Items no longer needed in Jones Science and Ivers have been given away, sold and recycled.
“Just because we don’t need it, doesn’t mean something is useless,” says Samantha Hill, sustainability coordinator. “If we can find another home for something, it saves resources and keeps piles from the landfill.”
Items like office furniture, shelving and cabinets were first offered to other Concordia departments. Facilities staff stripped the older buildings of small pieces, such as doorknobs, shelving and mechanical valves, which could be used for future campus needs.
Once campus needs were considered, area high schools and community groups were invited to take items.
After that, furnishings were sold by silent auction. An auction in December raised $1,799, which was donated to United Way of Cass-Clay. A second silent auction wrapped up Jan. 12.
Other items have been collected and recycled. The college recycled 50,000 pounds of steel and other metal from the buildings and just under 2,000 pounds of higher quality brass and bronze.
“It’s encouraging to see how much everyone is onboard with this,” Hill says.
Jones and Ivers have now been vacated for demolition and abatement. Construction will begin this spring. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2017.
Sustainability has been a key consideration through the building design process for the new science complex. The college is striving for LEED Silver certification.