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New campus sustainability initiatives give UNC a lot to celebrate today.
During Campus Sustainability Day, the University will recognize the completion of state-certified sustainable buildings, new resource conservation programs and a high rating on a sustainability report card.
"We still have a long way to go, but I think it's important to recognize how far we've come," said Cindy Shea, director of the UNC Sustainability Office, which is sponsoring the day's celebrations, including rides on Segway Personal Transporters.
Campus Sustainability Day will be under way from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Graham Memorial Hall as UNC celebrates its efforts to meet energy needs while protecting resources for the future.
The event coincides with the presentation to Chancellor James Moeser of the Sustainability Office's 2007 report, which details all campus sustainability programs.
A recent report by the Sustainable Endowments Institute also scrutinized some of the University's new or expanded sustainability programs.
The Institute released Wednesday its 2008 College Sustainability Report Card, which assesses sustainability programs at colleges nationwide with the top 200 endowments.
The report indicates that UNC has improved its efforts to create a sustainable campus, listing the University as one of 25 Campus Sustainability Leaders - the second-highest category attainable. Only six schools earned the highest rank.
The University received an overall grade of B- after poor marks in "endowment transparency" and "shareholder engagement."
But while the report card only addresses eight categories, Shea said her office looked at every program before writing its report.
She said UNC excels in many areas, such as stormwater management, recycling and transportation.
The report also praised initiatives such as UNC's water-retaining "green roofs."
These planted areas on rooftops absorb moisture to prevent runoff. The green roof atop the new FedEx Global Education Center also recycles collected rain water, which flushes the building's toilets.
UNC furthered its sustainable energy commitments when it agreed in June 2006 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 60 percent by 2050.
The Sustainability Institute's report gave UNC an A in the green building category, but Shea said she thinks the University lags behind some of its peers in this area.
Carrington Hall, completed in 2005, was the first building in the UNC-system to be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
But it is the only University building to receive this distinction so far. Duke University has at least four completed LEED-certified buildings and several unfinished projects that are registered.
Morrison Residence Hall and the Global Education Center meet state sustainability standards but fall short of LEED requirements.
UNC will apply for LEED certification for five buildings that are in the planning stages.
Shea also said that the University's recycling program is extremely efficient but that there is room for improvement in the food category.
"California schools are a lot more progressive in terms of organic foods in dining halls," said Brock Phillips, chairman of Student Government's environmental affairs committee.
He added that his committee would like more locally grown foods provided in the dining halls.
Elinor Benami, chairwoman of Student Government's renewable energy special projects committee, said the University stands out because of student motivation drives sustainable efforts.
"There are a lot of people who are involved with campus every day and want to see it become more sustainable."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
