The heart of our Rocky Mountain operation is in Lander, Wyoming.
Composting
We purchased an institutional size composter from Green Mountain Technologies in August. Coffee grounds and filters, grounds waste, returned field rations as well as food scraps from the Noble kitchen and staff lunches are composted.
Since composting began, we estimate a garbage collection savings of $2,500 annually. Even more, we’ve cut our collections by 66%, or 5 trips to the landfill a week, and use far less trash bags!
We’ve produced one load of compost since August. The nutrient rich soil will fertilize Rocky Mountain and HQ grounds.
We began an information campaign to educate students, staff and public about composting and implemented bright yellow compost buckets in HQ, the RM base and the Noble Hotel. The response from employees and students is great!
2009 goal: To increase composting (e.g. road food, more field rations).
Re-using
For the River Base staff housing, we purchased lumber and fixtures at the local Habitat ReStore. Bathroom vanities were built from salvaged lumber, and we installed a used 2-gallon hot water heater from Brad Christensen’s house in the staff bathroom (Thanks Brad!).
Our old toilets and light fixtures were donated to the Habitat ReStore. The Noble Hotel sold older furniture on the local community list serve, including the old bunk beds.
Double siding copies, reducing margins and font size for paperwork, where appropriate, are becoming common practice in the office. New whiteboards were made from old Noble hotel wood trim.
2009 goal: To design a rainwater catchment system for watering in Lander.
Recycling
In 2008, we noticed an increase in the amount of cans, bottles, plastics, and paper products recycled.
2009 goal: To increase recycling efforts further. We are exploring the economics of collecting products not recycled locally, and delivering them to other recycle centers in an energy and cost efficient manner.
Lighting
Compact fluorescent bulb installation at the RM and Noble Hotel is complete. Motion sensors were installed in specific places to reduce unoccupied energy hogging.
2009 goal: Install more motion sensors in key indoor locations and in all exterior fixtures.
Solar Energy Production
Our solar panels produce 40% of our energy needs. When our energy use is minimal, energy goes back into the grid and into our neighbors’ homes.
In May, we unveiled an interactive educational display, which illustrates solar energy production and distribution, as well as tangible take home points.
2009 goal: We are applying for another grant to fund additional solar panels. Our ultimate goal is to produce as close to 100% of our energy from the sun without being cost inefficient. We plan to install a small solar system to power the composter’s fans and heater. Our grander goal is to build passive solar hot water heaters for showers at all our locations (see Vernal River Base).
Transportation
We purchased a large bus for transporting two courses at a time. This cuts down on the amount of trips to the mountains and makes us a more efficient operation!
2009 goal: Increase our double course trips, and purchase a coolant recycler.
Rations
We continue to research healthier and organic products for field rations. In conjunction with the sustainability department, our rations department is working to lessen costs and source better food products.
2009 goal: Continue to think creatively and source healthier options for our students, staff and planet.
Vernal River Base
We continue to grow vegetables! When a course leaves, the 200 gallons of water from our dunk station is re-directed to water the garden.
Our new staff housing is constructed of beetle-killed logs sourced from the Utah area. In 2008 & 2009, we built a steel boat shed to store rafts and course supplies. Steel is the most recycled metal in the world and our steel is up to 80% recycled material.
2009 goal: Old water heaters will be replaced by on-demand versions. We are exploring the idea of using our used hot water tanks to make passive solar hot water heaters for the on-demand systems (see Solar production). Similarly, we will replace our aging washers with more efficient front loaders. Our recycling efforts will increase with the help of RM-Lander by transporting plastics and glass with courses to/from Vernal.
Three Peaks Ranch
We purchased new energy efficient washing machines to replace aging ones, and continue to use clotheslines for drying.
Our irrigation ditches were pulled to improve their flow and efficiency, thereby improving horse pastures and reducing river water use. A pergola was constructed off the Steele House in order to work and socialize outside in the summer. This reduces the use of lighting and energy use in other buildings.
We compost all food scraps and continue to recycle.
2009 goals: The ranch will install on-demand water heaters, low flow toilets, and low flow showerheads in the Cookhouse.
Noble Hotel
The Noble Hotel opened up a student and staff store. We do our best to offer green products at affordable prices.
Hotel staff created reusable grocery bags out of materials and clothes from local thrift shops.
New thermally efficient windows were installed in all 2nd and 3rd floor rooms. The windows help slow heat gain during the hot summer days and slow heat loss during the cold winter days. Third floor rooms all have ceiling fans to help distribute heat in the winter and cool rooms in the summer.
Noble staff created an educational campaign to instruct guests on how to manage room temperatures with shades and the opening and closing of windows based on the time of day.
Six waterless urinals were installed on the guest floors, saving 8000 gallons of water annually. We continue to use low VOC stain and finish in our renovations.
2009 goals: We plan to use the old flush valves from Headquarters to replace older models as they approach the end of their useful lifespan, in addition to using a variety of other reusable parts.
Grounds
We use only natural products for weed control and fertilizer, such as: corn gluten for weed prevention, a product called ‘Revive’ for increased water retention, and a fatty acids spray for broadleaf weed control in our parking lots and along sidewalks.
2009 goal: We will purchase either a push mower or a battery-powered lawnmower.
