Turning out the lights is just one of the ways The University of Memphis plans to save money and the environment with its new sustainability plan.
"Basically, what The University is attempting to do is create a plan to address the issues of sustainability," said David Cox, executive assistant to U of M President Shirley Raines.
The infrastructure sustainability plan is just one part of The University's complete plan. The infrastructure plan will go into effect within two or three weeks, Cox said.
"It's one thing to say you're going to do it," Cox said. "You need to have a planned effort, otherwise it's just bits and pieces. And bits and pieces don't get you there in the long run."
The total cost of the entire sustainability plan is currently unknown because of the large number of projects planned.
"We are not at a state where we can give a number that has a meaning," Cox said. "It's going to be huge, but it's an ongoing process."
William Porter, dean of students, said students would not have to pay additional fees to fund the plan. Student fees, including the green fee and the facilities fee, will pay for the plan, he said.
Currently, students at The University of Memphis pay $10 per semester with the green fee, adopted in fall 2007.
"I do think some specific projects or initiatives might come from the green fee," Porter said. "A great example of that is the hiring of a sustainability coordinator and expanding of recycling on campus. That's actually in process."
"The money has got to be made somewhere," said Jim Hellums, assistant vice president, Physical Plant. "We want (the sustainability plan) to be as efficient as we can. Nobody gains if we waste energy-money."
One thing Physical Plant is pushing for is a "lights out campaign," where students, faculty and staff turn off the lights when they leave a room.
"We could easily save $100,000 by just getting students to turn them off," Hellums said." If you're out, then turn them off. That doesn't impact anybody in a negative way, and it doesn't cost a thing."
The ultimate goal is to reduce U of M energy spending to what it was in 1989, Hellums said.
The total for electricity was $3,095,418 and $609, 461 for natural gas 20 years ago, when the campus was around 4 million square feet. This past year, the total for electricity was $5,111,374 and $1,708,800 for natural gas. Currently, the campus is close to 6 million square feet.
"We are trying to see if we can get those consumption numbers down," Hellums said. "It's a five year goal of ours."
Hellums said the expected bill for campus utilities, which include natural gas, water, electricity and sewer, for the 2009 fiscal year is $8 million.
The part of the infrastructure plan Hellums is most excited about is the new air conditioning system.
"It's like a home air conditioner, but it's a whole lot smarter," he said. "You know how cold a room can be when only one person is in it and how it gets hotter when it gets crowded? (The new system) can sense that and adjust to that. It works great."
Other changes that would be a part of the infrastructure sustainability plan a steam trap upgrade, improved boiler controls and improved lighting.
The sustainability committee, made up of faculty and students, has oversight on the green fee.
Patrick Howie, Student Government Association senator and member of the sustainability committee, said he is glad The University is including students in the planning process.
"I think it's a great thing," he said. "They have done everything to involve students. It's a really good disciplinary effort."
The plan will be a lasting legacy for future U of M students, Howie said.
"I am an environmentalist, so it's a bit of a personal mission, but it's also a way to provide a very tangible service to the students," he said.
