Western Illinois University’s Physical Plant; environmental advocate for the University

Western Illinois University Physical Plant’s mission is to maintain and enhance the campus physical environment in support of academic and other related functions of the university.

Charles G. Darnell, Jr. is the Director of Western Illinois University Physical Plant. Darnell’s role is to design standards, environmental regulatory and code compliance, and maintenance operations.

“I have many diverse obligations and responsibilities.” Darnell says.

With the cooperation and dedication of his staff, Darnell is committed to remaining true to the Physical Plant’s mission.

“I can say that the University is truly blessed to have so many supportive and exceedingly competent Physical Plant staff members among its 300+ full-time employees.” Darnell says.

Western Illinois University Physical Plant is dedicated to refuse and recycling. With its contract with Waste Management, Inc. Western Illinois University is a strong advocate for recycling. Bridgeway, a local service organization, processes recycled material. The Physical Plant, along side with various departments on campus, plays huge roles in refuse systems and recycling on campus.

“Additionally, our campus Sustainability coordinator works closely with campus departments, Housing and Dining Services, and with Physical Plant Building Services on continuing initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling diversion rates on campus.” Darnell says.

Also part of the Physical Plants responsibility is deal with regulatory challenges that exist to the campus’s building structures. Western Illinois University has buildings that were constructed in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s and throughout the century. With times changing and different construction regulations being developed and used, the Physical Plant has to keep the campus up to the current codes.

“Most public school like WIU consists of buildings that were constructed in nearly every decade from the early 1900’s through present day. With changes in building materials, construction processes, engineering procedures, structural, electrical, and mechanical system technologies, as well as evolution building codes and environmental regulation, regulatory challenges are a major part of a Physical Plant’s day-to-day responsibilities.” Darnell says.

Darnell even pays attention to the elements that are beyond the Physical Plants control. Weather is something that effects the campus and the Physical Plant is aware of this issue.

“In addition to several strong thunderstorms and ice storms that have damaged campus trees and caused minor damage to a few buildings, campus snow and ice removal accomplished by Physical Plant is always a pressing and sometime controversial issue between the months of November and March.” Darnell says.

The Physical Plant is also aware of wildlife that effects the environment on campus. Various birds, deer, and raccoons can be found around campus. Sometimes these animals can damage property and plants.

“We do have some wildlife issues on campus such as feral cats, deer that can be destructive to campus planting, birds that roost on historical buildings like Sherman, and inquisitive raccoons that have dined on electrical wiring under the hoods of our State vehicles.” Darnell adds.

Even though the Physical Plant does dedicate its time to keeping the campus clean and pleasant, Darnell still urges students and factuality to do their part. Their cooperation seems small but can offer a big help.

“I would hope that people who are prone to littering would take the time to find one of the numerous trash receptacles located through out campus, many within only a few paces of where the litter is ultimately thrown.” Darnell says.

Darnell is proud of the work that he does with the Physical Plant, but he attributes everything to the dedication of his staff. Through the Physical Plant, Western Illinois University is growing towards becoming a more environmentally safe place.