10 projects will be funded by E-Center program
The 2008-2009 Sustainable CU projects have been chosen after a tough decision.
Students voted on the Sustainable CU referendum in spring 2005, which dedicates $2.80 per student per semester for on-campus projects incorporating renewable energy, energy efficiency and recycling and waste reduction.
Environmental Center Director Dave Newport said there were 20 proposed projects for spring 2008.
“This was the most applications and most creative project proposals we’ve received since Sustainable CU began,” Newport said.
Out of the 20 proposed projects, 14 were approved after the first reading and 10 after the second reading. Project applicants must present a progress report every six months to the E-Center board to show proof of progress or completion of their project.
“Project priority is subject to change because some past funded applicants have stopped construction of their project or not made enough progress for continued funding,” Newport said. “In which case, other projects from this semester will be funded.”
The 10 projects that have priority funding this semester include a sustainable toolbox, Outdoor Services E-Ride, Grab-N-Go reusable bags, Norlin Sundial Plaza paving and a Folsom Park Bike Station.
Sophomore Kyle Baker, an environmental studies major, is the primary contact for the Grab-N-Go reusable bags.
“I found out about Sustainable CU through my ENVS 3100 class and our proposal was guided by our professor,” Baker said. “There are only seven students in the class and we are split into two groups to do different sustainable projects.”
Baker, who wrote the reusable bag proposal, said their project has already been completed. Baker said that they handed out 500 nylon Grab-N-Go bags at the Cheyenne Arapahoe, Monday, using money provided to them from the program.
Baker said the goal of his group’s project is to eventually completely eliminate plastic bags on campus.
Junior Jason Buck, an environmental studies major, said he supports Sustainable CU projects.
“I’ve heard quite a bit about Sustainable CU being an environmental studies major,” Buck said. “Sustainability is a major issue at CU, we generate a lot of waste and emit a lot of emissions as a huge campus so I think anything we can do to move towards being a sustainable campus, we should do.”
Newport said the E-Center funds three programs: Sustainable CU, the Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) and the Energy and Climate Revolving Fund.
“There are only two more funding cycles of Sustainable CU because of a condition of the referendum,” he said. “After its absence, the EEF will be broadened for more innovative projects.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Heather Koski at heather.koski@colorado.edu.
