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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/4/06 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
September 28, 2006 UWGB envisions fossil-fuel-free campus School sets 5-year goal for energy independence By Kelly McBride
UWGB is one of four UW System schools to participate in a pilot program that would make them "energy independent," or able to produce or acquire renewable energy equivalent to the amount they consume.
Gov. Jim Doyle and UW System President Kevin Reilly introduced the initiative during a Wednesday morning news conference at UWGB. The program is a step forward for the UW System and for the state, Doyle said.
"With ongoing increases in the cost of energy, now is the time for Wisconsin to take control of our energy future," he said.
Details of how the campuses plan to ditch fossil fuels have yet to be solidified.
Still, it's a timely idea, said university senior Crystal Osman, an environmental science and environmental policy major. The focus on renewable energy is increasing nationwide, she said.
UWGB's total energy bill is about $2.6 million annually, said Dean Rodeheaver, assistant chancellor for planning and budget. The near-term investment in and savings from the renewable energy efforts are not yet known.
While the changes will take some initial investment, state and university officials are optimistic it will pay off. The switch to renewable energy will save 260,000 tons of coal and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 676,000 tons over 10 years, according to estimates from Doyle's office.
UWGB Chancellor Bruce Shepard heralded the plan Wednesday as a solid next step for a campus that was founded on environmental principles. Student ingenuity will help the university formulate a plan of action, he added.
UW-Oshkosh, UW-River Falls and UW-Stevens Point also will participate in the renewable energy initiative.
The office of Doyle's gubernatorial challenger, Rep. Mark Green, R-Hobart, on Wednesday called Doyle's priorities into question.
"Perhaps the governor should spend more time worrying about how to make our UW schools more affordable for Wisconsin families who have watched tuition skyrocket by 50 percent in the last four years," Green spokesman Luke Punzenberger said.
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