Today Governor James Doyle named the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as one of four state universities selected for an energy independence project.

UWSP, which has focused on environmental sustainability for several decades, will be targeted for renewable energy options and aggressive conservation efforts along with UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh and UW-River Falls. Selection of these campuses was based on leadership support, existing participation in a green power program and existing air permit fuel options.

"We are honored to be among the chosen campuses to help lead the state toward energy independence," said UWSP Chancellor Linda Bunnell.

As the home of one of the largest natural resource programs in the country, UWSP has many sustainable initiatives already in place on campus, including:

• Since its inception at UWSP in 1995, KEEP (the internationally recognized Wisconsin K-12 energy education program) has provided thousands of elementary and secondary education teachers a one-stop shop for energy activities in the classroom.
• In 2003, a campus Sustainability Committee was established with both university and community representatives.
• On April 4, 2006, Chancellor Linda Bunnell signed an agreement that will allow "green power" to be used as an energy source on campus as of September. The environmentally friendly NatureWise program available through Wisconsin Public Service has UWSP purchasing blocks of methane generated power and wind to replace 10 percent of fossil fuel generated energy consumption. Students initiated and fund this project on campus.
• Solar assisted domestic hot water heating systems have been installed for Knutzen Hall, the campus� ecologically focused residence hall. Solar hot water systems are currently being installed in Pray-Sims Residence Hall and the Health Enhancement Center pool.
• Rain gardens were created around campus to support native landscape plantings that absorb water run-off, decreasing water in the storm water system and the energy needed to treat that water.
• Photovoltaic windows and low energy lighting were added to the remodeled Noel Fine Arts Center, and elements of energy conservation have been included in current remodeling of the Dreyfus University Center.
• Numerous energy conservation projects have been undertaken, including replacing plumbing fixtures with low flow units, LED exit lights, retrofitted lighting, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent fixtures and replacing old motors with energy efficient motors and frequency drives.
• A "green roof" was installed on one section of the University Library. Five different drought tolerant plants provide an extra layer of insulation for the building and evaporative cooling in the summer, reducing energy usage and rain runoff as well as improving air quality by trapping and absorbing nitrous oxides, volatile organic compounds, and airborne particulate matter.
• The Paper Science program uses the nation's only paper machine designed specifically for teaching purposes to create paper for local elementary schools from recycled newspapers.
• The College of Natural Resources� Paper Science program has proposed a biofuels minor at UWSP to address growing interest and potential in this renewable energy alternative.
• Courses in chemistry and natural resources emphasize sustainable practices.
• Future plans include a campus kiosk project that will provide interactive sites for students, faculty and staff to learn more about energy-efficient technologies at UWSP.
• CNR�s KEEP program has an ongoing partnership with Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), which hosts the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair, the world's largest venue to learn about renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living.

For more information, see www.uwsp.edu/admin/chancellor/sustainability/.