Waynesburg University was recently awarded an $8,109 grant from PepsiCo Recycling’s Zero Impact Fund to help reduce water consumption on campus. The funds will be used to equip all residence halls with faucet aerators and energy-efficient showerheads and toilet handles.
“I was blown away by Pepsi believing in the system and believing in the work that is ahead of us,” said Ryan Smith, assistant director of student activities.
I was blown away by Pepsi believing in the system and believing in the work that is ahead of us."
More than 60 schools competed for this year’s funding, of which only 26 were awarded grants. Waynesburg was one of 14 schools who received more than $8,000. Winning proposals could receive up to $10,000.
Projects were judged based on five criteria: environmental impact, social impact, desirability/feasibility/longevity, ingenuity and cost effectiveness.
With the funds, Waynesburg purchased 265 showerheads, 298 faucet aerators and 265 toilet handles. The installations will occur during the summer and, according to Terry Sattler, director of facilities planning and management, will be complete by the time students return to campus in August.
The new fixtures will not only reduce water consumption, they will also benefit the University’s budget.
A 30-day trial period in Burns Hall, which was outfitted with the energy-efficient toilet handles through a previous grant, showed a reduction in water usage of approximately 82,000 gallons.
“It [was] an excellent snapshot,” said Sattler. “If we could keep that rate going, I would be extremely pleased.”
The PepsiCo Recycling Zero Impact Fund, according to its website, is designed to engage entire college campus communities in creating or strengthening green initiatives.
Since 2010, 103 colleges and universities have partnered with PepsiCo Recycling on sustainability and more than $70,000 has been provided to support campus sustainability efforts.
For more information, visit www.pepsicorecycling.com/CampusEngagement.
