Students provide $340K to make campus greener

Western Today staff

October 16, 2013

Looking to make the Western Washington University campus more green, sustainable and energy efficient? Students, faculty and staff are invited to submit proposals for the 2013-14 Green Energy Fee Grant Program. The campus community can apply for a small grant of $500 to $2,000 or a large grant of $2,000 to $300,000.

This year, there are four opportunities to submit a small grant application, with the first proposal due on Oct. 23. Up to $40,000 in small grants will be awarded in the 2013-14 academic year.

Large grants require a two-part application process, beginning with a conceptual application due Nov. 6. Up to $300,000 in large grants will be awarded this academic year.

More information about the Green Energy Fee Grant Program and the application process is available at the coming Idea Labs.

“Idea Labs are the grant program’s version of info sessions, but are also a place where you can share your sustainable ideas and form project teams to go in on the grant proposal with,” said Regan Clover, the Green Energy Fee Grant Program coordinator.

Upcoming grant program Idea Lab dates include:

  • Noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in Viking Union Room 462A
  • 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Viking Union Room 462A

More Idea Lab dates are being planned for the academic year and will be posted on the grant program’s website as they are scheduled.

Last year, the grant program awarded nine projects, ranging from the funding of LED lighting in the College of Performing Art’s Black Box rehearsal space ($2,000 award) to the funding of a solar thermal system to heat the pool and spa at the Wade King Recreation Center ($219,000). A few other projects awarded include the funding of the installation of energy efficient fixtures in a Buchanan Towers dorm room ($9,500), a reusable mug pilot program in the Viking Union Café ($1,900) and a sustainability film festival held in Western Libraries ($500).

The Green Energy Fee Grant Program exists to promote experiential learning opportunities and sustainable practices at Western Washington University. The GEF is funded by Western students, managed by the Office of Sustainability, and grants are chosen by the Green Energy Fee Committee, composed of students, staff, and faculty representatives. 

For more information on the Green Energy Fee Grant Program, visit wwu.edu/gef.