new video message each month about saving
energy. The videos must be of high quality and high creativity.
1.6 Turn the college’s Web site green for the week of Earth Day.
This would be similar to the “greening” NBC/Universal did on its TV networks. An
explanatory note should appear on the home page.
1.7 Expand the “FC is Going Green” link on the Franklin College home page.
Develop and post various green-advice slideshows; interactive maps of recycling locations;
and brief videos on creating a green office and creating a green dorm room.
1.8 Pitch milestone stories to The Franklin student newspaper and The Franklin
Online.
Using news releases, tip sheets or story idea e-mails/phone calls, milestone stories – such
as new or concluded climate improvement projects, or data analysis summaries – will be
suggested to the college’s student journalists. As with story suggestions to any journalists,
there is no guarantee that the milestones will be covered.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 2: Communicate directly to current
students.
2.1 Send a “get involved” individual e-mail (not a “campus announcements” e-mail) to each
student.
The e-mail would provide tips on saving energy and about ways to get involved with the
climate commitment. The e-mail should be sent early in fall semester.
2.2 Give away free bookmarks with energy saving tips.
These bookmarks would be given away free at the campus bookstore during key book
purchase times for fall semester, winter term and spring semester. The bookmarks should
have an intriguing design so that they become iconic around campus. The bookmarks should
be environment-friendly, produced on 100 percent recycled paper from campus recycle bins.
(Note: Criticism should be expected any time print communications are involved in climate
improvement efforts; however, the drive toward climate neutrality does not imply the total
elimination of paper.)
2.3 Schedule guest speakers and/or develop presentations on campus for students.
Humorous and informative speakers or programs can educate students on what they can do
personally to reduce their carbon footprints.
2.4 Create a Twitter account.
This account would allow Franklin College students to communicate their “green”
actions/decisions as they happen.
2.5 Stage an “unplugged” concert early in the fall semester.
A musical performance without electric instruments can be used to deliver various green
messages.
2.6 Conduct peer-to-peer dorm room energy audits.
A team of students will be trained to audit other students’ rooms to suggest ways that energy
could be saved
(i.e. turning off power strips when not in use; adjusting refrigerator temperatures). Room
audits would be
100 percent voluntary, and a small “green room” door sticker would be provided to students
who had their rooms audited.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 3: Communicate directly to incoming
students.
3.1 Send out a green information page to admitted students.
The information sheet should include information on how to create an environment-friendly
dorm
room. To save paper, this page should be printed on the back of a document usually mailed
to incoming
students before they arrive on campus and generally before families purchase computers,
refrigerators, etc.
3.2 Use student admissions ambassadors to tell potential students what Franklin College is
doing to help
the environment.
Ambassadors should be trained to communicate (during campus tours) tips for creating
energy-efficient
dorm rooms.
3.3 Provide a brief “green” seminar for students on admissions day.
New students would be briefed on making informed appliance choices and on practicing
environmentfriendly habits on campus.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 4: Use student organizations as conduits for
key messages.
4.1 Conduct a competition for creating the “greenest” fraternity and sorority.
Greek organizations would compete to come up with the best green practices to be followed
by their
member students.
4.2 Train “green ambassador” members of student organizations to present green
information at
meetings.
Each organization would be requested to designate a “green ambassador” who would be
trained to bring
back ideas on how a student group can incorporate environment-friendly practices into their
organizations.
4.3 Conduct “green computing” presentations for student organizations.
A brief presentation on green computing (efficient uses of electricity, batteries, paper) would
be developed
and then delivered to as many student organizations (sororities, fraternities, etc.) as possible.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 5: Communicate directly to faculty.
5.1 Give a brief presentation at a fall faculty meeting.
Faculty members would be updated the college’s ACUPCC participation and informed about
the Student Suggestions of
this plan.
5.2 Develop a voluntary office energy audit program.
Professors would volunteer to have their offices and in-office practices audited to see if
energy could be
saved. A small “green office” door sticker would be provided for audited offices.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 6: Use alumni communication tools that are
already in place.
6.1 Provide an energy-saving advice article for alumni homes and businesses in The
Reporter.
Rather than simply brag about what the college is doing to become climate-neutral, this
article would use
the college’s expertise to provide valuable energy- and money-saving tips to alumni. In a
side-bar article,
suggest ways that alumni can provide financial support to the college’s climate efforts.
6.2 Incorporate a “green tea” reception and presentation into homecoming activities.
Alumni would be briefed in person on the college’s climate efforts and be provided with
suggestions on how alumni can contribute to those efforts.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 7: Communicate directly to parents.
7.1 Create a green-themed activity for Family Weekend on campus.
An entertaining game, interactive performance or other activity would be used as an
opportunity to talk about what the college is doing for the environment.
7.2 Use the parent newsletter to provide tips on how to purchase energy efficient items for
their student’s’ dorm rooms.
The importance of the individual efforts of students/parents should be stressed.
7.3 Brief the parent advisory board.
Board members would be briefed on the college’s climate improvement efforts and asked to
help spread the information informally to other parents.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 8: Communicate directly to staff.
8.1 Update staff members at a regular staff meeting.
Briefly remind staff members of the college’s climate efforts and about what they should be
doing throughout the work day to help with those efforts.
8.2 Generate ideas through supervisors.
Request that supervisors solicit energy-saving ideas from their direct reports. Supervisors
will then implement those ideas in their areas pending approval by Tom Patz. Ideas that are used
should be shared at staff meetings.
Student Suggestions for Strategy 9: Use the campus itself as a
communications vehicle.
9.1 Create an innovative “meter” that demonstrates the college’s progress toward its
climate goals.
This meter would be kept in a high-foot-traffic location. Ideally, the meter would be a solarpowered display monitor.
9.2 Create and display a (temporary) diminishing carbon footprint sculpture on Dame
Mall. Art students would be asked to create a giant, ugly “footprint” that is reduced in size
each day for a week until it disappears. Media coverage should be generated locally and
perhaps nationally.
9.3 Create and display a rotating series of humorous signs.
The witty signs would be remind people to turn off lights, printers, computers, etc., when not
in use.
The signs would be bold and eye-catching.
Specific 5 and 15 year Goals and Strategies:
5 Year Goals and Strategies
Goal
Reduce eCO2 emissions by 10% compared to 2007 emission level.
Strategies
Purchase jockey boiler for Shirk Hall
Set temperature guidelines for buildings
Use HVAC control software for temperature setbacks during breaks
Have campus professional obtain LEED Professional designation
Reduce paper use on campus by 10% each year
Perform building control motor efficiency study
Begin building retro commission process
Purchase and install sub-meters for building on electrical loop to gain specific building data
Implement appropriate PR strategies from Franklin Connection project
15 Year Goals and Strategies
Goal
Reduce eCO2 emissions by 25% compared to 2007 emission level.
Strategies
Continue strategies listed under 5 year strategies
Renovate Hoover/Cline Residence Hall using LEED Silver standards
Raze Grizzly Den and provide independent housing using LEED Silver standards
Renovate Barnes Hall using LEED Silver standards
Renovate Hamilton Library using LEED Silver standards
Investigate Geothermal System Potential in Building Projects
Investigate Solar Power Systems in Building Projects