Gold + Blue = Green at West Virginia University this fall, as Facilities Managementbetter known as theGreen Teamkicks off a major conservation awareness campaign designed to enhance the environment as well as the Universitys pocketbook.

WE CAN ,or WVU Environmental Conservation Awareness Now, takes the Universitys recycling efforts a step further by challenging building occupantsemployees and students aliketo not only continue to utilize the convenient recycling bins (for paper, plastic, glass, aluminum) located in most campus buildings, but to also turn off every personal computer, copier, laser printer and light switch as they leave offices, classrooms and residence halls.

To mark the effort, WVU Facilities Management officials will be passing out light switch covers, computer mouse pads and wristbands to students and employees from 10 a.m.-1p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, in the Mountainlair Vandalia Lounge as the University community gears up for the fall semester.

Many people dont realize it, but every classroom light left on costs $65 a year, every personal computer left on costs $25.14 per year, every copier left on costs $11.43 per year and so on,said Lisa Saurborn of Facilities Management.If you multiply those by the estimated number of lights and equipment left on each day, it adds up.

Potential energy savings from turning off electronics and lights alone could be in excess of $780,000 a year, she said.

I am proud that West Virginia University is taking the lead in educating students and employees about conservation efforts,said Vice President for Administration and Finance Narvel Weese.Our recruiting theme this year revolves around `Starting Herewhether its your education, your profession or a new initiativeso what better way to start educating the conservationists of the future about the environment and being a good citizen than through this effort.

Saurborn and herGreen Teamhave been taking the message to the entire University family this summer, talking to students and parents at New Student Orientation and working the message into required University 101 classes and residence hall programming. Employees are hearing about the program through Faculty Senate, Staff Council and campus communication vehicles. A special WVU Web site is also being developed as a gateway to campus environmental efforts. The site, www.wecan.wvu.edu , is expected to go live soon.

Sustainability is one of Facilities Managements top priorities, said Barb Angeletti, WVU s recycling coordinator, andWE CAN expands the divisions efforts already under way such as recycling bins in campus buildings and at the football stadium; the spring Blue and Gold Mine Sale; reducing heat islands with landscaping; optimizing HVAC energy performance systems; using low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints and carpets; utilizing natural light and thermal pane windows; introducinggreen rooftechnologies and othergreen buildingdesigns to new and renovated facilities (such as renovated Brooks Hall); and partnering with Siemens to reduce energy and water usage.

WE CAN game-day recycling has also expanded to include other major campus events that draw large crowds such as the FanFest pep rally, FallFest concert, Family Weekend tailgate and others.

WE CAN is co-sponsored by Facilities Management, WVU Student Government Association and WVU Center for Civic Engagement.

Its great to be a part of a more environmentally friendly campus,said David Kirkpatrick, SGA president.`Going greenisnt just a buzz word at WVU . Were serious about preserving the environment.