(June 12, 2014)

Centenary College Department of Public Safety goes green

SHREVEPORT, LA — The Centenary College Department of Public Safety (DPS) is taking steps to become "greener" and more sustainable with the recent purchases of an Atmospheric Water Generator and a Solar ePower CUBE, a portable solar panel generator.

water system
DPS's new Atmospheric Water Generator can produce eight gallons of water per day.

"The Atmospheric Water Generator extracts water from the humidity in the air, purifies the water through several filters, and sterilizes it with UV lights," said Sergeant Jeff Englade, Police Officer at Centenary College. "The result is pure drinking water from the air and a less humid office."

The Atmospheric Water Generator can condense and process more than eight gallons of water during the day. The officers are now using refillable BPA-free bottles to stock up on water, cutting down on wasteful plastic water bottles. On average, the department would go through a 52-pack of plastic water bottles a week to avoid dehydration while suited up and stationed outside. The generator also serves as a back up water source for the department in case of emergency.

"Our team is prepared to be fully operational in the event of a hurricane or other disaster where we would lose power and access to clean water," said Englade.

The portable solar panel generator is another piece of equipment that can help in times of emergency. Its internal battery is charged by using five fold-out solar panels that run AC, USB, or DC devices from anywhere. This allows DPS to keep their equipment fully functional to maintain a mobile command center. Another potential use of the solar panel generator is to provide energy during outdoor campus events.