Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Reducing the University’s environmental footprint
|
An improvement project underway in two patio areas south of the Wright Administration Building will include new lighting, new benches and tables, curved pathways, more appealing landscaping, and an environmentally-friendly pervious concrete. The pervious concrete, a product of Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association (IRMCA), allows air and water to seep through, and contains microbes that actually filter oils, grease, metals, and fertilizers. “When rain hits regular concrete it hits it and runs off somewhere, instead of going into the roots of the trees,” Gary Burgdorf, construction administrator with the Physical Plant, said. “We have an opportunity to reintroduce water where it belongs, and it’s a whole lot better for the trees.” The pervious concrete will be sealed with soybean oil and then covered with pavers made from regular concrete. Rain water will flow down through the spaces between the pavers. “As far as the earth is concerned, the concrete will almost be invisible,” Burgdorf said. In addition to allowing water to filter through, the pervious concrete also allows water to evaporate back up and help cool the area around it. “Buildings will stay cooler and the footprint of the University stays cooler. There’s just no downside to it.” Burgdorf said he enjoys putting the University on the cutting edge of construction materials and processes. He added, “Without people like Brian Lutey of IRMCA, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to make use of environmentally-friendly products like this pervious concrete. Coming from a construction background, I think this is breakthrough stuff. The project should be complete by fall 2006. Burgdorf said, “The folks here at the Physical Plant have been very supportive. Steve Helfrich (director) and Miles Mann (assistant director) have attended training on this product, so we all know what it can do and how we can make use of it in the future.” |
Copyright © 2013 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.