North Carolinians spent $23.2 billion on energy in 2004 - 7% of total state economic activity.
$16 billion of this was shipped to other states/nations...to benefit their economies.
The UNC system is the single largest user of electricity and water in NC (70%-80% of state government energy use is by UNC institutions - almost $14 million a month for power and water in FY 05-06).
What steps should the University take to be a leader in conservation? Should they? If so, how can those steps be applied to different regions of the state? Are there other opportunities for the University to take the lead in energy use, consumption and/or technological advancements?
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You see signs and flyers about "click" off the lights and such outside of classrooms and on the walls around campus, but they get about as much attention as all the other flyer's - which isn't very much.
Most apartment complexes make residents pay for overage on the power bills and that is pretty motivating for me to shut off my stuff as well as forgetful roommates lights. Dorms and places like UT should adopt this principle. As for places on campus, they should make the authorities accountable for turning off all electrical equipment that they use. It wouldn't be right to hold them financially accountable for turning them off, but make it job to reinforce that they must shut off lights, computers ect.
I can think of 2 no-brainer ways to save energy:
1. Most UNC students are commuters, so more telecommuting technology should greatly reduce gas used to drive to campus.
2. Like all universities, UNC is growing, so every effort to build energy-efficient additions/renovations based on cost/benefit analysis.
Perhaps including energy costs into each departments budget will incent them to find creative ways to lower costs?
At the last institution I worked there were contests every semester for the best ideas for saving energy as well as prizes for departments or offices that could demonstrate the greatest reduction in ebergy use. Things like free lunch coupons were given as prizes. Sounds simple, but making a contest out of something often works to motivate people, just for the fun of it.
Another idea- low flush toilets in all the buildings, including dorms.
Turn the water pressure down in all showers and other water facilities.
{{wow, that's very tasty I think
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