IUPUI Launches Greening IUPUI Grant Fund

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Say the word green and people likely think of  money or the environment. In this case, both words come into play as IUPUI launches the Greening IUPUI Grant Fund.

IUPUI has put $50,000 into the Greening IUPUI Grant Fund to support student, faculty and staff initiatives that will “green” IUPUI by advancing its sustainability principles. These principles were adopted in April 2008 for campus life and operations.

 The Statement of Principles notes:  “We recognize the interdependence of humans with the environment. We must apply thoughtful and creative planning to achieve a thriving campus community built on the principles of sustainability. We must foster conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources through campus policy and personal behavior. We must promote a common agenda for IUPUI as a green campus. We must preserve and enhance the quality of life for our campus community and future generations in ways that enhance teaching and learning, research, civic engagement and administrative practices.”

 The principles are stated on the IUPUI Campus sustainability website, http://www.sustainable.iupui.edu/.  They focus on key areas, including Leadership Commitment and Measures, Recycling and Waste Reduction, Transportation, Sustainable Use and Protection of Natural Resources – Land, Air, and Water Management, Energy Use, Purchasing Products and Services, Design and Management of the Built Environment, Public Health, and Education.

 The $50,000 in funds, earmarked for the 2008-2009 fiscal year, will be targeted at projects or activities that reduce the environmental impact of the campus, including activities such as conferences, research, and education and training.

 Students, faculty, and staff may apply.  Students must have a faculty or staff member’s support and designated as the project contact person on the application. Awards will not be made retroactively (i.e. to reimburse).

The first round of applications to receive full consideration should be submitted by February 28, 2009. Applications received after the deadline date will be reviewed and awarded only if funds are still available for the period in which it is submitted.  Applications may be reconsidered for a following period when funds are available if deemed appropriate.

A grant application may be downloaded from the sustainability website, http://www.sustainable.iupui.edu/.

The Greening IUPUI Awards Committee will review the applications and will award funding based on the potential positive impacts of the project on advancing IUPUI’s Statement of Sustainability Principles.

For questions or additional information, contact Rich Strong, 274-1388 or ristrong@iupui.edu.