Abstract 

Worldwide, wasted energy use is a significant problem, but on a University campus it is most prominent. Students tend to leave their lights on when they leave rooms and keep their electronics plugged in at all times, thus wasting energy. But, in the new dorms Arbol de la Vida and Likins they have found a solution to fix this problem of wasted energy. The dorms have a device called a smart thermostat. Its main function is turning off all power in the room when it senses the rooms is unoccupied; it turns off the lights and air cooling/heating system. As a team our goal is to implement these devices throughout the entire campus to save energy and become a step closer to being a "green" and sustainable school.

Tiana Soto, Elizabeth Towne, Alexandra Richardson, Kevin Spangenberg

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Biodiesel for Humanity

Abstract

Habitat for Humanity uses 5-10 gallons of diesel a month, and this project would completely cover their fuel needs,  Using the existing on-campus biodiesel project, we will be creating the biodiesel on campus and donate the biodiesel to local nonprofits to eliminate their fuel costs. This will allow them to allocate more funds to community projects and reduce their carbon footprint.  We can expand upon the project by also accepting waste from local restaurants and businesses to create more volume of biodiesel and contribute more to the community.  As the project grows, we can also expand the beneficiaries by donating biodiesel to the entire Habitat for Humanities in Arizona, which needs about 130 gallons per month, still leaving 370 gallons for the U of A.  Five dollars will be added to each student "green fees" to help offset the overall cost of the program which will cover not only start up fees but help with transportation costs to distribute biodiesel to Habitat for Humanities across the state of Arizona.

Jenna Botticelli, Heather Howe, Grace Schau, Ujjesha Singh, Mary Williams

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Filled with Love

Abstract

We propose implementing refillable water bottle stations throughout the University of Arizona campus. These refillable water bottle stations, by Elkay, efficiently refill a reusable water bottle due to their design. The stations produce water more quickly than water fountains and are more sanitary due to their touch-free sensors. Establishing these stations on campus would help the University of Arizona reduce the amount of plastic water bottle waste it produces by encouraging the use of a reusable water bottle. It is important to stay hydrated in Arizona’s weather and having these stations around campus would help maintain the health of its students. The stations can be put indoors or outdoors, making them easily accessible. Elkay offers several different models, some specifically designed for only refilling a reusable water bottle and some that also include a traditional water drinking fountain. Overall, implementing these stations would promote environmental friendliness and health awareness.

Annie Mielke, Sydney Beke, Brittney Smith

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Abstract

Our goal is to promote sustainable eating habits in the Student Unions here at the University of Arizona. After switching to 100% compostable to-go containers throughout the Student Unions, we would like to ensure that there are several composting stations in the restaurants as well. Also, we would like to provide dinnerware for students to use instead of disable containers. These products would then be washed and reused similar to a more tradition cafeteria. In order to encourage students to be more sustainable, a twenty-five cent increase in all items would be rebounded by customers receiving a twenty cent discount when choosing the dine-in option instead of using to-go boxes. We encourage you to stop by to learn all the details of how our idea can make a huge difference at the U of A.

Abigail Cohen, Brooke Atkins, Nicole Reese, Sarah Laus

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Abstract

In the University of Arizona, water is used extensively to regulate ambient temperatures of buildings and research facilities using huge water coolers and a chilling water system. Since AC units are extensively used during summer, which can be as long as half a year, the amount of condensate collated is overwhelming.  One thing worth nothing is that the condensate is very clean, as the condensation process is similar to a distillation cleansing procedure. Thus, two key factors are that the condensate is of high purity and low in temperature.   The cooling towers in the University of Arizona use water for cooling purposes. As such, by funneling the water condensate to the water-cooling towers, this not only provides more free water for cooling purposes, saving the cost of water itself, but also reduces chemical and sewer costs associated with sending less treatment chemicals to sewer per ton of cooling.

Brian Stevens, Ahmad Hakeem, Brian Waxmen

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Abstract

  We propose to implement a policy of campus wide Energy Star vending machines. Vending machines with the Energy Star rating have been shown to increase energy efficiency by up to 50%, and could potentially lead to a reduction of hundreds of kWh consumed on campus.  We understand that having vending machines, especially ones that provide drinks, are necessary for the climate we live in, we also know that the University uses them as a way to make a profit, but they are wasting money with all the energy that regular vending machines consume. With the stand-by time when no one is using them and they just remain on because they have to constantly keep the drinks cold. Energy Star machines can achieve this as well as cutting down on the total energy used by the vending machines, saving money and the environment. This initiative has been implemented in other university campuses and has led to over $20,000 in annual savings and a reduction of over 200,000 kWh.

Brittany Boegemann, Shelby Bowers, Blanca D. Romo, Taylor Billington

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Abstract

We propose to address the growing concern for disposable water bottle consumption on campus by installing various Hydration Stations around the main student-congregating areas. These will be filtered water stations that will prompt students to use their refillable water bottles more often than purchasing new disposable ones. The Hydration Station is a product designed and manufactured by Brita, a trusted water filtration company. These stations have been implemented in a few other universities nationwide and the response/result is always the same: happier students/greener campus. Since the main reasons for students to purchase disposable water bottles are simply the convenience factor and the fear of trusting the tap-water fountains to quench their thirst, providing a free, filtered, easily-accessible option to refill their water bottles will help alleviate the plastic crisis. In the long run, this investment will also diminish much of the cost of trash and water bottle collection campus wide.

Elizabeth Bollum, Brandon Hecke, Dylan Mustoe, Sarah Parkos

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Abstract

The University of Arizona campus restaurants throw away an alarming amount of paper ordering slips daily. If each restaurant created a reusable set of slips that were cycled through consecutive customers, our campus could essentially save a massive amount of paper and money that is otherwise being wasted. These slips could be laminated and written on with a crayon/marker to ensure a long life cycle. Reusable slips would not only be an effort to reduce the amount of waste the university produces, but also a method of cutting down on costs. While laminated slips hold an original premium cost over basic slips, they save money in the long term. Paper, ink, and labor costs could also be potentially saved, generating a sustainable progression for our University’s restaurants.

Tyler Miller, Trevor Morgan, Cody Franz, Cameron Chery

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Abstract

The amount of water that is used at the University of Arizona daily is unbelievable, so for our project we focused on Yuma Hall as a candidate for a grey water system. On average Yuma uses upwards of 200,000 gallons of water each month, making both the monthly water bill and the impact on the environment substantial. Our plan is to retain and filter the grey water from sinks, showers, and washing machines, which then could be used to water the surrounding vegetation. The grey water filtration system, made by ReWater Systems, will include a 2,000-gallon tank and an irrigation system that will water the neighboring trees and grass.

Ryan Graham, Benjamin Malisewski, Cooper Kowalski, Danny Cardella

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Abstract

Our proposal is to reduce the paper that the University of Arizona uses by creating a paperless food ordering system. This system consists of the development of a food ordering app as well as touch-screen kiosks placed in the restaurants that currently have paper-based processes. Orders can be placed either through the app or the kiosk in the restaurant. The app can be linked to a CatCard to facilitate online payment and to insure that the consumer will come to pick up his/her food. This system is advantageous because it saves paper and enhances the consumer experience. In addition, from a managerial standpoint, it is a much more efficient system in terms of tracking inventory because the computer tracks exactly how much of each item is sold. The GreenTech S.M.A.R.T. system brings food ordering from a wasteful, disorganized process to a streamlined and efficient one.

 Noah Sleiman, Alex Kulpinski, Rae Cooper, Cody Pullen, Kevin Johnson

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Abstract

Composting is a growing concept around the country. Many people compost in their own homes but what if our campus supported composting? How effective would that be? Student Union Memorial Center is the place where most of the food is consumed on campus. Our main targets are Cactus Grill, Main Cafeteria (Burger King, Panda Express, etc.), and the Park Student Union. Just like a regular trash can, we plan on placing a compost bin around the dining areas. It would also be efficient if there were bins in the back kitchen so that the workers can compost the excess food at the end of the day. By composting the surplus food, we could minimize wasted food and trash waste.

Laura Kitterman, Mun Aw, WenChi (Vicki) Fan

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Brilliant Bobble Bottles

Abstract

Our project focuses on reducing the use of plastic campus-wide through implementation of the “Bobble”.  The Bobble is a reusable, refillable water bottle that filters water as one drinks from it.  This bottle uses a carbon based filter that will filtrate up to the equivalent of 300 plastic water bottles. Besides cutting down plastic intake, the Bobble would generate better quality water than both water fountains on campus and the average water bottle. Our proposal, therefore, is for the University of Arizona to provide students with these Bobble water bottles at the beginning of each academic year in hopes of reducing the number of plastic water bottles sold on campus.

Elizabeth Simmons, Stephanie Ho, Mike Reaves, Michelle Redding

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Abstract

We believe the University of Arizona should adopt the Opbrid/e-traction system to create electric buses to promote a more environmentally-friendly campus. The system has already shown great success in retrofitting gasoline or diesel buses in Europe, especially Sweden. The buses are retrofitted with this system by removing the diesel drivetrains and refitting their wheel motors. The buses run off the energy from small batteries, but do have a back-up generator and the ability to automatically switch to diesel in emergencies, which makes the system more reliable. The electric Cat-trans can recharge at the end of each bus route, due to Opbrid's innovative and rapid charging technique. Funding for this project can come from companies who want to put their logos on the buses and from a portion of the University of Arizona’s budget towards sustainability. The new electric system on the already existing Cat-tran buses will save the University money in the long run and create a cleaner and greener campus.

Jorge Gaona, Kyle Heitmann, Macy Walker, Parker Woodruff

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Abstract

Energy use at the University of Arizona is astronomical. With constant efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle, universities and other corporations are investing in green technologies. We propose to introduce a revolutionary system that captures kinetic energy produced by individuals using aerobic machines at the fitness and recreation center at the University of Arizona. This system has the ability to produce, and store approximately 50 watt-hours of electricity for every 30-minute workout that an individual completes. This system not only reduces the energy costs at the University of Arizona, but allows the campus to appeal to students and faculty whom are interested in environmentally friendly projects.

Tim Brousse, Austin Paeper, Lauren Preble

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Abstract

We propose to install Elkay EZH20, a water bottle filling station that will promote a sustainable way to stay hydrated and protect our planet. Elkay offers a variety of models that can easily be implemented around campus on top of preexisting drinking fountains in dorms, the Rec Center, student unions, and the library. By installing the EZH2O, the amount of plastic bottles disposed will decrease dramatically. People will be encouraged to reuse plastic water bottles and purchase reusable water bottles. The increased sustainability will be easy to observe with the display board of the device showing the number of plastic bottles kept out of landfills. Installing these devices throughout campus can have an impact that reaches further than the U of A. By making efforts to increase sustainability as a campus, other institutions in the state of Arizona will follow in our steps, promoting a more sustainable state.

Margo Mesch, Barb Michalik, Lauren Cohrs, Brian Herrera

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Abstract

Our proposal is to install motion sensor pathway lights to illuminate areas throughout campus where lighting is too dim. Numerous students feel unsafe walking through these areas at night, and believe that the addition of more luminous and efficient lights will help them feel more secure. The solar powered lights we are installing not only provide cost effective source of lighting, but a renewed sense of safety for all University of Arizona.

Colin Butler, Mike Choi, Brian Bellinson, Robin Chang

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