2008 Woodie Awards
Student Association elections to include vote on Green Fund
Nik Nelson
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News
While the exact future of new on-campus housing remains to be seen, the new residence halls will most likely receive funds from the Environmental Sustainability Reserve, should its creation be approved next week.
"It's easier to incorporate [the money] into new buildings and design rather than adding something on after," said Student Association Vice President and Environmental Council member Bjorn Bergman while presenting plans for the funds to the Residence Hall Association Council. "Retrofitting current infrastructure to be more eco-friendly would be too costly and time consuming, especially when compared to the option of implementing green technologies in buildings from the outset."
The Reserve, nicknamed the "Green Fund" based on its proponents, will impose an additional $5 segregated fee each student's bill every semester. This additional fee, like every other segregated fee, would be non-refundable. A sunset clause will give students the opportunity to vote whether to continue or stop paying the fee in four years.
"Whatever the students vote is what's going to happen," Bergman said. "At no point will the administration be able to say 'I'm taking this money and spending it on buying popcorn, or something, for everyone.'"
The idea for this program came about in Fall 2007 when students from an environmental studies class approached the Environmental Council for help in creating a program like this. UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay already have similar programs in place.
While the exact allocation of the funds has not yet been determined, many have suggested installing solar hot water heaters for the dormitories. Other possible future projects include an energy audit, wind power, composting systems, and green roofs.
To cast your vote in the Student Association elections, visit the current students page on April 15 between 7am and 7pm.
"It's easier to incorporate [the money] into new buildings and design rather than adding something on after," said Student Association Vice President and Environmental Council member Bjorn Bergman while presenting plans for the funds to the Residence Hall Association Council. "Retrofitting current infrastructure to be more eco-friendly would be too costly and time consuming, especially when compared to the option of implementing green technologies in buildings from the outset."
The Reserve, nicknamed the "Green Fund" based on its proponents, will impose an additional $5 segregated fee each student's bill every semester. This additional fee, like every other segregated fee, would be non-refundable. A sunset clause will give students the opportunity to vote whether to continue or stop paying the fee in four years.
"Whatever the students vote is what's going to happen," Bergman said. "At no point will the administration be able to say 'I'm taking this money and spending it on buying popcorn, or something, for everyone.'"
The idea for this program came about in Fall 2007 when students from an environmental studies class approached the Environmental Council for help in creating a program like this. UW-Stevens Point and UW-Green Bay already have similar programs in place.
While the exact allocation of the funds has not yet been determined, many have suggested installing solar hot water heaters for the dormitories. Other possible future projects include an energy audit, wind power, composting systems, and green roofs.
To cast your vote in the Student Association elections, visit the current students page on April 15 between 7am and 7pm.
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