College Green Initiatives

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by Jacinda Garabito/ James Sielaff Photojournalist

Story Created: Jul 24, 2012 at 10:22 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2012 at 11:31 PM EDT

Local colleges and universities are thinking outside the box when it comes to going green.

At UNC Charlotte students are working hard building a highly energy-efficient home.  Architecture student Corinne Bridges says their design will compete nationally in the 2013 Solar Decathlon, "We're building a completely sustainable house that is going to be powered by the sun and is going to adapt to our environment."

Classmate Preston Finnie says it could eventually save you money,"We're aiming to cut annual electrical energy usage by 60% per square foot. In terms of a standard house we'd be cutting your energy bill by 60%."

Sustainability Coordinator David Jones says this year freshmen will receive aluminum water bottles to use at hydration stations,"Hopefully reducing the need to buy bottled water on campus.

At Davidson, Sustainability Dellow Allison Dulin says their newest program places students in  organizations around charlotte,"Whether students are working in skyscrapers in center city or community gardens in food deserts. Student are constantly applying their knowledge from the class to make a meaningful difference in the community."

Allison says Davidson also has a green way to keep tech devises charged, "This solar cart can be rolled around campus or to the farmers market or to local schools and it charges cell phones or laptops. It can power speakers for events."

What is CPCC doing? Glad you asked, they rolled out a high energy improvement project last fall that is expected to reduce energy use by at least 20% annually."

Buildings on campus are also connected to a central plant that supplies chilled and hot water, instead of each building having its own.

 

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