JOHNSON CITY (January 29, 2013) – From specialized treadmills to bicycle repairs for Buc Bikes, the East Tennessee State University community will benefit from Campus Sustainability projects approved for the current academic year.

Since 2008, a Campus Sustainability Fee of $5 per semester has been paid by each ETSU student to fund environmentally, socially and economically sustainable initiatives and infrastructure at the university.

This year, 30 proposals were submitted, with nine gaining approval for funding from a budget totaling $150,000.

The Wayne G. Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA) will be the recipient of several grants. Partial funding will be provided for EcoMill treadmills, designed with a curved incline and completely self-powered.

In addition, the CPA will benefit from a photovoltaic, or solar, system placed on the roof of the center as well as light sensors to conserve electricity in restrooms, locker rooms and shower areas.

The Buc Bikes program will also benefit from funding. The bicycle project supplies the campus community with a bike rental option for travelling around campus, which reduces emissions from automobiles. In addition to signs advertising the program, the fee will fund wages for student workers who provide bicycle safety training and bike repair support, as well as repair materials. A new bike repair station will be added outside the D.P. Culp University Center for quick bicycle tune-ups.

An award will provide the James H. Quillen College of Medicine students with a hydration station for filtered drinking water.

A sustainable bus shelter is in the design process to encourage the use of ETSU’s BucShot public transportation system while it also educates users about energy efficiency with the incorporation of LED lighting.

A major project includes the initial design work for a campus sustainability center to serve as an interactive sustainable learning area for the campus. It will incorporate natural materials, alternative energies and other sustainable components in its construction and will be developed and maintained by students, faculty and staff.

For further information, contact Kathleen Moore, director of the ETSU Department of Sustainability, at moore@etsu.edu or (423) 439-7766.