2008 Woodie Awards
School strives to stay greener
AMANDA WOODRUFF
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: News
The University may approve 85 percent of Water Conservation Task Force recommendations to save water, President Michael F. Adams said Thursday.
Adams spoke to more than 100 members of the Academy of the Environment on University sustainability.
"Sustainability is not a special interest, not a minority interest," Adams said. "We have made great strides. We have faculty members and students doing exceptional work."
Drought and rising energy costs pressure the University to fund conservation projects.
The University recycles 17 percent of waste, and transportation services feature more than 400 vehicles powered by bio-diesel fuel, but Adams said, "it's not good enough."
With the threat of a prolonged drought, the University has an opportunity "to lead" other institutions in its efforts to maintain sustainability, Adams said.
Water usage declined 10 percent by October, Adams said, but the University will not seek exemptions from water restrictions.
Other outlets in sustainability include reducing water use in University research labs. Research accounts for 31 percent of total water use - five times residence halls, Adams said.
Tate II construction drove students to protest for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, but Adams said without certification, it still will be the "greenest building on campus."
New construction will take issues of environmental welfare into account.
"We hope the University gets a little bit better and a little bit greener every day," he said.
Adams spoke to more than 100 members of the Academy of the Environment on University sustainability.
"Sustainability is not a special interest, not a minority interest," Adams said. "We have made great strides. We have faculty members and students doing exceptional work."
Drought and rising energy costs pressure the University to fund conservation projects.
The University recycles 17 percent of waste, and transportation services feature more than 400 vehicles powered by bio-diesel fuel, but Adams said, "it's not good enough."
With the threat of a prolonged drought, the University has an opportunity "to lead" other institutions in its efforts to maintain sustainability, Adams said.
Water usage declined 10 percent by October, Adams said, but the University will not seek exemptions from water restrictions.
Other outlets in sustainability include reducing water use in University research labs. Research accounts for 31 percent of total water use - five times residence halls, Adams said.
Tate II construction drove students to protest for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, but Adams said without certification, it still will be the "greenest building on campus."
New construction will take issues of environmental welfare into account.
"We hope the University gets a little bit better and a little bit greener every day," he said.
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