Reposted from Student Affairs.
The Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) Sustainability Board has passed a resolution recommending the installation of jet hand dryers in non-residential buildings across the main campus. The proposal aims to significantly reduce paper towel waste, lower long-term costs and align campus infrastructure with the university’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).
About the Sustainability Board
The ASUU Sustainability Board works to advance environmental initiatives that create long-term impact across campus. Through research, collaboration, and policy recommendations, student members help ensure sustainability remains part of broader institutional conversations and infrastructure decisions.
“This resolution shows that student voices can influence how our campus operates,” said Jasmine Malhi, sustainability director for ASUU. “We don’t want this to be seen as a one-time decision, but as a lasting change that becomes part of the university’s infrastructure and makes a meaningful difference for years to come.”
Looking at the bigger picture
Paper towels are currently the primary method for hand drying in campus restrooms. As enrollment grows and new buildings are added over the next decade, Sustainability Board members began asking what that means for waste generation, long-term costs, and facility maintenance.
Lifecycle assessments comparing paper towel dispensers and jet hand dryers show that dryers consume less energy per use and produce significantly lower CO₂ emissions. Peer analyses estimate that buildings operating under similar models may generate nearly 73 metric tons of paper towel waste annually in non-residential spaces.
The board also reviewed Facilities data showing that since July 2021, 1,739 restroom clogging issues—often linked to paper towel disposal—have cost approximately $317,468 in maintenance expenses.
In addition, findings from the Fall 2025 ASUU sustainability survey showed broad support for phasing in jet hand dryers, with students across colleges agreeing the shift would be a more sustainable option for the campus.
What the resolution outlines
The resolution calls for establishing a new campus design standard requiring jet hand dryers in eligible non-residential buildings. It outlines performance specifications comparable to the Dyson Airblade V, including HEPA filtration, ADA and OSHA compliance, and verified low lifecycle carbon impact. The proposal also recommends an annual review of the design standard and calls for the university to fund both the equipment and any necessary electrical upgrades associated with installation.
What’s next
The transition would not happen all at once. Instead, jet hand dryers would be incorporated over time as eligible non-residential buildings undergo renovations or new construction. By aligning the rollout with the university’s existing capital planning process, the change can be implemented gradually and thoughtfully—embedding sustainability into future upgrades rather than treating it as a standalone project.
