RESET projects innovative

By Staff Editorial     1/27/11 6:00pm

The RESET blanket tax that is paid by every undergraduate at this university has not gone to waste (see story, page 1). Half of the funds, approximately $15,000, have been allotted to six projects which are aimed at making environmental sustainability improvements. These initiatives are wonderful; they are a testament to the initiative of Rice students and to the commitment of Rice to support its students and its environment. Furthermore, the program is planned to continue each year that RESET is funded by blanket taxes; over time, the number of sustainability projects implemented will make a

serious difference.Nonetheless, it is important for RESET and the administration to elaborate upon these student projects. While many of the ideas are excellent jumping boards, the initiatives need to be implemented campus-wide to make a dramatic impact. The university should seek to weatherize, install solar panels and expand the bike sharing program across campus; improve A/C in other older campus buildings; refit all campus toilets and perhaps instill 20 minutes of turned-off AC on a daily basis campus-wide. Of course, these projects will take time and money to expand, and gratitude is due to the students who are taking the first step. However, over time, as new student projects are implemented and old ones are expanded upon, Rice has the potential to dramatically improve its

environmental sustainability.

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