Going green

THE ISSUE

The University of North Alabama has undertaken a Green Campus Initiative designed not only to reduce its environmental impact, but to reduce utilities costs.

The University of North Alabama is working to make the interior workings of its Florence campus as green as the manicured lawns and landscaping.

The univeristy is using almost $1 million in federal money to make some changes that should lower energy consumption, especially in its older buildings. The changes include replacing windows and doors with more energy efficient pieces, and looking for alternative energy supplies, including solar power. Heating and cooling ducts are getting new insulation and, where appropriate, motion-sensitive lighting is being installed.

The average annual utilities bill for UNA is $2.5 million. With this year's budget reductions by the Legisalture, there's more than the environment the think about. Already, utilities costs have dropped by about $100,000, thanks to measures already taken, university officials say, including replacing incandescent light bulbs with new energy efficient bulbs. Those savings included repairing older, inefficient systems, including water lines to student apartments, which decreased leakage in the system.

The university must match the money it received from Congress, but it's an investment that should pay for itself through the years with energy cost savings. Officials are awaiting word on another round of funding from Washington.

With several large buildings on campus that are 65 years old or older, making green-minded changes is sensible. Many of the buildings, such as Keller and Wesleyan halls, are iconic structures familiar to all who attended UNA and to those who visit the campus. Their preservation is important, which makes the greener approach to heating and cooling all the more important.

Energy costs are a big part of any budget that includes public buildings. UNA's decision to invest in green technololgy should ease those portions of the budget dedicated to campus operations.