The Student Green Energy Fund is accepting ideas to match President Barack Obama’s challenge to reduce fossil fuels dependency. Projects to reduce the carbon footprint are in demand, and SGEF has money to make them happen.
So far, about $160,000 has been awarded to five SGEF projects proposed in 2012.
In the fitness center, four cycles and two elliptical machines generate kilowatt hours for the grid — with pedal power. Four self-powered treadmills use no electricity at all, replacing similar motorized equipment.
Davey Vera, a freshman majoring in accounting and working part-time at the gym, said he would like to see more green gym equipment.
“Exercising is lowering electric bills, which is better for the school,” Vera said.
Solar powered charging stations — in the form of picnic tables by the water near Coquina Hall and the library, and a bench outside of the Science and Technology building — are convenient for plugging in electronics such as cell phones and laptops while people enjoy the outdoors.
A new hybrid truck for Waterfront programs has just arrived. The truck transports people and equipment for kayak adventures, canoe trips and sailing regattas.
About 200 bright green, 25-ounce aluminum water bottles will soon be distributed to students to promote new water bottle filling stations around campus. The stations, providing filtered water, will highlight a digital display with an up-to-the-minute count of how many plastic bottles have been eliminated by the program.
Michael Leggett, SGEF committee chair and a senior majoring in environmental science and anthropology, said he expects the stations to be installed in nine buildings by the end of the spring semester.
Energy-efficient LED lighting will brighten the first floor of the parking garage in the first phase of a three-phase project. Leggett said installation is expected over the summer. Cost savings from the first phase could go toward funding phase two and LED lighting on higher floors. Further savings could help fund phase three, solar panels to provide energy for the new lighting in the garage, Leggett said.
What’s next on the green horizon depends on ideas that come rolling in over the next few weeks.
Lauren Reilly, director of sustainable initiatives for Student Government and member of the SGEF committee, said she is working on a project proposal called “Be Knowledge-A-Bull about your energy use,” related to utility submetering.
“The dashboard will be accessible via computer or smart phone and will show students how much water and energy are being used in 15-minute intervals,” Reilly said. “We will pilot this project with Davis, Coquina and Bayboro, as well as the two dorms.”
Reilly said SG is also hoping to get SGEF funds for 20 new outdoor recycling bins.
Reilly, a senior majoring in environmental science and policy, said she started working about three years ago to bring SGEF to campus by informing students and getting petitions signed. Due to efforts like hers, students voted in 2011 to pay a green energy fee of $1 per credit hour for three years.
This adds up to about $140,000 per year, said SGEF committee member Zachary Oppenheim, assistant director of campus recreation.
The SGEF committee — currently five students, two faculty and two university staff — oversees the fund, and holds open meetings at 11 a.m. Wednesdays on the second floor of the University Student Center.
“Green energy is part of the bigger picture of environmental sustainability,” said Mark Lombardi-Nelson, student body president and a junior in the entrepreneurship program. “Sustainability is always at the table in Student Government. You know you are doing the right thing — that’s what gets you up and keeps you going.”
Anyone interested in sustainability and involved with USFSP, including students, faculty and staff, can apply for funding from SGEF to establish green energy projects on campus. Funds can be used for providing clean and renewable energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing energy and waste disposal costs.
“It is important for students to be part of the process, because it is, after all, the students’ money,” said Daniel McGarigal, a senior majoring in environmental policy and member of the SGEF committee.
Proposals to the SGEF committee are due March 27 for projects to be considered this year. Instructions on submitting a proposal can be found at usfsp.edu/sgef.
