The Renewable Energy ballot question states:
"Do you support the creation of a 50 cent per credit-hour Renewable Energy student fee that will be used to support renewable energy projects on campus, invest in energy efficiency projects on campus, and buy campus power from renewable energy providers?"

Introduction

Because it is difficult for state-funded universities to invest in renewable energy, student fee-based renewable energy funds have become very popular among public universities in the Southeast. Students at the Universities of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky, as well as many other smaller schools, have approved per semester student fees to fund renewable energy. A similar program at the University of Florida would raise approximately $645,000 a year, give students a personal stake in renewable energy, and solidify the University as one of the leaders of campus sustainability.

Use of Funds

1. Renewable Energy Credits: Renewable energy credits are purchased from green power suppliers and serve as a guarantee that the University is obtaining a certain percentage of its power from renewable sources.

Possible Projects:
• GRU Green landfill methane power program
• Progress Energy green energy credits (in development)

2. On-Campus Projects: On-campus renewable energy projects supply a lasting source of clean energy and serve as a concrete, real-world reminder that the fee is being used responsibly. These projects will require close cooperation between the Physical Plant Division, the Office of Sustainability, and outside contractors.

Possible Projects:
• Solar powered vending machines
• Solar arrays on student parking garages
• Methane power generators fueled by campus food waste

3. Energy Efficiency: Although it is not as visible as renewable energy, energy efficiency has the potential to have a very large impact on the University’s energy footprint.

Possible Projects:
• Expanded use of compact fluorescent light bulbs
• Efficiency improvements for older dorms

Financial Estimates

During the 2005-2006 school year, UF students carried 1,290,896 credit-hours. A 50 cent per credit hour fee would raise approximately $645,500 over the course of the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Pd. Pol. Ad., Alison Erlenbach