- By Peggy Perry -
GREEN is not just for St. Patrick‘s Day! "Going Green" has two parts at University Village: the resource conservation programs initiated by management and the efforts of residents. Mark Anderson, Director of Plant Operations, provides the following insights.
WATER IS ALWAYS A BIG ISSUE. In our semi-arid climate, water wise slope- and ground-cover plants do their natural bit to help control evaporation; recent rains have helped. Campus landscapers keep a close eye on weather and regularly reset
watering timers. A local conservation company will report soon on water usage in UVTO‘s pool, ponds, lake, sprinkler system and kitchen, plus how residents in selected units manage water. Improvement steps will be taken in common areas, and recommendations will be suggested for residents.
OK – let‘s get "it" out of the way first. Yes, it takes a long time for our circulation system to deliver hot water. While waiting, it‘s tempting to walk a mile or write a novel, but don‘t. Be patient, and use your hot water as soon as it arrives.
DID YOU KNOW WATER HEATS AND COOLS OUR HOMES? According to Mark Anderson, this is the most efficient, available method of temperature control. Three immense boilers heat water for this system – which is completely separate from the 'shower and sink‘ supply. When usage decreases, a boiler (or two) shuts down. It‘s OK to keep your thermostat set at a constant, comfortable temperature, without "green guilt," as this water is always flowing past your unit, ready for efficient heating or cooling.
OTHER "GREEN" PROCEDURES INCLUDE LIGHTING. Wherever practical, fluorescent bulbs have already replaced incandescent. LED units, available for almost every application, will be added over time, subject to resident response, complimentary or constructively critical.
RECYCLING, PARTICULARLY OF NEWSPAPER,
is the single, simplest way residents can help conservation efforts. Thousand Oaks collects paper, metal, glass and recyclable plastics in one container, so recycling is convenient. Cardboard, particularly packing boxes and corrugated sheets, are sorted and sold to a different recycler; stacking those items separately in your trash rooms, or curbside, is helpful.
So, GO GREEN! We
can conserve precious natural resources.