Geothermal

Geothermal heat pumps use the earth as a heat source in the winter and as a heat storage
source in the summer.

Ascension Hall and Twelve Oaks Hall, the two newest residence halls, are the second
largest hybrid geothermal system for heating and cooling in the United States and
are the first of its kind in the state. This system is projected to reduce energy
costs by more than 50 percent, and will also serve as a learning laboratory for real-world
experiences for Southeastern students in various disciplines. Our hybrid geothermal
system counts with 220 wells at 300′ underground. More about our geothermal dorms »

 

Solar Panels

We use solar panels to harness the sun’s power and reduce our reliance on the energy
grid. By measuring their energy output, we’ve learned that many of the systems will
pay for themselves in as little as five years. Currently, we have four photovoltaic
systems to generate electricity located at Financial AID, the horticulture center,
the physical plant, and the Sustainability Center. We also have five solar thermal
panels designed for heating.  The biggest one is located atop the kinesiology building
using the heat to warm the pool and is supplying warm water for the Nursing Department
located nextdoor. At the biology building and the horticulture center, we have passive
systems that are used to warm our greenhouses- keeping our plants alive. At Cardinal
Newman Hall the system provides warm water to our students to take showers and regular
uses. At the Sustainability Center, we have one for education and demonstration. Funded
through the Student Technology Fee, these are also used for student education.   More about our solar panels »

 

Sustainability Center

A state -of-the-art the outreach center is an educational learning experience designed
to introduce sustainable initiatives including a geothermal heating and cooling system,
solar thermal panels, solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, biomass electrical
generator, and water reclamation ponds. Students experience an introduction to sustainable
practices, LEED program, and view firsthand the functional concepts of these efforts.
 Visitors venture into a nonconventional, energy-neutral classroom and delve into
the internal workings of each renewable-energy system. This space is air-conditioned
with a pond-loop geothermal system and utilizes captured rainwater to irrigate landscape
beds and flush the toilet. Sustainability Center is also the site of the Southeastern
Community Garden maintained by various student organizations. More about our sustainability center »

 

Recycling

We reduced the number of dumpsters on campus by 20 percent thanks to new recycling
bins that accept paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, steel, and tin.  Green recycling
bins are located on most floors of campus buildings for your convenience. Many are
situated near printers or copiers to collect paper. Since paper is part of our single-stream
recycling program, plastic bottles and metal cans may also be placed in these bins.
There are also 60 blue outdoor recycling bins on campus. More about our recycling program »

 

Water Stations

We are working arduously to reduce our impact on the environment, improve our student
health habits, and reduce our cost of recycling. Keep them hydrate.  One way to contribute
to a more sustainable campus is through utilizing campus water refill stations. These
filling stations have already made a massive impact on plastic bottle reduction and
a great impression with everyone using refillable bottles.  This method positively
impacts the recycling program and reduces unsightly litter by reducing labor needs
and beautifying our campus.

The sustainability center partner with several campus units and organizations, including
Sims library, Student Engagement ,Health Center, Southeastern Foundation, Business
department, Wesley Foundation, and Reconnect giving away water bottles. The campaign
“I Choose to reuse” encourage the student and faculty to reuse water bottles and reduce
the plastic at college. REFILL-REDUCE-REUSE More about our water stations program »

 

Energy Management System

Physical Plant staff can simultaneously view and control the HVAC performance in most
buildings on Southeastern’s main campus, reducing energy consumption and generating
significant savings. The online system displays the control system, energy use and
savings so that staff, students and visitors can observe the system’s benefits first-hand.