Your small project idea may get Green Energy Fee funding

Western Today staff

February 6, 2013

The Green Energy Fee Grant Program at Western Washington University is requesting proposals for small projects.

Supported by a quarterly fee paid by all Western students, the program exists to promote experiential learning opportunities and sustainable practices at the university. This is done through funding of innovative, student-driven projects. Past large projects include the installation of solar panels on the Environmental Studies Building; the installation of water bottle refill stations at Old Main, Arntzen Hall, and the Rec Center; and the installation of LED lighting in the C West Parking Lots on campus.

This quarter, applicant teams may request $500 to $2,000 each for small projects. The GEF Committee will award up to a total of $20,000 for these projects. Any Western student, staff member or faculty member may submit a proposal for consideration, and all proposals will be reviewed by a student-majority committee that will select projects based on their ability to: 

  • Increase student involvement and education
  • Reduce the university’s environmental impact
  • Create an aware and engaged campus community

Four information sessions will be held for those interested to learn more, ask questions, brainstorm ideas and meet others looking to create a collaborative project team.

The info sessions will be held on Feb. 13 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and from 5 to 5:30 p.m. in Miller Hall Room 115 and on Feb. 21 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 to 2 p.m. in Viking Union Room 464.

Applications are due by March 5, and notification of grant awards will be by April 5. If approved, small projects must be able to be completely implemented by May 15.

Visit the Green Energy Fee Grant Program website to find the application, guidelines and some ideas to get you started.

The Green Energy Fee Grant Program is made possible by the GEF Committee, the Office of Sustainability and the Associated Students.

For general questions, contact Sadie Normoyle, GEF education coordinator, in Viking Union Room 424 or at as.greenfee@wwu.edu. For grant-specific questions, contact Regan Clover, GEF Grant Program coordinator, in Viking Commons Room 24 or at regan.clover@wwu.edu.