A Green Living Guide
for the Corps of Cadets
A Handbook for Environmental
Sustainability at West Point
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Table of Contents
Welcome Letters
3
Sustainability in the Army & Net Zero Energy
4
West Point Energy Council
5
Energy & Environment Chain of Command
6
Energy - How Do I Conserve?
8
Water - How Do I Reduce Use?
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Recycling 101
10
The Cadet Recycling System
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Handling Other Materials
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Opportunities to Learn More & Get Involved
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"The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as
assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased,
and not impaired, in value."
-Theodore Roosevelt
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Letter from the Brigade Tactical Officer
The Green Living Guide sets the standard for
environmental living in the Corps of Cadets. This
handbook will teach you many fundamental
principles, especially in the areas of energy
consumption, water usage, and recycling that will grow you as ―green‖
leaders. Learning how to respect the environment now as a Cadet will carry
over to a lifetime of green living. As a future leader you have the ability to
affect not just yourself, but Soldiers, and other nations in the key mission of
environmental responsibility. So, read this handbook and support your
Company E2O – make a difference today for a greener tomorrow!
- COL Joe DeAntona
Endorsement from the Head of Geography and Environmental Engineering
The Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering is
proud to endorse the Green Living Handbook for the Corps.
Living in a sustainable manner is not just important here at West
Point, but also in the Army. This handbook will offer you sustainable living practices concerning energy, water, and solid waste that will serve
you well as future leaders. As we move towards achieving the objectives
outlined in the Army Sustainability Campaign Plan, basic knowledge concerning energy and the environment is of critical importance. Leverage the skills
of your Company Energy & Environment Officer to improve systems in the
barracks and learn more about sustainable living. Go Army, Go Green!
- COL Wiley Thompson
"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest
of the world."
-John Muir
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Sustainability in the Army
The President has directed in Executive Order 13514 that the Federal Government will lead the
nation in environmental regulation and economic performance. The Army is a significant part of
this charge due to its size, scope, and influence both at home and abroad. Indeed, as outlined
in the Army Sustainability Campaign Plan, the Army is quickly moving towards implementing a
sustainability framework that encompasses the environment, water, energy, and infrastructure.
Our Charge…Training Environmentally Conscious Leaders
Providing cadets with an in-depth understanding of sustainability principles at West Point, prior
to graduation, will help infuse the Army with knowledgeable leaders capable of proactive
thought and supporting the triple bottom line of sustainability: mission, environment, and
community. Not only do these principles nest with the Army’s published Sustainability Campaign
Plan, it falls in-line with recently published West Point Leader Development System’s Outcome 1
(Lead and inspire their units to accomplish the mission), Outcome 3 (Demonstrate a broad
perspective that is open to new ideas and experiences), Outcome 4 (Understand ambiguous
situations and solve complex problems), and Outcome 9 (Demonstrate respect for others and
work effectively with different cultures and people).
Net Zero Energy by 2020
West Point has been designated a Net Zero Energy Installation. What does that mean? It
means we must produce as much energy as we consume...a tall order. How do we get there?
We achieve the West Point Energy Council’s Energy and Environmental Security Goals:
1. Reduce energy consumption.
2. Increase energy efficiency across platforms and facilities.
3. Increase use of renewable and alternative energy.
4. Assure access to sufficient energy supplies.
5. Reduce adverse effects on the environment.
6. Enhance cadet education and leader development on energy & environment security.
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How We are Moving Forward: the West Point Energy Council
Charged by the Superintendent to develop a strategic program for energy and environmental security by identifying ways to green West Point and develop Green Projects. The
Energy Council strives to make West Point a ―flagship‖ installation and Army leader that
operates using an integrated systems’ approach to reduce energy consumption and cost,
enhance cadet education and leader development, and involve the entire West Point community in achieving energy and environmental security.
- LTC Mark Smith, G&EnE
―The Army is accelerating its actions to protect the environment; conserve energy,
water, and other resources; support human capital; and partner with our communities. These actions will result in increased military readiness, lower life-cycle costs,
and improved quality of life for our Soldiers and their Families.‖
- Army Sustainability Campaign Plan, 2010
Pilot scale renewable energy projects at
West Point’s MWR-run Recycling Center
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Charge to the Corps of Cadets...
Each day we look around and see problems in our local environment.
From recycling in the trash, to water waste, to energy waste, the number
of environmental issues here at West Point, and beyond the confines of
the installation, are staggering. Our individual actions can begin to
impact these problems for good. While recycling one plastic bottle or
turning off the lights when you leave the room may not seem like much,
these actions aggregated across the Corps can make a noticeable impact.
Are you willing to step up and start making a difference? If you see
opportunities for change or to make improvements, please act or talk to
your Energy & Environment Chain of Command or cadets enrolled in
majors focused on solving environmental issues. The time for change is
now!
- MAJ Andy Pfluger, Faculty Advisor to the
Energy & Environment Chain of Command
The Energy & Environment Chain of Command
The Energy & Environment Chain of Command serve as special staff
advisors to cadet commanders in USCC at the Brigade, Regiment, and
Company levels. Their purpose is to expand environmental awareness
and diligently work to solve environmental issues in the Corps.
The Energy & Environment
chain of command will play a
critical role in educating the
Corps and implementing
energy conservation programs
as we approach Net Zero
Energy in 2020.
Cadet Brian Meese, the first ever Brigade Energy & Environmental Officer (E2O), discusses energy and
environmental issues with Company E2Os
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The Energy & Environment Chain of Command
This organizational chart shows how the 42 cadet energy and environment officer positions are
arrayed in the Corps of Cadets. Each Energy & Environment Officer (E2O) advises their
respective commander on environmental considerations within their unit.
Some major E2O programs:
- Recycling Program
- Water Conservation Campaigns
- Energy Awareness Programs
- Environmental FCDT Program
- America Recycles Day
- Michie Stadium ―Green Guides‖
- Recycling Sculpture Competition
- RecycleMania
- Earth Week
"We shall require a substantially new manner
of thinking if mankind is to survive."
- Cadet Swap Meet
-Albert Einstein
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Energy - How Do I Conserve?
Energy use adds up! Considering economic, environmental, and social costs, it is
important we all minimize our energy usage at West Point. Here are some Do’s
and Do Not’s that will help us to conserve energy, save money, decrease carbon
emissions, and live more sustainably as we achieve Net Zero Energy.
Do’s:
Turn off the lights when you leave an unoccupied room.
Turn off electronic devices when they are not in use or if you are leaving the room for
30 minutes or more.
Use the power management features on your computer for ―sleep mode‖ with a blank
screen rather than a screen saver.
Use natural lighting instead of lamps whenever possible.
If possible, use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or LEDs instead of incandescent
bulbs.
Replace your old refrigerators with Energy Star rated ones.
Unplug and defrost refrigerators when leaving for extended periods of time such as
Thanksgiving, Winter Leave, and Spring Leave.
Open windows or use fans on warm days instead of using air conditioning (in areas
that have it).
Carpool when going on weekend pass or leave. Take mass transportation when safe
and practicable.
Do Not’s:
Leave lights on in an unoccupied room.
Leave electronics on if you will be gone for 30 minutes or more.
Leave appliances plugged in over break.
Use space heaters – they consume energy and can pose a fire hazard.
Open windows in heated or air-conditioned rooms. For heating and cooling issues
please contact DPW to submit a work order.
Prop doors open in heated and air conditioned areas.
Use elevators when you can take the stairs.
Use automatic handicapped door openers unless you are handicapped.
Thank you for conserving energy! For more
information, contact your company energy and
environmental officer.
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Water - How Do I Reduce Use?
There are so many ways to save water. Each starts with the recognition
that we are using too much.
Do’s:
Keep your showers to less than 5 minutes.
Turn off the water while you wash your hair. You can save hundreds of gallons of
water per month.
Submit work orders for leaky faucets as soon as you see them. Don’t wait!
If you own one, consider washing your car one less time per month.
If your toilet flapper doesn’t close completely after flushing, submit a work order.
Wash your dark clothes in cold water – it saves both water and energy, while
helping your clothes keep their color.
Reuse your towels. Don’t let them get gross, but they can stand more than one
drying.
Look for products bearing the EPA WaterSense Label. These items are certified
to save 20% or more water without sacrificing performance.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. Every
drop will go down your throat and not down the sink drain.
Do Not’s:
Hang out in the shower. You can talk with your buddies someplace else!
Take showers longer than 10 minutes.
Let the water run to wash dishes.
Let leaky faucets go. Be persistent until the leak is fixed!
Let the water run while you are brushing your teeth or shaving.
Fail to pay attention! Please consciously think about ways to save water.
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Reduce, Reuse, and RecycleMania!
Reducing waste at the source means selective purchasing, such as buying only what you need for a project and
purchasing items with minimal packaging. Using electronic announcements or digital fliers for events instead of
printing off multiple hard copies can reduce waste. Printing on
both sides of the paper is another great way to reduce paper
use.
Packaging materials are one of the largest sources of waste
today. Do your best to minimize packaging material. Take a
reusable cloth bag to the Cadet Store or Grant Hall when you
purchase items. The USCC S4 has several reuse programs in
place, including clothing and serviceable electronic collection.
Look for details through the Energy and Environmental Chain of
Command as to when collection times will occur. The annual
cadet Swap Meet prior to graduation is another opportunity to
exchange and reuse items.
MWR Recycling
West Point’s recycling rate continues to increase each year.
Efforts by Cadets, such participating and promoting
RecycleMania, have helped increase recycling awareness
across post. West Point has done very well in RecycleMania to date, finishing in the top 10% of most recycling
categories. Please help us continue to improve in the future by recycling all you can!
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One of the most important events for the Energy &
Environment chain of command and the cadet club Engineers
and Scientists for a Sustainable World (see pg 17) is
RecycleMania. RecycleMania is an intercollegiate recycling
competition that seeks to improve recycling systems on
university campuses across the US and Canada. Each year
over 600 schools compete. For more information go to:
www.recyclemania.org
2012 USMA RecycleMania Results
Per Capita Classic
10th of 339 universities
Paper Recycling
14th of 169 universities
Cardboard Recycling
3rd of 168 universities
Top RecycleMania Companies
2012 - Company A4
2011 - Company A3
Sponsored Redemption Center
Since 2010, Coke, in conjunction with DCA, has sponsored a
redemption center located in the basement of Washington Hall.
For each redeemable Coke bottle or can submitted, your company activities fund will receive five cents. While a nickel isn’t
much by itself, a whole companies worth of Coke products can
add up fast. The Redemption Center hours will vary based on
demand—please see your Company E2O for details! Please
take advantage of this opportunity to help the environment and
make some money!
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The Cadet Recycling System
Step 1: Collect recyclables in your room
and store in an authorized location
Step 2: Plebes collect recyclables and
store them in approved locations
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Step 3: Plebes place recyclables in the
proper receptacle for removal by MWR.
Hanger Recycling?
Can you recycle hangers? Yes, you can! MWR
will recycle them as scrap metal and the laundry
plant will take them back in limited quantities.
Please see your Company E2O for locations to
consolidate and return your hangers!
Being Wise on Paper
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Think before you print or photocopy. Use the print
preview feature to select only the pages you need.
Use double sided printing and copying.
Buy and use recycled paper with a high percentage
of post-consumer content.
Save paper printed on one side to print on the other.
Use scrap paper for notes.
Edit work on the computer rather than on paper.
Set some of your computer documents with narrow
margins so that fewer pages are printed.
Use electronic announcement circulation rather than
printing multiple copies.
Actively participate in your company’s recycling program and in events like RecycleMania.
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What Can Be Recycled?
Comingle Containers (RED) ―single stream‖
Plastic screw-top caps on EMPTY plastic containers
Plastic bags
Metal (cans & bottles)
Jugs
Jars
Plastic microwave trays
Tubs
Glass bottles & jars
Clean, balled aluminum foil
(2‖ or larger) and pie pans
Loose metal jar lids & steel bottle caps
Paper milk/ juice cartons (no foil pouches, do not flatten
Empty aerosol cans (no caps)
Plastic cans & bottles
Mixed Paper Containers (BLUE)
White or pastel office paper
Magazines, brochures & catalogs
Books
File folders
Blueprints
Paper egg cartons
Opened mail & greeting cards
Any unclassified documents (MWR shreds all classified
documents with the large shredder at their facility)
Paper bags
Items NOT allowed in Containers
Needles or syringes
Paper ream wrappers
Frozen food, ice cream or frozen juice containers
Mirrors, ceramics or Pyrex
Light bulbs, plates or vases
Drinking glasses, window glass
Hazardous or bio-hazardous waste
Tissues, paper towels, napkins
Styrofoam® or paper to-go containers
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Hazardous Materials
Some consumer products that you may use regularly should not be thrown in the trash
because of their hazardous properties. They may be toxic, corrosive, flammable, reactive,
or explosive. Mercury thermometers are an example of a common hazardous material.
Another is batteries that contain Nickel, Mercury, Cadmium, Silver, Lead, or Lithium. If your
company has paint, lighter fluid, batteries, mercury thermometers, or excess propane tanks,
contact Mr. Ray Parrott, USCC S4 and schedule a pick-up for disposal.
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Do not throw out your printers, computers, stereo equipment, or refrigerators whether they
work or not! The USCC S4 has the capability to dispose of electronic waste is an appropriate manner. Mr. Ray Parrott, USCC S4, will accept electronic waste in Ike Barracks Room
E35. Please coordinate with him before dropping off items!
Broken Furniture
Periodically the USCC S4 will coordinate for 30 foot containers to be placed in key locations
such as Central Area for the purpose of furniture collection. Please do not throw furniture
out in the regular trash - wait for these containers. Please be sure to place only furniture in
these containers when available. They are not for trash!!
Reusable Items
Items that can be reused such as clean clothes, uniforms, or electronics can also be turned in to
the USCC S4 in Ike Barracks Room E35. Please coordinate with Mr. Ray Parrott prior to drop
off. You will also have the opportunity to exchange items in the Cadet Swap Meet in April.
Top Company Award - Environmental Sustainability
Starting in Academic Year 2012-2013, the top cadet company in the
area of environmental sustainability (recycling, water use efficiency,
energy conservation) will receive a green streamer and recognition
at the Brigade Level.
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Opportunities to Learn More...
The Environmental Science Major
Environmental science is a broad, integrative, science-based discipline which focuses on the interrelationships between people and the environment. Environmental scientists conduct investigations to analyze these interrelationships and to identify, abate, or eliminate human-caused pressures on the environment. The ultimate goal of these investigations is to create a sustainable
balance between humans and the natural world that minimizes environmental degradation. This major develops expertise into the processes that sustain our environment by
expanding upon the West Point core science education by
adding studies in the natural sciences such as biology, ecology, geology, and meteorology, and in the integrative studies of environmental decision making and environmental security. This broad academic background is excellent preparation for challenges faced by a military
leader who must balance resource and human requirements. The program seeks to (1) enhance your
curiosity about natural processes and your ability to study such processes as a scientist and (2) deepen
your knowledge of human influences on the environment and foster evaluation of our individual and
collective responsibilities as environmental stewards.
The Environmental Engineering Major
Environmental engineers face a range of issues from disasters like air pollution from the terrorist attack on the
World Trade Towers or drinking water contamination
following the earthquake in Haiti. Environmental engineers use chemical, biological, and physical processes to
engineer systems that address these issues. This discipline is evolving to face new challenges resulting from
rapid growth in human population and technology. Environmental engineers work in multinational teams to develop methods to combat global climate change; find
alternative sources of energy; and to recover materials
from discarded products. It is not surprising that a report
in Fortune Magazine identified environmental engineering as the fastest growing profession for the period
2002 to 2012. Our program provides you with an active learning experience designed to develop your
knowledge of math, science, and engineering science
and your ability to use this knowledge to be an active
problem solver for complex environmental issues. This
skill has been invaluable to our graduates in the Army as they work environmental projects in Iraq and Afghanistan and improve the welfare of their soldiers.
For More Information Contact Dr. Marie Johnson at [email protected]
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Ways to Get Involved...
Engineers and Scientists for a Sustainable World
Engineers and Scientists for a Sustainable World (ESSW) is a cadet-led club whose purpose is to help
people and the environment through service-based projects at West Point and the local area. Recent
service projects include developing a rain-harvesting system in Yonkers, expanding biodiversity through
planting flowers at the Orange County Arboretum (see picture), and annually participating in Recycle
Mania. ESSW also works hand-in-hand with the Energy and Environmental Chain of Command to solve
environmental issues in the Corps of Cadets. ESSW is open for all to join - not just environmental engineers
and scientists. If you are interested in helping the environment at West Point and in the Corps of Cadets,
please sign-up!
Volunteer!
Become the Energy & Environmental
Officer for your company, or ask to
help them out!
―By becoming an environmental model in energy conservation, recycling and
preserving biodiversity, we mimic those self-perpetuating natural ecosystems –
forests, meadows, and wetlands – that have survived for many thousands of
years.‖
- William A. Niering
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Special Thanks To:
The Energy and Environment Chain of Command
The Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering
The West Point Energy Council
MWR Recycling at West Point
Edited By MAJ Andrew Pfluger, G&EnE
Contributing Authors:
Dr. Marie Johnson, G&EnE
LTC Mark Smith, G&EnE
Mr. Stan Brown, MWR Recycling
Mr. Ray Parrott, USCC S4
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