UA joins federal sustainability program
Environment
Jaclyn Johnson
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: News
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The UA is joining the federally established Energy Star program in another move toward sustainability.
The UA is the first institution of higher education in Arkansas to join the program, according to a UA press release.
Energy Star provides research and resources to help us decide on products to use on campus, said Steve Voorhies, manager of UA media relations.
"When Energy Star equipment is available and practical, we will purchase it, as long as it is within state regulations," said Darrell Wagoner, a project and program manager at UA.
Energy Star was founded in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency and later joined by the Department of Energy. The program claims to have saved more than $14 billion in 2006 for businesses, organizations and consumers because it uses energy-saving practices and products.
The program offers standards for specific products that can optimize energy use and often save the user money, according to the Energy Star Web site.
The UA aims to use energy-efficient equipment, such as computers, lab equipment and lighting when possible, according to the UA Purchasing Web site.
"[It is] an ongoing effort by Facilities Management to save costs on campus for a more sustainable campus," Voorhies said.
One example is the refrigerators allowed in residence halls. If a student brings one, it must be Energy Star approved, according to the University Housing Web site.
Some UA students have shown interest in creating a more eco-friendly campus in a variety of ways. Facebook has several green groups created by UA students.
However, some energy-efficient products cost more than standard products, because they are relatively new. One example cited by Wagoner was recycled paper.
When recycled paper first came out, many people across campus wanted it introduced, but it turned out to be more expensive than the standard paper already in use, Wagoner said. UA expenses are bound to go with the lowest price because most of the money is from taxpayers, and the recycled paper was not feasible, Wagoner said.
The UA is the first institution of higher education in Arkansas to join the program, according to a UA press release.
Energy Star provides research and resources to help us decide on products to use on campus, said Steve Voorhies, manager of UA media relations.
"When Energy Star equipment is available and practical, we will purchase it, as long as it is within state regulations," said Darrell Wagoner, a project and program manager at UA.
Energy Star was founded in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency and later joined by the Department of Energy. The program claims to have saved more than $14 billion in 2006 for businesses, organizations and consumers because it uses energy-saving practices and products.
The program offers standards for specific products that can optimize energy use and often save the user money, according to the Energy Star Web site.
The UA aims to use energy-efficient equipment, such as computers, lab equipment and lighting when possible, according to the UA Purchasing Web site.
"[It is] an ongoing effort by Facilities Management to save costs on campus for a more sustainable campus," Voorhies said.
One example is the refrigerators allowed in residence halls. If a student brings one, it must be Energy Star approved, according to the University Housing Web site.
Some UA students have shown interest in creating a more eco-friendly campus in a variety of ways. Facebook has several green groups created by UA students.
However, some energy-efficient products cost more than standard products, because they are relatively new. One example cited by Wagoner was recycled paper.
When recycled paper first came out, many people across campus wanted it introduced, but it turned out to be more expensive than the standard paper already in use, Wagoner said. UA expenses are bound to go with the lowest price because most of the money is from taxpayers, and the recycled paper was not feasible, Wagoner said.
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