Innovative sustainability

A new Duke University initiative to encourage people to take old homes off campus is a smart move for sustainability.

In preparation for the construction of new residence halls academic buildings and other offices Duke is offering financial incentive for private individuals to move old houses from the university's campus where the new facilities will be built.

It's smarter environmentally to help move the homes rather than demolish them and put the remnants in local landfills.

Houses are usually demolished because it is expensive to move them — the average cost is around $30000.

But Duke will help front the costs of moving the homes in the interest of sustainability.

Duke has determined that these houses hold no significant historical or architectural value.

But they still could have some value to others in the community be it for a home business or other uses.

Duke's efforts to reduce the environmental impact from its construction projects represents the latest initiative in a trend among local universities to improve sustainability.

During the past several years we have seen a number of green initiatives at UNC aimed at reducing the carbon footprint.

From tray-less dining halls to solar panels on Morrison Residence Hall UNC has done its fair share in the green revolution that is sweeping colleges businesses and individuals across the country. 

The Duke program to help move old houses is another smart program that fits in with this green theme. Combined with other initiatives Duke's plan will help make a greater overall environmental improvement.

Universities are the architects of the future. As innovators both Duke and UNC should continue to lead in implementing strategies and programs to improve the sustainability of the campus and the community.