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Show Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 AggieLife Page 7 Green: Building meets environmental standards -continued from page 5 individuals may notice the strategically center.org. oriented south-facing windows which The Web site describes the resourcelet in low-angled winter sunlight; in saving features of The Utah House as the summer, the wings shade the buildwell, which are perhaps more applicable ing from the higher-angled sun.A 24to the average citizen. Many of the green inch thick Trombe wall, named for the features are ones people can bring to Frenchman who their homes, developed it in minimizing “The biggest thing that a 1956, absorbs the energy and the free energy water usage and student can do is to make and radiates waste. themself aware. There are heat throughIn January some great things happening 2007, USU out the rest of the space, well President Stan on this campus that you can past daylight Albrecht signed be apart of that really make hours. A picthe American a difference.” turesque metal College and wall mural, University commissioned – Mike Dietz, USU assistant professor Presidents’ by renowned a Climate and director of The Utah House Commitment. local artist and USU associate This established professor of USU among the graphic design, Bob Winward, depicts first schools in the nation as voicing a the wetland’s ecosystem, specific to the commitment to reducing its carbon footlocal flora and fauna. print, with the aim of achieving climate Mulford said there is an accessible neutrality. Having buildings that use restroom that includes a shower. Mulford minimal amounts of resources goes a said not only does WDP exhibit sustainlong way toward realizing this commitable building practices but also impacts ment. how people use the building. Anderson said WDP uses at least 65 “So instead of driving a car to work, percent less energy than a traditional an employee can ride his or her bike,” he building and with the pending purchase said. of additional solar panels, it is expected There is also a mechanical room, to use little to no electricity from the which is a maze of pipes and pumps, power grid. He said to further reduce carwhirring and hissing. Dave Anderson, bon emissions, USU encourages students, director of UBC, is able to monitor and faculty and the public to utilize mass adjust mechanical functions from his transit, carpool or ride bikes to campus campus office in Logan. The building’s and to also recycle as much waste as posspace-age automated lights sense somesible. The Facilities department is actively one entering a room and turn themselves engaged in making improvements to the on. Louvered windows open and close to university’s grounds and buildings to create a healthy air flow. A tracking solar support this commitment. He said not collecting panel follows the direction of only does USU participate in lessening its the sun throughout the day to maximize impact on the environment, but it proits capture of the free energy. motes this vision as one that others can Finishes in the building are made take on. out of recycled material, for instance Utah has consistently grown year after the counter in the bathroom is called year, and all of its inhabitants rely on the Paperstone, made of recycled paper prod- same amount of finite resources, which ucts. Carpets are made from recycled people must also share with their native plastic bottles. Compact fluorescent light wildlife. bulbs are in every lighting fixture and all Anderson said, “Population projecof the appliances are Energy Star rated tions for the future are significant and and in the Utah House. There are many that means a higher demand on the other eco-friendly features, for more resources we have. We can’t just stick our information go to www.utahbotanicalheads in the sand and say we don’t want anybody else to move here.” Fortunately, Anderson said many great minds at USU are working with public and private enterprises to solve the issues. WDP is specifically focused on effectively managing waterways and the lands that immediately surround them. “This is a very limited resource in the desert climate of Utah.” Mike Dietz, USU assistant professor, and director of The Utah House, is conducting research at the UBC ponds on water quality and the impact citizens have on it. His research and that of others will ensure safe, clean water for residents, birds, fishes, bugs and plants. Dietz is also a member of the Sustainable Council at USU, chaired by College of Natural Resources Dean Nat Frazer, and he said he encourages students to join the Student Engagement Committee that works along with the council. “The biggest thing that a student can do is to make themself aware. There are some great things happening on this campus that you can be apart of that really make a difference,” Dietz said. WDP fulfills all three main intentions of the UBC: to conserve resources, to provide entertainment and recreation and to educate through demonstration and research. – tam.r@aggiemail.usu.edu Perfect Partner Let us help plan your big day You Best Choice for Wedding Invitations & paper goods 630 West 200 North 753-8875 Want to make a difference for our environment? Participate in one of the following opportunities today: Aggie Recyclers ECOS – Environmental Coalition of Students Student Organic Farm Student Organization of Society and Natural Resources Sustainability Council - Student Engagement Committee The Wildlife Society MON, OCT 5 ALL DAY - CNR Graduate & Undergraduate Research Posters Display, Sunburst/International Lounge; 9.00AM to 11.00AM - Loggers Breakfast with Pancake Eating Contest, TSC Patio. Pancake Eating Contest starts at 10.20AM, Prizes; 7.00PM - Movie Night, TSC Auditorium. Sponsored by The Berryman Institute & The Quinney Natural Resources Library. TUES, OCT 6 THURS, OCT 8 8.00AM to 4.30PM - “Potential Carbon Markets & Utah Agriculture: An Assessment of Opportunities”, Eccles Conference Center, FREE to students; 7.00PM - Night in Logan Canyon with recently retired CNR professor Fred Provenza, Malibu Campsite, Logan Canyon, Carpooling encouraged, Bring your lawn chairs & s’more sticks! S’mores will be provided. FRI, OCT 9 10.00AM to 2.00PM - Day on the Quad, Quad. State & Federal Agencies with interactive booths & services associated with Natural Resources. 10.00AM to 5.00PM - Geocaching Treasure Hunt, to participate meet in NR 120, PRIZES; 7.00PM - “Reduce, Reuse, Rock” concert, sponsored by USU Aggie Recyclers, Old Main Ampitheater. WED, OCT 7 SAT, OCT 10 11.00AM to 1.00PM - Steve Curwood, host of “Living on Earth”, a nationally syndicated NPR porgram, will speak to the student body & USU community on issues pertaining to our natural world, TSC Ballroom. 8.00AM to 12.00PM - Day of Community Service at Stokes Nature Center: Willow planting for bank stabilization on the Little Bear River, Meet at 8AM at University Inn, Meals provided by Old Gristmill. |