A-B Tech always aims to conserve energy and store water wherever possible. Solar Panels, EV car charging stations, LED lights in buildings, and building repairs all exist because of this commitment to saving energy and protecting buildings and property from erosion.
Energy Saving
- Solar Panels (Buildings)
Roof-top solar panels provide additional energy in support of college operations. Solar Panels are on many Victoria Road campus buildings including The Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center, Magnolia, Bailey, Birch, Locke, Allied Health, Coman, Ferguson, and Hemlock. Solar panels were installed and maintained in partnership with Buncombe County. - Solar Panels (Tables)
Solar Panel tables provide shade and electrical options for students wanting to study or participate in online classes outside on this beautiful campus. - Solar Panel tables are located on the Victoria Road Campus:
- In front of the Locke Library (15 Tech Drive)
- In front of the Mission Conference Center (16 Fernihurst Drive)
- In front of the Dogwood Building (9 Student Circle)
- EV Charging Stations
Electronic vehicle charging stations can be found in the ATM parking lot on the Victoria Road campus.
- LED Lights in Buildings
7,000 incandescent and fluorescent lamp fixtures have been replaced, saving $90,000 annually in direct energy costs. - Bike Lanes and Bike Racks
Bike lanes exist on most of the roads on campus. Bike racks are located close to most campus buildings. - Cardboard Recycling
Corrugated cardboard should be flattened and placed next to the black (landfill waste) and blue (recycle) bins for collection. Cardboard that is not contaminated with food particles is recycled in a dumpster on campus. This cardboard is picked up by a local business that compensates the College by weight for the recycled cardboard. Funds received from this recycling effort support additional sustainability projects on campus.
Water Projects
Weed Control
A-B Tech implemented a new, environmentally friendly weed control technology on the Asheville campus in 2022. FoamStream By WeedingTech is an herbicide-free weed killer that uses an application of hot water mixed with plant oils and sugar. The system helps “kill unwanted plants, fungus, algae” via a pressure washer/boiler that heats water to 200-230 degrees. This heated water plus plant oils and sugar, forms a foam cover that boils plant tissues and destroys seeds in the area. Presently, some of the water is being sourced from the rain barrels that collect water from the gutters at the Chestnut building.
Stormwater Management
A-B Tech has participated in multiple stormwater management projects over the years. Some of the latest projects are below:
- In 2023, the College partnered with RiverLink to design and plan for stormwater control measures that will include rain gardens, bioretention cells, and a regenerative stormwater conveyance to filter sediment and capture runoff. Construction is to begin in 2024. During the project, RiverLink is expected to provide workforce development opportunities using applied concepts with A-B Tech Students. The final project will benefit the students involved with the hands-on training, the College grounds on Victoria Road, and the neighboring Southside community, and will help to increase the health of the French Broad River.
- Also in 2023, A-B Tech launched a comprehensive stormwater management master plan using Article 46 (sales tax) funds, along with grant funds from the Source Grant Program and the Pigeon River Fund.
The State of North Carolina Solid Waste Management Act highlights the responsibilities of employees and departments with respect to the reduction of waste and the utilization of recycling services. What follows below are excerpts from this document.
Excerpts
Provision of Recycling for all State Employees: The State agency, including the General Assembly, the General Court of Justice, and The University of North Carolina shall establish a program…for the collection of all recyclable materials generated in State offices throughout the State. The program shall provide that recycling containers are readily accessible on each floor where State employees are located in a building occupied by a State agency… The program shall be designed and implemented to achieve the maximum feasible reduction of solid waste generated as a result of agency operations.
Purchasing Requirements: "It is the purpose of this Part [§ 130A-309.06] to…give the State a leadership role in recycling efforts by granting a preference in State purchasing to products with recycled content.”
- Any State agency… that is using State funds, or any person contracting with any agency with respect to work performed under contract, shall procure products of recycled steel if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
- The product must be acquired competitively within a reasonable time frame.
- The product must meet appropriate performance standards.
- The product must be acquired at a reasonable price.
- All State agencies…are required to procure compost products when they can be substituted for, and cost no more than, regular soil amendment products, provided the compost products meet all applicable engineering and environmental quality standards, specifications, and rules.
Report Printing: The Department of Administration shall develop a model report for reports published by any State agency, the General Assembly,… or The University of North Carolina. This model report shall satisfy the following:
- Made from recycled paper and materials
- Be recyclable
- Printed on both sides of the paper
- State publications that are of historical and enduring value and importance to the citizens of North Carolina shall be printed on alkaline (acid-free) paper according to G.S. 125-11.13.