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U. Utah recognized as energy conservation leader

A study of 891 campus environments highlights the University of Utah and 13 other schools as nationwide leaders in energy efficiency and conservation.

"We first had the idea to do this survey in 1992 after some campus environment groups and others thought something should be done to emphasize campus conservancy," said Julian Keniry, senior manager for the study at the National Wildlife Federation.

Survey questions asked if campuses implemented water efficiency upgrades with new toilets, showerheads, and faucets, energy-efficient lighting and even asked if building design plans retained heat. Other questions asked if universities evaluate those energy-saving appliances, not only in monetary savings, but in terms of the long-term environmental impact.

"The U should feel good about what it's doing in energy efficiency," Keniry said, "especially since only a handful of schools out of the nearly 900 surveyed were considered leaders." Participation in the study was voluntary.

"I'm pleasantly surprised that we seem to be that much of a leader," said Aaron Titus, assembly member for the U's department of architecture, "but obviously we're far from our potential."

Although the U's energy conservation efforts are now nationally recognized, it lags behind in recycling," Titus said. "The environmental awareness is there, but I don't think the infrastructure is."

Titus is the principle sponsor for the student recycling initiative, a bill that may lay the foundation for the U's first major recycling program by creating a campus recycling committee.

"Change is going to happen as we get steady momentum, push things forward, and actually get something done. We'll need the help of any student organization that would like to help," Titus said.

Student body president Ben Lowe said the U is already promoting conservation efforts. "In our office alone, we've received multiple e-mails from the U to conserve energy, and we've been doing that," Lowe said. Keniry said another NWF survey is tentatively scheduled for 2005. An online version of the current report is available at the NWF Web site www.nwf.org/campusecology/.

"Our mission is to conserve," Keniry said. "If colleges and universities aren't echoing environmental responsibility, they're sending a mixed message to the public. That's why environmental college programs are so important, so they can practice what they're preaching."

Web Sites National Wildlife Foundation: www.nwf.org/campusecology/