TEXAS STATE IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST HUMAN POWERED GYM… AND ALL THANKS TO THEIR GREEN FUND!
At Texas State, the student leaders recently used funds from the Environmental Service Fee to install a series of elliptical machines in the rec center that actually produce energy for the campus grid while students work out!
Here are a few examples from the nearly 100 campuses where Green Funds already exist:
- Installation of wind turbines and/or solar panels on campus
- Energy efficiency retrofits of existing buildings and campus structures
- Implementation or expansion of recycling programs on campus
- Establishing a campus bike-share programs
- Supporting community and on-campus gardens and greenhouses
- Sponsoring a reusable mug program for campus vendors
- Installation of composting facilities on campus
- Student and faculty-led research on potential sustainability improvements
- Increasing local and organic food options in campus dining halls
- Implementing the use of 100% recycled paper for the entire campus
- Establishing a Sustainability Director/Coordinator post
- geothermal power system for the student union
- Funding peer-to-peer conservation and efficiency awareness competitions
- Installation of waterless urinals in campus buildings
- Installation of new energy-metering equipment on campus buildings
- Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits for renewable campus power
- Assisting in the purchase of electric vehicles for campus fleet
- Distribution of reusable bags for campus dining/shopping
- Construction of pervious pavement and water-efficient irrigation systems
- Supporting installations of recycled-material sculptures on campus
- Installation of efficient surge protectors in campus residence halls
- Installation of motion-sensor lighting in campus offices
- Construction of biodiesel processor on campus
- Granting awards to students, staff, or faculty committed to the environment
- Student/faculty-led habitat restoration and endangered species surveys
- Funding environmental awareness campaigns on campus
- Reducing “junk-mail” in campus mail services
- Installation of low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators
- Funding student environmental organizations
- Installation of “shower-minders” to notify users of water consumption
- Distribution of fume-hood sash stickers
- Replacing hazardous organic solvents in campus science labs
- Funding campus environmental or sustainability resource centers
- Production of sustainability-focused documentaries
- Establishment of laboratory equipment exchanges to reduce waste
- Funding on-campus CarShare programs
- Funding student internships in selected campus departments and offices
- Creation of campus “dashboard” energy management systems
Great post. I find this to be a really fascinating topic and you put a new spin on it for me. Thanks!
This is a great thing to stumble upon. There are always so many things to do in a day, that being eco friendly often get put off. When you actually think of it, it should be part of every day life and not a burden.