In the University's latest effort to go green, students receiving their undergraduate degrees this May will don caps and gowns made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
The eco-friendly gowns, which mark the first change to the University's Commencement garb in about 25 years, are virtually indistinguishable in color, feel or fit from traditional polyester material. The only features not made of recycled materials are the tassel, the button on the top of the cap and the gown's zipper.
"They have so many nice attributes," said Maria Bimonte, director of shared services. "They're more comfortable, breathable and less likely to wrinkle than our old gowns. The gowns are another important part of our greater sustainability efforts. I think people will notice this and say, 'Wow! This is great.' "
The gowns, which are manufactured by Oak Hall Cap & Gown, use recycled ink and are made in the United States. Oak Hall estimates that it takes an average of 23 bottles to make each gown.
John Meriano, associate vice president for administrative services, said the University has always purchased the best possible gowns for its students--and these robes even look better than the previous ones used.
While the price of the eco-friendly gowns are expected to be approximately six percent more than the old gowns, the University anticipates continuing its tradition of covering the cost.
The gowns are just the latest step in the University's green mission. This past fall, Quinnipiac installed vertical axis wind turbines on its York Hill Campus. They generate 32,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually, while roof-top photovoltaic panels gather power from the sun, saving another 250,000 kilowatts.
In addition, Quinnipiac purchases 100 percent of electricity from renewable resources, placing it well above state and national minimum renewable energy purchase requirements.
Lighting in all residence halls has been switched from T12 to more efficient T8 bulbs and the university's ongoing "Bobcat Bulb Swap" program allows students to trade up to six fluorescent bulbs for greener, high compact fluorescent models.
Environmentally-friendly features on the University's North Haven Campus include: energy-efficient heating and cooling units and lighting fixtures; low VOC paint; Green Guard-certified carpeting and new windows with energy-saving thermal glazing.