Winter weather brings typical snow and cold problems. Facilities Services will continue to remove snow, sand sidewalks and roads, and use chemical melters to reduce slip and fall hazards as much as possible. It is important for individuals to recognize the hazards of slippery walks and roadways. There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of falling when slippery conditions exist. Here are some helpful hints:

1. Wear boots or overshoes with grip soles. Slick leather or plastic soles on shoes will definitely increase the risk of slipping.
2. Don't walk with your hands in your pockets. This reduces the ability to use your arms for balance if you do slip.
3. Take short shuffling steps in very icy areas.
4. Don't carry or swing heavy loads, such as large boxes, cases, or purses that may cause you to become off balance when you are walking.
5. When walking, curl your toes under and walk as flat-footed as possible.
6. Don't step on uneven surfaces. Avoid curbs with ice on them
7. Place your full attention on walking. Digging in your pocketbook or backpack, or talking on your cellphone while walking on ice is dangerous.

Facilities Services is committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable place to learn and work. Please report any hazardous conditions to the Facilities Services office at 605.642.6244.

SUSTAINABILITY AT BHSU

• LEED Silver Certification on new construction
  All new construction at BHSU must meet a minimum of 33-point criteria for LEED certification. The categories include Sustainable sites, Water efficiency, Energy Atmosphere, Materials Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation Design Process.
• Recycling
  Black Hills State University offers recycling in all campus buildings. Each year we recycle over 50 tons of material. Learn more on our recycling page.
• Green Cleaning
  Currently, 80% of our cleaning chemicals are Green Seal Certified which reduces the impact on the health of building occupants, custodians, and the environment. We are moving to obtain 100% of green cleaning chemicals in the near future. 100% of the floor finish that we use in the Resident Halls and classrooms is Green Seal Certified which means no heavy metals are released into the environment when scrubbing or stripping. Our paper and plastic products contain post-consumer content. All vacuum cleaners in the Student Union and 40% in the Resident Halls (moving to 100%) are equipped with HEPA filtration units that filter to .3 microns at 99.99954% efficiency, to improve indoor air quality. We use microfiber and recycled cotton cloths for general cleaning instead of paper towels to minimize waste. 50% of our auto-scrubbers utilize systems that allow us to use 70% less water and cleaning chemicals moving toward 100%.
• Water Conservation and Pollution Control
  BHSU uses low-volume flush valves in new construction and resident hall renovation. New planting areas use native plants for minimum irrigation and maintenance. The recent construction of the Jonas Parking Lot and the Student Union created 3 Bio-swale areas that are designed to filter water before it enters the areas natural water flows. The swales collect water runoff and use plant material to naturally filter debris and sediment.
• Wind Generation
  The 1.8KW wind turbine generates power that is metered back into the electrical grid and powers a small portion of the Student Union's electrical use.
• Energy Conservation
  The BHSU Utility Master Plan utilizes long-range planning and development for expansion and upgrades to create policies and procedures that will benefit our campus community. Statewide energy evaluated energy consumption in over 4100 state buildings. A planned Energy Performance contract will implement energy-saving equipment to reduce our electrical consumption.
• Solar Energy
  There are approximately 2,900 solar panels installed on seven rooftop buildings. They will produce just over 1 Mega Watt, saving 20% of the university’s energy.  Additionally, the university has 65 solar LED sidewalk lights at BHSU and BHRC.
  
  To see live solar production data:
  Student Union: Live Feed TBD
  Bordeaux: Bordeaux Hall Live Feed
  Thomas: Thomas Hall Live Feed
  Life Science: Life Science Live Feed
  Library: Library Live Feed
  Facilities: Facilities Services Live Feed 
  Donald Young Center: DYC Live Feed 
• Electric Vehicle
  BHSU owns an Electric Vehicle (EV) Chevy Bolt that is used to travel to the Rapid City location by faculty and staff. The EV can travel 224 miles on a full charge and can be charged in 4 hours using a level-2 charging station. There are two charging stations free for public use at BHSU and BHRC. Our EV saves approximately 60% on driving costs; 260 gallons of gas per year and 2.5 tons of greenhouse gas (CO2) per year. Check out www.plugshare.com that lists the charging stations nationwide.

For questions or comments, please contact FACILITIES SERVICES at 605.642.6244.