Stoppe Management Services, Inc. Promotes "Going Green"

Plymouth State University is a campus known for various green initiatives and commitment to decreasing its carbon footprint. Such actions as placing recycling receptacles all across campus, joining the President's Climate Commitment in 2007, an initiative that puts an emphasis on the sustainability of a campus and the environmental awareness of its students, and building Langdon Woods residence hall to U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards have set PSU apart in the cause to "Go Green".

These environmentally friendly changes, however, are not present solely on campus.  PSU alumnus Don Stoppe, owner of Stoppe Management Services, Inc. on 40 Highland Street, is a business man committed to the green cause. Mr. Stoppe owns real estate on a number of streets surrounding the PSU campus, and most of these dwellings have been revisited and revamped to make them more energy efficient.

The simplest changes that have been made are things that homeowners everywhere can take advantage of and invest in, for the payoff of a lower oil bill. Stoppe Management re-insulated the walls of their houses, basements, attics, and pipes, replaced windows with new thermo pane glass, put "wind shells" around the houses (further insulation of the walls), and even installed new, more efficient heating systems.

Stoppe says it is a goal of his to "make people more comfortable with less oil." As the price of oil spiked over the last few years, Stoppe was inspired to make a change and, among other things, decided to put in his hand at harnessing the power of the sun.  

"The people who invest in solar panels encourage others to do the same, which aids in the promotion and further development of solar technology," remarks Stoppe when discussing energy efficiency supported by the Obama energy initiatives. Even the surrounding community of Plymouth gets involved with this cause. The Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative helps community members receive grants for solar panels, and even help install said panels without the extra cost of having to bring in a company to install them.

"Solar panels are expensive, but not magic." By this, Stoppe comments on the fact that normal plumbing parts are used in the installation of solar panels, and if one utilizes their own crew to carry out the job, the very expensive middle man can be eliminated.

Stoppe was equally as passionate about introducing his tenants and the community to single stream recycling. This program was enforced during the 2010 fall semester, and by last Christmas, Stoppe had set up four recycling centers (consisting of a traditional dumpster and a dumpster specifically for recyclables). Presently, there are eight of these centers located throughout the various properties that Stoppe owns.

Single stream recycling acquired more participants than traditional recycling because the glasses, plastics, and cardboard, etc., do not need to be separated. That separation is done at the plant. Also, if a tenant chooses not to recycle, that is their choice, but will not ruin the program for those who do recycle. However, it is Stoppe's goal "to have everyone participate."

Indeed, this trend has had an impact on other realty management companies because, according to Stoppe, after students began asking whether or not single stream recycling was offered, businesses such as Fox Park Apartments and Off Campus Rentals offered it as well. Stoppe wants students to speak up and "say they want it (single stream recycling programs), and to participate because it's the right thing to do."

"Each year our company picks a project to take on, whether it's replacing windows or installing solar panels," says Stoppe, and it is his hope to continue installing solar panels onto the southern facing roofs of his apartments on Russell Street.

Stoppe even received some other ideas about making his apartments more energy efficient from the sign right outside of the PSU Ecohouse. This perfectly demonstrates the harmony that is so sought after between campus community and town community. Various things can be learned from the other and, in turn, both can work together to make the town and campus a more efficient and environmentally friendly place.