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Press Releases

Conservation Tips for a Sustainable Holiday Season

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:47:00 +0000

As we look forward to time away from campus, please remember that our building systems continue to operate during the break. With your efforts, we can keep UNC sustainable over the holidays.

Before leaving for any extended period, please:
  • Shut down desktop and laptop computers unless instructed otherwise by IT or administrative staff. If your computer, speakers, phone charger, etc., are all on one power strip, turn off the power strip after shutting down your computer.
  • Unplug nonessential equipment such as copiers, fax machines, printers, scanners, and chargers. Most equipment draws electricity even when turned off.
  • Unplug all appliances, including coffee makers, microwaves, televisions, and radios. Like office equipment, many appliances use electricity even when turned off.
  • Turn off office lights and as much public lighting as possible in hallways, bathrooms, break rooms, and conference rooms.
  • Check windows to make sure they are tightly closed and locked.
  • Check faucets in bathrooms and break rooms to make sure they are completely turned off and not dripping.
  • If you work in a lab with variable air volume fume hoods, shut the sash completely (just as you should any time the hood is not in use).
  • Call in any leaks or maintenance issues to your Facilities Services team (962-3456 or www.fac.unc.edu)
These tips will help keep your building safe and energy-efficient over the holidays. They also apply at home.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season!

2011 Strategic Energy and Water Plan Now Available

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:18:00 +0000

As the University continues to focus on energy and water conservation, 2011 marked a year of significant accomplishments. Kenan Residence Hall reduced energy use by 4% from the previous year, finishing first in the Residence Hall category for the EPA’s 2011 Energy Star National “Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings.” A maintenance program to tune-up HVAC systems was adopted campus-wide and has resulted in a cost savings of over $5 million dollars. Since 2002, conservation measures have resulted in over $63 million of energy cost savings and $7.5 million in water savings. The 2011 Strategic Energy and Water Plan report is available online through the Energy Management website.

Construction for Innovate@Carolina 505 Incubator to Begin Next Month

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:15:00 +0000

The Innovate@Carolina Campaign motivates and funds innovative initiatives across campus, including the 505 Incubator which will break ground in January 2012 at 505 West Franklin Street. The 505 Incubator will offer space and support to recent graduates and local entrepreneurs with early-stage company ideas. The 505 Incubator will foster collaboration between companies, and provide internships, to help keep entrepreneurial growth local. The new Campus Y Social Innovation Incubator will support student-led projects.

UNC Student Sustainability Outreach Campaign Recognized as Best Practice by National Sustainability Program

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Earlier this year, UNC was awarded a silver rating through the AASHE STARS program. The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) was developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to track progress in achieving sustainability. Now STARS is recognizing UNC for best practices in student sustainability outreach campaigns. STARS will highlight the “Slow the Flow: Every Drop Counts” campaign, held during the drought of 2007-2008. UNC competed against rivals at NC State to conserve water over a period starting with the schools' football game in November and lasting until the basketball matchup in February. Students at UNC trimmed their daily water use by 24% during the challenge. To view all best practices highlights compiled from STARS reports, visit the STARS blog.

New Research and Outreach Manager Joins the Sustainability Office

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:12:00 +0000

The Sustainability Office welcomes Kristin Blank-White as the new Research and Outreach Manager. Kristin is a graduate of the Sustainability and Environmental Management Masters Program at Harvard University where she focused her studies on environmental standards and wrote her thesis on green building evaluation frameworks. Prior to joining UNC, Kristin worked for the Duke Environmental Leadership Program in the Nicholas School of the Environment, where she developed and coordinated courses for environmental professionals. She also worked at the non-profit Sustainable Furnishings Council. Her strong interest in university sustainability programs began when she volunteered to work on MIT's recycling program while she was an administrative staff member there. Kristin fills the position vacated by Brian Cain, who was the first Research and Outreach Manager in the Sustainability Office. Brian built a great foundation for Kristin to stand on, and we wish him the best in his adventures in Florida.
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