Agenda - 04-25-2006-1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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University projects are reducing energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing reliance on single occupant cars. For example, more than 5 million rides are provided annually through Chapel Hill Transit, of which UNC is the largest funder. She noted however that housing prices are leading campus faculty and staff to live beyond the bus lines. The Commuter Alternatives Program enrolls about 70o employees who voluntarily give up campus parking permits (they walk, bike, use public transit, carpool, vanpool, or use park and ride) in return for emergency rideback service anywhere in Chapel Hill and Carrboro as well as other services and discounts. • Volkswagen Beetles are available on demand for a $5.00 /hour fee to departments, and students and employees over 21, who join the campus "zipcar" program. A bicycle pump has been installed on the front of the Student Union to assist bike commuters. • Last year, 41% of the campus's total daily trash was recycled or composted. Another of the University's goals is to avoid any increase in the volume, rate or pollutant load of'stormwater. The campus is installing porous pavement for its parking lots and is considering forest restoration at the edges of developed areas. The School of Nursing addition is the first building in the UNC system to apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. This project includes a "cool roof' with reflective surface to reduce the urban heat island effect, and a green roof design that will manage stormwater and provide a patio for nursing students. • UNC has installed water free and ultra -low flow (0.5 gallons per flush) urinals in buildings across campus. • 25% of the electricity and all of the steam used at UNC is generated on campus at the cogeneration (combined heat and power) plant on Cameron Avenue. The plant generates twice as much energy from a pound of coal as a traditional coal -fired plant that does not capture the steam. • The campus will use a new "thermal energy storage system" so that it can cool water at night, when electricity costs and overall demand for electricity are lower than day time costs and demand. • Students have voted to raise their own fees in order to invest in campus renewable energy projects. • Metering and sub - metering (by floor and wing) is enabling UNC to better understand when and how electricity, steam and chilled water are being used. Students are being educated about their energy use through sub- metering. The information can be tied into curricula, and competitions across dorms and floors can lead to further reductions in energy consumption. Better information is enabling the University to compare energy intensity across building types. The average lab building uses more than four times as much energy per square foot as the average classroom, administrative, or residential building. Data is enabling the University to identify buildings that should be the highest priorities for energy upgrades. County/Schools Collaboration Meeting (April 8, 2005) 2