PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Emerald Energy
Emerald Energy is a sustainable alternative offered by for recycling biological waste. Instead of going into a landfill, this waste is sent to a specialized combustion chamber that heats boilers to produce steam. The steam rises and is captured by a turbine which generates electricity that is exported to the local power grid. Excess steam is condensed and returned to the boilers, creating a closed-loop. Any material not fully combusted results in ash that can be reused to make concrete, roadbed, or other building materials.
What waste can go into Emerald Energy?
Emerald Energy is non-hazardous waste only. Oftentimes, instructional labs will produce waste that is not contaminated with any hazardous materials or infectious agents. While this waste could technically go into regular trash, it might raise some red flags because it looks like lab debris with no visual way of confirming that it is non-hazardous. For this reason, SH&S manages this waste instead of Facility Services. However, by separating this from actual biological waste (i.e., red bag waste), it reduces disposal costs and energy that would be used for treatment.
Emerald Energy Requirements
- To implement Emerald Energy in your lab, please contact SH&S for a consultation.
- Bins designated for Emerald Energy waste must be labeled with appropriate signage.
- Trash bags used for Emerald Energy must be clear and 1.5 mil thickness.