U. earns B grade for eco-friendly efforts

Increasing efforts by the University of Utah to become a more green campus seem to be paying off, according to nationwide survey of environmental practices on campuses.

Despite rising energy costs, 15 schools nationwide earned A grades, while 75 percent of the 100 surveyed by the Sustainable Endowments Institute earned B's. The U. was among those, receiving a full grade increase from last year, as more eco-friendly practices are being put into place.

"We're not doing what we do for the ratings," said Craig Forster, director of the U.'s Office of Sustainability. "We are helping students prepare for the future, lead more simpler lives and, in so doing, perhaps allow them to leave a smaller footprint."

The coming decades promise issues dealing with environmental stewardship, economic stability and social equity, and Forster said trusting in people who "have the broader view" will assist in conquering the nation's problems.

The U.'s B grade includes assessment of its efforts toward climate change and energy conservation with installation of a new cogeneration plant, which produces 11 percent of the university's electricity, as well as renovation of current HVAC systems and lighting to improve efficiency. A recent addition of a farmers market on campus, along with a commitment from dining services to purchase from local providers, earned the U. points in the food and recycling category.

Top scores were given for the school's ownership of nine hybrid vehicles and the fact that all students are given free universal transit passes.

A student involvement category, which earned a C for a lack in awareness efforts on campus, was unfairly graded, Forster said, detailing student-run initiatives across campus. Overall, however, the comprehensive look at the university's progress — in its second year of participation in the survey — was pleasing, he said.

Brigham Young University was the only other Utah institution to be surveyed. However, the privately owned school chose not to return solicitations for information and subsequent research of sustainability practices on the Provo campus yielded a failing grade.

Brian Evans, administrative vice president at BYU, said the F grade is not surprising given the university did not take part in the survey. BYU does participate in a number of programs, including recycling and energy and water conservation, believing "it is part of our stewardship."

"We focus our attention on initiatives that protect the environment and make economic sense," Evans said.