Hello everyone and welcome to Michigan State University! Thank you for joining us for this very important celebration. The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center will be a one of a kind facility within our area. One of a kind because it incorporates the functions of reuse, recycling and storage under one roof and in turn allows for a number of different opportunities and synergies between those functions. In designing the building every effort was made to incorporate as many Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification elements as possible. We currently are seeking Silver certification. LEED elements include; storm water design, water use reduction, improved energy efficiency, construction waste management, recycled content office furnishings and equipment, regional materials, low-emitting materials, educational outreach and integrated Surplus and Recycling operations. The MSU Surplus Store, our reuse and resale function, will continue to serve the university by redeploying useable materials back to campus departments, returning revenue back to departments generated by the sale of their items and items no longer needed by the university, sold to the public. Twenty-three thousand square feet will be dedicated to high bay storage for departments to store materials enabling them to make better use of office and storage space within their buildings.
The Recycling Center will house a horizontal baler, conveyor and sort line that will allow us flexibility in collection methods of materials based on current market demands. MSU’s current rate of recyclable materials removed from the waste stream is 14%. Our goal is to increase our recyclable material capture rate to 26% by 2010. With this facility and the support of the MSU community, I am predicting that goal will be met and surpassed.
But to reach that goal we must continue implementing Phase One of our comprehensive recycling program which includes education for the collection of five materials: white office paper, mixed office paper, newspaper, cardboard, and #1 & #2 plastics. Phase One includes all academic, operational and housing facilities. Housing and Food Service continues to implement their comprehensive recycling programs for students, staff and dining services in the Residence Halls and all will be on board by the fall of 2008.
To date, we have implemented Environmental Stewardship teams in approximately 40 academic and operational buildings. Our goal is to have all 549 buildings participating by January 2009. We must not forget though that these teams will also be involved in assisting the university in reducing the energy usage in their buildings as well. Our facility will provide a great educational opportunity for faculty, staff and students. The education center will be available for all ages of students and community members. We are planning hands on educational material and resources and a gallery for visitors to see the operation of the processing area from a safe view point. Thank you President Simon and the Board of Trustees for supporting the reduction of MSU’s environmental footprint and having the foresight that this facility could become a model for other institutions across the country. I would also like to thank Vice President Poston, Assistant Vice President Kathy Lindahl, Assistant Vice President Ron Flinn, Director of Power & Water Bob Ellerhorst, University Services Director Pam George, the employees at the MSU Surplus Store and Office of Recycling and Waste Management, the Environmental Stewardship Steering and Systems Teams, faculty, staff and students. Without their combined efforts and dedication, this facility would not have become a reality. Thank you for joining us today – Be Spartan Green!
