Bellarmine University

Bellarmine awarded Brightside award 

As originally reported in the Louisville THE COURIER-JOURNAL - NOVEMBER 10, 2010

Bellarmine University was awarded $1,492 to increase the sustainability of an existing garden plot by constructing compost bins, an earthworm enhanced composting system and rain water collection systems. These additions will reduce Bellarmine's waste stream and create fertile soil amendments.

Neighborhood groups, suburban cities, schools and nonprofit organizations apply for Brightside's NatureScape grants twice a year in hopes of getting funds for beautification projects.

The NatureScape grant program is made possible by a sponsorship from YUM! Brands, with additional funding from individual Brightside donors. Most grants are from $500 to $1,500.

Brightside created the NatureScape grant program several years ago to assist local groups with beautification and community garden projects. Brightside officials said the grants are intended primarily for projects that "green up" the community, involve partnerships and include neighborhood residents.

NatureScape grants are available for any officially recognized 501 (c) non-profit group. Groups may apply for two funding cycles in a row for a total of $3,000, but must wait for one year before applying again, so that other organizations may benefit.

BU begins construction on geothermal energy system 

By Natalie Fisher, Bellarmine Student

We recycle, we clean up campus and soon we will have our own organic garden. Bellarmine is making great strides in being a more eco-friendly campus, and the next step in the process is geothermal energy. Soon, several buildings on campus will be heated and cooled by a geothermal field located under the Frazier Hall parking lot.

Bellarmine's geothermal system will be a system of pipes under the Frazier Hall parking lot. Facilities is currently working on drilling 88 wells 500 feet into the bedrock and back up, which is why fences currently block much of Frazier's parking lot off. The Brown Activities Center, Wyatt Hall, Norton Music, Norton Fine Arts and Alumni Hall will all use the new field of geothermal power.

A rainwater collection system will also be installed on the roofs on the Brown Activities Center. The system will collect rainwater and store it in six tanks inside the BAC where the water will then be used to flush toilets and urinals in the new restrooms being installed as part of the renovation and expansion project.

Though the installation of the geothermal field is a wonderful addition to Bellarmine, it is currently limiting the already difficult parking situation. Due to the drilling, 110 spots in the Frazier parking lot are closed. However, once the 3-month project is complete, the spaces will be reopened and ready for use in the spring semester.

With the addition of geothermal energy at Bellarmine, we join the ranks of other progressive college campuses to make the switch. What could be next? A campus lit by solar-power? A Bellarmine wind farm to accompany our blossoming organic farm? Only time will tell. For now, Bellarmine can pride itself on its efforts to have less of an impact on our already burdened planet.

The entire article as published by the Bellarmine Concord