Background
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The Energy Conservation and Alternative Futures Fund is the
result of a student-initiated project to bring wind power to
the University of Oregon campus. It began in 2004, when
a group from the Environmental Studies Environmental Leadership Program conducted a project concerning campus energy
use. The group recommended that student fees be raised
to purchase wind power for the Erb Memorial Union, which represents
about 5% of campus energy use. |
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| The Service Learning Program team tours the UO Power Plant. Photo: Steve Mital |
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In 2005, another group of students realized this recommendation. In April of 2005, a ballot measure passed by an overwhelming 80% majority, approving the potential energy fee increase of up to $2 a year to purchase alternatives. Days later, University administration agreed to raise the fee by 60 cents per term to purchase green tags from the Eugene Water and Electric Board. However, because of the tremendous deal offered to the University from EWEB, surplus funds became available. The Sustainable Oregon Energy Fund was created to utilize this money to promote future energy-focused projects on the University of Oregon campus. This year, approximately $20,000 is available for energy conservation, alternative energy, and awareness projects on the University of Oregon campus. |
| The Erb Memorial Union on the UO campus is now running on wind power. |
University of Oregon students and ASUO recognized student groups are eligible and encouraged to submit project proposals that meet the criteria outlined here.
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