It’s easy being green

The faculty group voted unanimously to approve the resolution in support of “green building and clean, renewable energy.”

That means that, when Chico State erects a new building or renovates an old one, it would do so in a way that limits its demand for energy, water and natural resources. In the long run, this would also make for lower maintenance and operations costs. The buildings could include solar, wind or fuel cell power. The buildings would be “LEED-certified,” the standard in the design world when it comes to green buildings.

It’s all in accordance with the Talloires Declaration of 1990, in which university administrators endorsed the idea that higher education should lead the way in sustainable building. The Academic Senate has already recommended that Chico State adopt the Talloires Declaration.

Last month, students voted to approve an advisory measure that would see the new Bell Memorial Union switch to a renewable energy source, such as by adding solar panels. Also, students anticipating the return of a proposed Wildcat Activity Center plan to advocate that the rec center be built only if it is done so following these tenets.