Green Campus Initiative: Rep. Aderholt Presents Check for UNA Environmental Projects

Aug. 11, 2009

FLORENCE, Ala. – The campus of the University of North Alabama got a little greener Tuesday when Rep. Robert B. Aderholt (R-Haleyville) visited. The Congressman presented a U.S. Department of Energy check of $951,000 for phase two of the university’s Green Campus Initiative, an effort to make UNA facilities as energy-efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.

“UNA is a tremendous asset for North Alabama and the students they serve,” Aderholt said. “I am pleased these funds for UNA will be used to explore and implement possible alternative sources of energy that promote environmentally responsible and profitable places to study and work. However, the great thing about this project is that it will provide savings to the tax payer by lowering energy costs at the university.”

Aderholt, with former Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Huntsville) and Rep. Parker Griffith (D-Huntsville), was also instrumental in securing $984,000 for phase one of the UNA Green Campus Initiative through the Fiscal Year 2008 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

“We are deeply appreciative to Congressman Aderholt for being a part of this important Green Campus Initiative,” said Dr. William G. Cale, UNA president. “As we work to make UNA a greener, more energy-efficient campus, this funding is benefiting the environment as well as students, faculty, staff and the taxpayers of Alabama.”

UNA’s Green Campus Initiative projects are designed to promote greater efficiencies of energy usage, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and recycling of appropriate items. Phase one of the initiative includes the current renovation of Keller Hall. The Keller renovation is including, among many other features, solar panels as well as new lighting, new windows, and a new heating and air system.