Bleed Crimson, Go Green

The University of Alabama bleeds crimson through and through, but with all of the energy sustainability plans for campus the institution is taking on a green hue.

Ellie Zgoda, the student marketing director for UA’s Department of Energy Management, said the University is expanding its 10 current electric vehicle charging stations found across campus. Nine of the 10 existing stations have two charging ports, and a new station is coming to the new Capstone Parking Deck. There are discussions of adding an additional station on the west side of campus and two more on the east side.

EV charging station locations can be found on this map.

“The plan is to add more as needed,” Zgoda said. “Anyone on campus with a parking pass can use them. They can be used for a maximum of four hours, and there’s apps that let you know when your vehicle is finished charging that are provided by the electric vehicle manufacturers.”

MORE GREEN

On Sept. 30, the Alabama Eco Ambassadors will host a Light Bulb Swap at tables across campus where students can trade their incandescent light bulbs for free LED bulbs donated by Alabama Power and the University.

From Sept. 30 to Oct. 13, the student group will also host Battle of the Halls, a two-week energy conservation contest between every campus residence hall to see which one can conserve the most energy. The winning hall will get a block party with pizza and games.

“I’ll be posting articles on UA’s energy management website with energy conservation tips for how students/halls can win the contest,” Zgoda said. “We’ll be able to check each residence hall’s progress through a new energy dashboard system called the Crimson Energy Connection. It will be the first energy dashboard ever on campus.”

“It will be live to anyone with a MyBama account. Students can see their residence hall’s electric, natural gas, chilled water and hot water usage in real time.”

Other green initiatives include Green Office Week in February for UA faculty and staff and an Earth Day celebration in the spring.

“The University of Alabama can have a very big impact on energy sustainability through energy conservation projects, spreading energy awareness and encouraging green habits.”