Are you a Green Argo? Do you have an energy efficient or sustainable idea that you would like to see implemented on the UWF campus? Well fear not because the University of West Florida has an amazing program called the Student Green Energy fund (also known as Green Fee). Never heard of it? Don’t worry, we’ll catch you up to speed quickly.
The Student Green Energy Fund was established by the UWF Student Government Association and UWF Student Environmental Action Society in 2010. Its purpose is to fund projects brought about by students, faculty and staff that are focused on increasing UWF’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Green Fee allows the university to charge $0.75 per credit hour to generate funding that allows for truly impactful projects to come into fruition. A few projects that have been implemented in the past few years.
1. Water bottle refilling stations
These allow students to efficiently and cost effectively use reusable water bottles. These stations can currently be found in several UWF buildings. Green Fee has allowed for the gradual transition from traditional water fountains to these stations in hope that the university can decrease its disposable plastic water bottle waste.
2. Solar dock tables
If you haven’t had the opportunity to take advantage of these state of the art tables I encourage you to do so. Is your phone or laptop running low on battery, but you’re suffering from library cabin fever? No worries, just plug yourself into a nearby outdoor office and voila! They’re entirely powered by the sun!
3. Big Ass Fans!
Yes I know; the fans’ name is quite different, but it’s actually fitting. These fans are in the UWF HLS facility, and they’re gigantic! Ideally, these fans will cool the bodies of hard working Argos as they pump iron, bust a move in Zumba or whatever fits your fancy. By keeping everyone cool with Big Ass Fans, the HLS facility can decrease its amount of energy used to keep temperatures lower.
Other proposals submitted in the past have been solar panels, solar-lit basketball courts, living classrooms and much more! Green Fee has the potential to create an impact here at UWF that you can be a part of, too. UWF SGA is currently accepting Green Fee proposals on Argopulse until Sunday Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. If you’re an Argo with an idea, here’s your chance to make it happen!
Additionally, you can contact seas@uwf.edu or sgauniversity@uwf.edu with questions.