UCSU Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF)

INTRODUCTION

In the spring of 2004, the University of Colorado Student Union (“UCSU”) voted to create a new fund for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the three student-owned buildings on campus – Wardenburg Health Center, the University Memorial Center and the Recreational Center. The fund allocates approximately $115,000 a year plus 35% of projected savings for the next year to go towards capital improvements for a minimum of 5 years. In the spring of 2005, the fund was included into the Environmental Center budget, and the Environmental Center is tasked with managing the fund.

The part-time EEF manager at the Environmental Center works with the Assistant Directors of each student-owned building mentioned above and the CU Campus Conservation Officer, to identify and fund projects that will lead to a reduction in energy use.  Frequently, a pooling of resources from EEF, the buildings’ budgets and other sources is organized to fund large projects.