About Our Projects
The Wichita State University, Environmental Finance Center (EFC) provides professional training, technical assistance and applied research to help communities effectively manage the costs of environmental protection and compliance. The EFC supports its projects and staff, almost exclusively, with restricted use funds received via grants and contracts.
Check out our resources page for an extensive list of resources and tools from past projects, EFC partners, and other information sources for public utility and environmental professionals. View our homepage for a list of current projects in our most popular project categories, such as water, solid waste management and sustainability.
Other Projects
» Local Projects
The City of Omaha Stormwater Department and the Omaha Public School District are leading the way in environmental protection and youth environmental education with their unique partnership. The WSU EFC, in partnership with the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, created tools and resources for Omaha Public School's Green Infrastructure Toolkit and Education Project.
The project included real-world guidance for stormwater load reductions for school grounds, classroom lessons that connect green infrastructure to student learning, and resources for school administrators and maintenance crews to promote and maintain projects into the future.
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When residential and industrial properties are in a floodplain, there is an increased risk of flooding, social burdens, financial hazards and adverse environmental impacts. This was the case in the Meramec Watershed in East-Central Missouri. The Environmental Finance Center conducted a cost-benefit analysis for the Lower Meramec Watershed in Missouri that showed that there is value in nature-based solutions that convert the land in the floodplain back to its most natural form. Learn More »
The EFC developed a searchable online database so that communities could match funding
options with their Meramec watershed projects. Although this tool is designed for
Meramec River initiative, it is also applicable and functional for all Missouri watershed
projects.
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» Household Hazards
This project focuses on education and community outreach regarding the use of Integrated Pest Management strategies to control pests in a way that provides and healthier environment for everyone, but is also cost-efficient and effective. Learn More »
» Air Quality
Children spend much time in daycare and schools, making it essential for these environments to be safe and healthy. Indoor air quality affects learning and school performance. This project develops a practical decision-making tool for Kansas schools and childcare facilities to address indoor air pollution, reduce respiratory diseases, increase attendance, and enhance school achievement.
It provides evidence-based tools and actions for school leaders to address rising outdoor air pollution, protecting indoor air where children learn and play. Learn More »
According to EPA’s 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes, radon causes an estimated 21,100 lung cancer deaths each year. Radon-caused cancer prevention can be simple and inexpensive. To make greater progress towards reducing the risk and costs of radon-related lung cancer Nebraska and Kansas families, the EFC will partner with local decision makers to develop a community outreach and education event that encourages medical and public health professionals to ask the Key Question: “Have you tested your home for radon?” to their patients. Learn more and access resources here.
Questions on any of our work? Looking for something? Contact us at efc@wichita.edu.