Sustainability
Case Studies
In correlation with the National Wildlife Federation Campus Ecology program Clemson has conducted a number of case studies over a range of topics.
- Habitat - Green Roof by Christa Jordan (2010) explored green roof technology from a horticulture perspective in a collaborative effort between the Friends of Lake Keowee (FOLKS) and Clemson University. In their study they showcased green roof technology and even hosted a dog house green roof construction project. Today we have a green roof on top of the Lee Hall Addition. Read the study
- Schoolyard Habitats by Professor Haque and Dr. Longo (2000-2001) began research, design, and reflection on sustainable and efficient landscapes for local K-12 schoolyards. Along with design students, they have completed and implemented designs for Clemson Elementary School, Hunt Meadows Elementary School, East End Elementary School and D.W. Daniel High School in the upstate, Forest Heights ElementarySchool and Denny Terrace Elementary School in the mid-state, and Dorchester Academy in the lower part of the state. The website contains their design projects and photo albums and can be found here. Read the study
- Landscape Design for Religious Institutions by 2002 graduate students of HORT 461 "Problems in Landscape Design" conducted a study and design project working with a local church to create outdoor areas that not only provide a place of meditation, but also show the basics of environmental landscape design. Read the study
- “Lighten Your Load” Student Move-Out Recycle Program (2002) organized by the staffs of University Housing and in collaboration with Facilities Management and student cooperation was a project in waste reduction. At year’s end, Clemson students steered clear of the dumpsters and instead donated 11,500 pounds of food, clothing, wood and household items to local charities, bringing “recycling” to a whole new level. Local charities included Salvation Army, Clemson Community Care and Habitat for Humanity. Read the study
- Environmental Management Systems - Green Buildings (2003) by Dr. Elzerman installed a commitment to "value sustainable design" in the campus master plan. This marked the beginning of a devotion to achieving LEED certification and ahdering to sustainable requirements. Our president has strong interest in green building and as such the study identified environment and sustainability as one of the university's eight emphasis areas.The College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities has created a website discussing the application of green building and its practices. Also, check out Facilities' Sustainable Building page to see our 8 LEED certified building and read about buildings on the board. Read the study
- Environmental Literacy (2003) was a study initiated by the English department to enhance environmental literacy among students. It involved students enrolled in business or technical writing classes and assigned students practical assignments to prepare documents outlining Clemson's sustainable initiatives. 260 students prepared posters, websites, radio and TV ads to promote ongoing research and initiatives. In the end, students wielded the mighty pen as their writing skills were put to the test to help educate the campus and community about environmental issues. Read the study
- "Worm Wigwam" Composter (2003-2004) by Dr. Zehnder and the Sustainable Agriculture Program, was a study where students established a "Worm Wigwam" composter in our outdoor lab to dispose of cafeteria waste. Worms were fed using organic wastes (all plant material) provided by ARA Dining Services Schilletter Dining Hall Cafeteria (David Raiger, Dining Services Manager) and the Sustainable Agriculture Garden located in the Calhoun Fields Laboratory. The success and information of the study revealed that vermicomposting allowed a payback after 6 years and the investment proved cheaper than tipping costs for handling all dining hall organic wastes. We now sell compost at Farmer's Market. Dr. Zehnder summarizes the program reflecting "Students working on the project were amazed at the speed with which the food waste was broken down by the worms... From a teaching standpoint, the vermicomposting unit was an effective and interesting way to demonstrate the practical benefits of conservation." Read the study or read Dr. McInnis' report here
- Water-Energy Nexus (2012) by David Ladner is a study to educate and track where our water here at Clemson comes from. The study seeks to calculate how much energy use for buildings is dedicated to water and has begun preparing data to provide this information. The term Water-Energy Nexus has emerged as a description of the interconnectedness of water and energy. Energy is required to aquire, treat, and distribute water and water is required to produce energy. Clemson uses an average of 7000 gallons per minute and treats 600,000 gallons of water a day, increasing to 1,000,000 gallons on gamedays. Ladner and his team have begun preparing a website to showcase their work which can be found here.