Solar demonstration project will be installed this spring
The university is about to get a little bit greener through the implementation of renewable energy in the UGA Solar Demonstration Project.
The project will be installed on the roof of the visual arts building, currently under renovation in preparation for its newest inhabitants—the College of Environment and Design. The building is being renovated to function as a living laboratory and instructional tool that will actively teach sustainable design strategies to UGA students. This includes a demonstration of appropriate technology for on-site renewable energy generation in Georgia.
The building is scheduled to reopen for the start of fall semester.
The UGA Solar Demonstration Project will provide nearly 30,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year—about enough energy to power 90 fluorescent T8 lights for 10 hours a day or 189 laptops for 8 hours a day for an entire year—and is anticipated to pay for itself over the next two decades through reduced electricity costs.
“This project should be regarded as a pilot to explore the practical viability of solar energy,” said Tim Burgess, senior vice president for finance and administration. “While the energy savings the panels will produce are relatively small and the project has a somewhat extended period for payback, we believe the demonstration offers a prime opportunity for students and faculty to learn more about the potential for solar energy and consider how improved efficiencies might be achieved in the future.”
Solar demonstration project will be installed this spring
The UGA Solar Demonstration Project came about due to the effort of many UGA students, faculty and staff. A $5,000 grant secured in 2010 by the Go Green Alliance student organization with assistance from the Office of University Architects and the Office of Sustainability provided the seed money.
The remainder of the approximately $60,000 construction budget is being paid through the student green fee, a $3 per semester fee paid by students, and utility funds from the energy services department in the Physical Plant Division. Other nonfinancial support for the project has come from the Faculty of Engineering, the College of Environment and Design, the Odum School of Ecology, the Terry College of Business and the Student Government Association.
The UGA 2020 Strategic Plan calls for a reduction in energy consumption by 20 percent, the implementation of strategies to significantly reduce carbon emissions and the infusion of sustainability into formal and informal educational opportunities throughout the university.
The UGA Finance and Administration Strategic Plan 2021 further calls for improving and maintaining facilities and infrastructure to provide excellence in instruction, research and service; and enhancing UGA’s commitment to sustainability, operating as a good and responsible steward of natural resources. The UGA Solar Demonstration Project’s implementation of on-site renewable energy is one strategy toward achieving these goals.
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Demise of the shield law
In 2006, Grady College journalism professor William E. Lee published “The Priestly Class: Reflections on a Journalist’s Privilege” in the Cardozo Arts and Entertainment Law Journal. The journal’s editors asked him to update the article for a special symposium issue. His updated article, “The Demise of the Federal Shield Law” explains why Congress failed to enact federal protection for journalist-source relationships. Continue
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Summer construction works to repurpose existing campus space
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Chain of events
Even if he hadn’t won Student Employee of the Year, senior Adam LaHaie would still be remembered on campus. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Researchers: Trace element plays important role in tropical forest nitrogen cycle
A new paper by researchers from UGA and Princeton University sheds light on the critical part played by a little-studied element, molybdenum, in the nutrient cycles of tropical forests. Understanding the role of molybdenum may help more accurately predict how tropical forests will respond to climate change. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Ecologist receives NSF grant to study ‘forests of future’
UGA ecologist Jacqueline Mohan received a $554,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to help develop more accurate predictions about the impacts of climate change on forests. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Two faculty receive Service-Learning teaching awards
Stacey R. Kolomer, an associate professor in the School of Social Work, and Deanna W. McEwen, a public service assistant in the College of Pharmacy, received the university’s 2012 Service-Learning Teaching Excellence Award. Continue
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April 30, 2012
U.S. District Court judge will give keynote at law Commencement
Richard W. Story, U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Georgia, will deliver the keynote address at the School of Law’s Commencement May 19. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Faculty projects receive grants to improve teaching
Twenty-two UGA faculty projects designed to improve teaching were recently funded through grants provided by the Office of the Vice President for Instruction, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Family, graduate housing residents ‘stake a claim’ in community garden
This year, 82 garden plots will be staked for use by residents of family and graduate housing at UGA. For more than 10 years, University Housing has tilled and prepared a community garden for residents to grow seasonal vegetables. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Epps named deputy director of Vinson Institute of Government
Dennis Epps was recently named deputy director at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Social work professor studies ways to improve lives of poor children
David Okech studies how to make the lives of children living in poor households better. Continue
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April 30, 2012
Follow the money
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