Green by the Sea

Students at Point Loma Nazarene University voted in favor of a “Green Fund Proposal” on February 19. In accordance with the proposal, student fees will increase by $5 per semester in order to boost campus sustainability. Nationwide, over 60 universities have student-led programs to enhance campus sustainability.

Though a task force will determine how the funds will be distributed, the Associated Student Body predicts that the installation of energy-efficient lighting, the purchase of more front-loading washing machines, more fuel-efficient campus vehicles, a community garden, and expanded recycling efforts are likely to be at the top of the list of projects.

A number of sustainability projects have already been implemented at PLNU, including the installation of solar panels (which provide power for 10 percent of the campus) and the use of waterless urinals (which conserve 40,000 gallons of water per urinal each year). Also, PLNU has committed to build all new structures to at least LEED silver qualifications and has a campus-wide purchasing directive to buy products made from recycled materials.

In 2007, PLNU president Bob Brower signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. For years, students have been involved in Creation Care Week and RecycleMania, a nationwide recycling contest. Students were also instrumental in helping PLNU obtain its solar panels.

PLNU environmental awards and recognitions: 2008 Environmental Services Department Recycler of the Year Award; 2006 RecycleMania Waste Minimization Award; 2006 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award; 2005 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award; 2005 Environmental Services Department Waste Reduction and Recycling Award; 2004 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award; 2004 Environmental Services Department Recycler of the Year Award.