June 1, 2016
The VenDen underwent major remodeling this past year.
The VenDen underwent major remodeling this past year, and the new and improved, yet still retro feeling space is sure to be a hot spot for student activity. Incorporated into the design are multiple products and materials that are either environmentally friendly or locally produced.
Here is a list of green facts about the newly remodeled area.
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Light fixtures were replaced with high efficiency LED lights
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Lighting controls were added to decrease electricity consumption.
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The number of vending machines was reduced from 15 to 8. This reduces electricity, cooling load, and noise.
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All of the paint, primers, and coatings are Low- or No- V.O.C. (Volatile Organic Compounds), which helps protect indoor air quality.
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Many of the materials are made from natural products, some are regional, and many have recycled content. Examples include:
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Recycled coffee tables, benches, flooring, and carpet make up the furniture in the remodeled VenDen.
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The benches/coffee tables are Loll products, a Duluth company, and are made with 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) #2 plastics--mostly milk jugs.
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Marmoleum flooring is 47% recycled content, and is comprised of natural materials (linseed oil, rosin binders, wood flour, and limestone).
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Interface Carpet Tiles, which are made from 67% recycled content, and will be recycled at end-of-life (instead of sent to a landfill).
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The savings from switching to LED lights, installing lighting controls, and reducing the number of vending machines will be $7,600 annually, and with equal importance, continues to show UMD's commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly efforts.,
What makes this project special is the number of groups and organizations that were included in its design, planning, and construction. Student Life and Facilities worked together on it, and some unique student design elements were incorporated. Funds for the renovation came from Student Service Fees, Facilities Management, Student Life, Dining Services, Coca Cola campus funds, and the UMD Green Revolving Fund, which helped pay for LED lighting.