With the geothermal project well underway, it is clear Ball State is working toward a sustainable future, but what else is the university doing to protect the university's future?
Kevin Kenyon, associate vice president of Facilities Planning & Management, said from small changes in LED lighting to large construction projects updating buildings such as North Quad, Ball State has energy saving technologies throughout campus.
"It is not a new idea to use to reduce energy use," he said. "For years it was about reducing costs, but now we are focusing on the responsibility factor behind the decision to save. Money is always No. 1, but now we [are] acknowledging our responsibility for the environment and social justice."
Ball State boasts a fleet of six electric shuttle buses and a collection of hybrid and E85 compact cars such as Honda Civics and Toyota Priuses. But with all that said, they are continuing to improve their saving through the development of new technologies.
Ball State is working on a new initiative that will track the activity of campus computers and shut them down if they are not in use. But with the system in the works, it is hard to say how much energy will be saved.
Sophomore social work major Olivia Haynes said seeing all the computers on when Bracken Library closes is a major concern.
"The screen savers can be seen changing on the computers, so I don't think the computers are even in sleep mode," she said. "Ball State needs to find ways to be more sustainable and conserve energy on campus."
Another initiative to save energy mixes the talents of both students and administrators. The Ball State Energy Action Team is made up of students whose job is to help the university save money and spread the word about the importance of sustainability.
BEAT member Megan Gish said the group makes their biggest impact on campus with the biannual BEAT Energy Challenge.
Last semester BEAT challenged each residence hall to turn off appliances and shut off water to save energy. This semester it will be doing the same thing, but with slight variations after they received feedback from participants.
Gish said the most important thing for students to remember is that being sustainable can only happen with action.
"Through our program we can get things done and create a community. We can log all the energy savings and pass the information to the students so they can see the impact we can all make together," she said.
Other Ball State Initiatives:
LEED certified buildings
Hybrid vehicles and shuttles
Geothermal project
Underground heating and cooling system
LED lighting
Ball State Energy Action Team
Using more insulation
Electronic controls to monitor building temperatures
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