In 2008, UNT signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The primary objective of the ACUPCC is to encourage higher academic institutions to curb their use of energy and reduce their carbon footprint. UNT has made profound advancements to uphold its commitment, but has only begun its efforts to reach carbon neutrality.

As part of the university’s climate action plan to become a carbon neutral campus, UNT sought to incorporate renewable energy technology on to the Eagle Point Campus. Specifically, UNT proposed to purchase and install three community-scale wind turbines at Eagle Point. Unlike the giant turbines generally found at wind farms, community-scale turbines are considerably smaller and ideal for municipalities, schools, neighborhoods, and universities.

Designed for low wind conditions, the proposed 100kW wind turbines are perfectly suited for North Texas Class II wind speeds that average approximately 12 mph. Replacing unsustainable energy sources with clean wind collection will reduce UNT’s carbon emissions, as well as energy costs. Ultimately, the turbines will help UNT meet its goal of becoming a carbon neutral institution by producing clean, renewable electricity for Eagle Point.

In June 2010, UNT’s Office of Sustainability was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to conduct a comprehensive, feasibility study on the proposed wind turbines. Completed in October 2010, the feasibility study explored and determined potential effects of the wind turbines. The study included fish and wildlife assessments, avian studies, noise analyses, air transportation impacts, engineering reports, and statistical estimates. It also included an extensive summary of the educational value of the turbines for current and future academic, research, and outreach programs at UNT. On August 24, 2010, SECO awarded UNT the full $2,000,000 grant to fund the turbine project contingent upon its final review of the feasibility study. On November 11, 2010, the UNT System Board of Regents approved the project.

The construction of wind turbines at UNT will be an invaluable asset to the university and surrounding communities. Not only will UNT be further recognized as a committed leader in sustainability, but the offset carbon emissions will be a collective benefit for the entire Denton and North Texas region. Both the UNT and Denton communities will continue to grow and it is imperative that this growth be innovative and responsible. Sustainable initiatives, such as the use of renewable energy technologies, ensure that future generations of the UNT and Denton communities are equipped with the necessary tools to continue economic expansion while simultaneously protecting the environment and human health.

This past weekend the Lonestar Chapter of the Sierra Club hosted its bi-annual legislative training in Austin. Activists and engaged citizens from around the state came together to prepare for the 2011 Texas Legislative Session. The outlook was a little bleak with redistricting, budget woes, and some great environmental champions axed in the recent election.

One bright spot, though, was the summit co-hosted by Sierra Student Coalition, ReEnergize Texas, and Public Citizen. Student leaders from Austin, Georgetown, Houston, and Denton came together to figure out what they could do both in the legislature and back home to keep the momentum for a clean energy economy moving forward.

These students committed to getting their campuses off of coal, to raising more money for sustainability projects, and to building their groups’ presence on each of their respective campuses. These young leaders represent the future of the environmental movement, and that’s exciting because they are energized and capable even in the face of huge challenges.

One of the attendees was a Ali Abedi from the University of Houston Downtown. I met Ali in 2008 when he was heading a small campus environmental group that was becoming very active in learning about issues and engaging with the community. But this weekend he came to us as the president of UHD’s Student Senate with access to administrators and the campus policymaking apparatus. This bodes well for a campus that has already made sustainability a top priority, and we’ll be working together in the coming months to find the best ways to grow UHD’s commitment to clean energy.

The group from Southwestern University in Georgetown was also particularly inspiring, in part because of all the new faces. We’ve worked with Students for Environmental Activism and Knowledge (SEAK) almost from day one. As with all student groups, some of the original leaders have graduated or moved on to other activities, but SEAK has done an amazing job of bringing in new people and exposing them to opportunities like this weekend’s summit. Southwestern, like UHD, has made big strides on going green, and we hope to work with them not only to build on that progress but to expand the group’s impact into the City of Georgetown itself.

Student environmentalists at St. Edward’s University in Austin want to pursue a green fund campaign but face the challenge of being a smaller campus which means the fee would need to be higher per student to make a significant impact. Far from backing down, they are looking for creative ways to make sure the fund is aligned with student interests and that it is structured in a way that it gives back to the students more than it takes.

The groups from the University of North Texas and from UT Austin both came in having already passed a green fund for their campuses, so they’re ramping up to get more involved in the fight against coal. UNT has a growing group of students asking the administration to eliminate its dependence on coal power which provides some 40% of the campus electricity. UT Austin, on the other hand, is powered by a local natural-gas cogeneration plant which has won awards for its energy efficiency. Still, the city of Austin continues to rely on coal power from a plant in nearby Fayette County, and students at UT Austin have united in their support for replacing that energy through efficiency and clean energy measures.

With stories in the media about the “death of cap-and-trade” and the growing boldness of nuclear and fossil fuel interests, it can be easy to become disheartened. But if young people in Texas can face those challenges and continue to push forward, anyone can. We wish all those we met this weekend the best of luck in their campaigns, and we look forward to working with them and many others taking ownership of their future.

This November 13th ReEnergize Texas, Public Citizen, the Sierra Club and Sierra Student Coalition are coming together to host a leadership summit for students who have what it takes. As a graduating senior at the University of Texas and an intern at ReEnergize Texas, I absolutely recognize the value in this summit. It provides an opportunity for young university leaders to network with other environmentally conscious students and develop the skills required for on-campus campaigning.

Interested? Register Here!

When I was in high school I attended Rep. Mark Strama’s Campaign Academy. The Academy provided me and other students of various political backgrounds (republican, democrat or independent) to learn from the personal experience of those who have campaigned before us.

Networking and social networking!

During my time at the Academy I got to meet and network with State Representatives, Senators and students from across the US. This network of connections gave me access to a wealth of knowledge where no question was stupid. And I had questions! Like, “what is Facebook and why would it help our campaign?” (This was back when MySpace was still a powerhouse and Facebook was only for students) Other interns explained that by micro-targeting students, we help them develop an awareness and connection to the campaign. This was before big campaigns were on the internet and some of my fellow interns came to the Academy exclusively to learn how to campaign via social networks because it gave them an edge!

This experience helped me develop as an individual and gave me the confidence to campaign for alternative energy with ReEnergize Texas.

Like the Academy, this Leadership Summit will provide students like you with something other than resume padding, but with the confidence, skill sets and a network of connections required to make a positive impact in your community.

Register Now!

Take a moment and ask yourself, do you want to see your university or community adopt more sustainable practices? Use alternative energy? Go beyond coal?

For those with busy schedules: this is just one day, an entire day devoted to helping you!

When it comes down to it, there’s a big difference between talking about change and making the change. It’s opportunities like the Academy and this Leadership Summit that inspire action. Don’t wait for the change, be the change.

-Alyssa Reyna
ReEnergize Texas Intern

Important Info:

website: reenergizetexas.org/leadership

contact: trevor.lovell@gmail.com

date: All-day event – November 13th, 2010

location: LCRA’s Dalchau Service Center

3505 Montopolis Dr. Austin, TX 78744