Some local colleges are replacing high-watt light bulbs, computerizing their heating systems and opting to use alternative power — all in the name of "going green."

John Colarusso, director of maintenance and technical operations at Millersville University, said MU, over the past several years, has initiated a variety of measures to conserve energy and reduce fossil-fuel consumption.

The school's latest and largest effort along those lines came during the construction of Stayer Hall, MU's new $12 million education building.

The building, which opened last fall, is a U.S. Green Building Council official "green building." USGBC, according to its Web site, is "a nonprofit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices."

Colarusso said there are a number of ways to conserve energy in large buildings such as Stayer Hall.

"There are so many things, such as the positioning of a building so it gets maximum sunlight," Colarusso said recently.

Other energy-saving steps the school is taking include turning off vending-machine lights during late-night or early-morning hours.

"You'd be surprised, but (vending machines) burn a lot of energy," Colarusso said. "So we shut down the lights when there is little traffic. Why have a light on full blast?"

MU also requires janitors and other maintenance staff to use cleaning products that minimize harm to the environment.

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Another area school that's adopting environmentally friendly practices is Franklin & Marshall College.

The school is planning to reduce water consumption, said Maria Cimilluca, director of facilities and operations, by replacing faucets and shower heads with low-flow versions.

F&M also has asked its food-service contractor to buy fruit and vegetables primarily from local growers and supply biodegradable forks, spoons and knives.

"For me, it's about sustainability," Cimilluca said. "We want to nurture the local economy, so we buy goods from local vendors. Smaller farmers also don't use as many pesticides. It's good because buying local means it's not necessary to ship things."

The college also is purchasing wind power, an alternative source of energy.

Last year, F&M President John A. Fry signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, which promotes the use of clean energy and the reduction of pollution on college campuses. The commitment has gathered nearly 500 signatories since 2006.

In November, F&M received a $202,423 state Harvest Energy grant to build a 26.6-kilowatt solar photovoltaic cell system to convert the sun's energy into electricity. The system's solar panels will be installed on top of the Hackman Physical Science building.

F&M also has completed an in-house study to determine how its operations contribute to the proliferation of greenhouse gases, widely believed to be a main contributor to global warming. Pending results, the school will begin creating a new energy plan.

Cimilluca said the school's efforts to make large and permanent changes in energy conservation are in the early stages, but will be evident by this time next year.

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Back at Millersville University, many energy-saving modifications already have been put into place.

Most building thermostats on campus are controlled by computer and cannot be adjusted manually, Colarusso said.

Since coming to MU four years ago, Colarusso said, he hasn't seen an increase in the university's electric bill, which comes in at about $275,000 a month.

He said that amount actually reflects a savings, however, because the school has completed many renovation and expansion projects during that time.

"Every time we renovate a building on campus, we run natural gas lines to get off of electric," Colarusso said. "All the dorms now have gas heat."

The college, Colarusso said, also has "relamped" all light fixtures on campus with energy-efficient T8 fluorescent lighting tubes instead of 40-watt tubes.

Last year, energy service provider NORESCO surveyed nine buildings on the MU campus to see how they could be run more efficiently.

The company estimated it would cost $2 million to make upgrades.

The survey was part of a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education program through which the university is guaranteed reimbursement for its investments based on dollars saved through energy efficiency.

Colarusso said going green takes a lot of work, but it's worth it.

"It's important to students, and it's important to the community," Colarusso said.

MU senior Doug Robinson, president of the school's Geography Club, said his group is committed to conserving energy.

Robinson said the club runs environmentally conscientious fundraisers, such as sending old ink cartridges and cell phones to Cartridges for Kids, a nationwide program that pays cash for recyclable items.

The club also is planning a "lights out" night during which all unnecessary lights in campus buildings will be turned off for one hour and students will be encouraged not to use computers or watch TV.

Robinson said he believes reducing energy use is important.

"I feel like we could be doing more to help future generations," Robinson said.

E-mail: mpennino@lnpnews.com