January 18, 2013

Council accepting ‘green’ project applications

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The SIU Sustainability Council is accepting applications for a new funding cycle for “green” projects on campus. The application deadline is March 22, with the announcement of winning projects set for Earth Day, April 22.

Money for the projects come from a $10 per semester student Green Fee enacted by the SIU Board of Trustees due to a student-led initiative.  The fee has generated $1.2 million in sustainability support since the fee became effective at the start of the fall 2009 semester, said Makayla J. Trotter Bonney, who chairs the Sustainability Council.  A total of 23 projects received funding in 2012.

Any SIU student, faculty or staff member, registered student organization, department or office may submit a project funding application.  Projects should promote sustainability on campus, reduce the University’s environmental impact, improve society and have educational, outreach and research components.  All proposals must have approval from pertinent campus units.  Funds may not go toward faculty or staff salaries, and student proposals must include an RSO adviser or faculty/staff member. 

Preference is given to projects that have significant student involvement or leadership, are collaborative and involving multiple units/departments, are able to obtain matching funds,  and show the greatest potential benefit to the University community for the least cost. Previously funded projects include a diverse array of interests, including an Earth Day celebration and environmental ambassador awards; a recycled art exhibition; the Saluki Spokes free bike rental program; a wind turbine study; a green roof for the Agriculture Building; utilizing motor oil from campus vehicles to produce heat, and creating compost from campus dining food waste. 

For more information, contact Matthew Therrell, Green Fund committee chair, at greenfund@siu.edu or therrell@siu.edu.  You can learn more about initiative, and also download a proposal form at sustainability.siu.edu/sustainability_council.html.

Send project applications to greenfund@siu.edu. Applicants should include their name and project title in the subject line.