The University of Central Florida has been making strides to lower its green house gas emissions. Many projects are underway to improve the efficiency of the campus, as well as use renewable energies and teach more sustainable practices to the students and staff.
Such projects are the shuttle project to improve the ridership and efficiency of the system. Thermal solar and photovoltaic project utilizing the power of the sun to meet some of the campuses energy needs is another highlight of the campus and its efforts. There is also the biodiesel project aimed at supplying the fuel needs of the fleet vehicles. The university is also working to reach a state of carbon neutrality by making changes to how it is run. There have been changes to the building in the form of commissioning to make them more energy efficient. New buildings are being built to LEED certifications. There have been changes to the way landscaping is done in order reduce our pollutants. Work is being done in the Arboretum and with land conservation. Also ground water runoff, irrigation, reclaimed water and utilizing low flow fixtures in order to improve our water managements.
There are also steps being taken to educate the staff and students of the college. An educational kiosk is being placed in Engineering One building to show how the solar array there is working. Also energy competitions have been held each year to inform and try to influence students to live more energy efficient. These just highlight a few of the many projects and efforts put forth to improve the campus in ways that make it a leader in sustainability.
