South East Missouri State University is putting on multiple projects to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide its campus releases into the atmosphere.
In the last months SEMO has renovated two of its major buildings. The new buildings feature the latest energy-efficient technology in lighting, windows, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The University also replaced its aging coal-fired boilers in the power plant to four small, energy-efficient natural-gas-fired boilers. Sustainability Committee Chair, Chris McGowan, says the conversion has helped improve the campus.
The use of natural gas has cut the University's overall carbon emissions by 25 percent. The University is also giving students the option of having carpool permits to encourage a reduction in the number of cars on the Cape Girardeau campus. McGowan says the permits will help reduce carbon emissions and have more parking spots available for students. SEMO has also planted 2,500 trees in the past year and has a new comprehensive solid-waste management program.
McGowan says the University is evaluating future projects that will help continue the reduction of carbon emissions and help the University financially.
