Agricultural Research & Technology Building (ARTB)

Sustainability

Conservation

LED fixtures and occupancy sensor-controlled lighting systems have been installed around the Agricultural Research and Technology Building (ARTB) to maximize energy savings with high efficiency lighting.
The Farm and Facilities maintenance team has converted to electric weed eaters and leaf blowers to reduce the use of two-stroke engines landscape management.

NWREC provides compostable tableware—as well as reusable utensils, cups and serving ware—for use with rental of the kitchen facilities for external events.
In order to minimize single use plastics in our waste stream, we request that renters not bring disposable plastic bottled water into the facilities. Water cups, pitchers, and water bottle refilling stations are readily available. The bottle refilling station installed in 2022 has saved more than 7,939 single-use plastic water bottles to date.
Mixed recycling containers and compost bins are readily available throughout the facility to maximize waste diversion. Compostable materials are carefully monitored by the farm and facilities technicians, and are processed offsite to avoid issues with chemical residues, pathogens, and weed seeds.

In an effort to support pollinators, NWREC underwent the Bee Friendly Farming certificate program provided by Pollinator Partnership. Certification requires the station engages in sustainable agricultural practices that promote, protect, and conserve pollinators including provision of forage and nesting habitats, providing access to water, and implementing integrated pest management to reduce pollinator exposure to pesticides.