Last year, the University of New Mexico continued to achieve numerous sustainability accomplishments in facilities, research and academics during the course of the year.
UNM's 2014 sustainability highlights:
Photovoltaic system at Continuing Education south building to produce 25 percent of building electricity
A new 81 kW Photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the Continuing Education south building and will produce 25 percent of building electricity, with a carbon emissions reduction equaling 90 metric tons/year.
Made in the shade
A team of UNM engineering students competed in a U. S. Department of Energy solar decathlon to design and built an all-solar powered house. The SHADE (Solar Homes Adapting for Desert Equilibrium) house produces more electricity than it uses. UNM Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Olga Lavrova was the faculty advisor.
Center for Water and the Environment receives $5 million NSF CREST award
The Center for Water and the Environment, a research center based at the University of New Mexico, has received a 5-year, $5 million award from the National Science Foundation. The award will be used to help increase research in water-related subjects.
UNM featured in 'The Princeton Review's Guide to 332 Green Colleges'
UNM was named in the Princeton Review Guide to Green Schools for the 4th year in a row.
PPD Engineering and Energy Services wins prestigious awards
The Physical Plant Department Engineering and Energy Services won a prestigious award from the New Mexico Association of Energy Engineers (NMAEE) for its energy conservation program.
Expert talks trash in lecture series
Dr. Edward Hume, author of “Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with Trash,” the Lobo Reading Experience book for this academic year, led a panel discussion on the study of trash.
UNM receives bronze level bicycle friendly university award
UNM received the bronze level bicycle friendly university award from the League of American Bicyclists.
UNM Casas del Rio named a 'PNM Energy Star'
PNM Energy Stars awarded for most energy efficient project goes to the UNM for the new construction of the Casa Del Rio dormitories.
UNM jointly developed fuel cells win innovation award
Fuel-cell technology, developed by UNM School of Engineering Dr. Plamen Atanassov and his team with Daihatsu Motors, was recognized for its large-scale potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
UNM Athletics initiates recycling at Lobo football games
UNM Athletics began recycling bottles and cans at Lobo football games this last season.
PPD Utilities takes over Mede del Sol SMART Grid System
PPD Utilities took over the Mesa Del Sol SMART Grid System in conjunction with the PNM Prosperity Energy Storage Project. This is the nation’s first solar storage facility that is fully integrated into a utility’s power grid, and is a showcase for future smart grid projects.
Lobo Softball hosts 'Green Awareness'
UNM Lobo Softball hosted a “Green Awareness” game to highlight UNM’s decades-long efforts for sustainable practices and energy conservation.
UNM's energy conservation efforts chronicled in a 4-part series
UNM sustainability and conservation efforts - Part 1
UNM sustainability and conservation efforts chronicled - Part 2
UNM moves toward a sustainability culture - Part 3
UNM sustainability and conservation efforts chronicled - Part 4