Global warming and “going green” are political buzz words that have many different meanings to many different people. To the environmentalists, it is a way to stop or reverse adverse effects on certain environmental processes. To political figures, it is an ambiguous change in policy and a need to change our way of life. However, at N.C. State, we are defining and redefining these terms and relating them back to our campus. Tucker Hall, one of two buildings at a university, is competing in the EPA’s national “Working off the Waste” contest. This says volumes about N.C. State and its sustainable initiatives, but it is still just one building.
There are approximately 1,500 buildings on N.C. State’s Raleigh campus, and 2,700 buildings across the state. This is an incredible amount of square footage to warm, cool and power throughout the year and costs the University $20 million a year on average. The University, through its revised University Strategic Plan and a newly developed University Sustainability Plan, has addressed the issue of sustainability and cutting costs, but now it is up to the community to implement the plans.
Employees need to pay attention during orientation classes on sustainable initiatives the University is trying to incorporate and students need to be aware of how they use facilities, whether it is their residence hall or lab classrooms. Every little bit helps as we cut costs in the buildings we use.
Sustainability starts with habits that influence people. If we can successfully incorporate these simple practices and maintain our awareness — as well as inform those around us — we will form the foundation of the next generation and ensure the success of those after it.
“Change Your State” is the Office of Sustainability’s new campaign to reduce electricity usage by 5 percent, which will save the University $1 million per year. Students should follow the guidelines the campaign outlines and be more conscientious of their energy usage. That $1 million in savings could go towards scholarships, or technology to further our sustainable plans, which will go on to reduce energy costs.
Revolution starts with individuals and their habits. At N.C. State, we need to be the beginning and stay on the cutting edge of the “green revolution.” Our solid background in biology, engineering and social sciences generate the potential for a synergistic, sustainable program and a way to influence our ways of life.
Sustainability might seem like an overwhelming idea, but it can start with a simple change of habit.
