The Committee & Friends with the Morrison Solar Thermal Panels

Back Row  (L-R): Larry Hicks (Director, Department of  Housing & Residential Education) Susan Rhody (Morrison Community Director) Jessi Kemp (Chair, Environmental Affairs Committee) Andy Ives (Chair, SEAC) Jesse Prentice-Dunn** Janie Hauser** Jenn Poole* Lynn Pudlo* Jarrett Grimm* Shaddi Hasan* 

*RESPC member        **2006-2007 RESPC co-chairs

"Carolina students were first in the southeast to approve a renewable energy fee, demonstrating true Tar Heel spirit by leading the way on this critical issue. Not only has their unique commitment meant successful projects at UNC such as the new solar hot water system for Morrison Residence Hall, but their work with students at universities and colleges throughout North Carolina and the region has helped promote renewable energy on those campuses as well. Their decision to literally tax themselves for a better environment is an inspiration to us all." 

-Chancellor Moeser, July 2007

RESPC was formed in April 2003 to promote renewable energy on the UNC campus through the identification and funding of renewable energy projects. After obtaining approval of UNC student body (via referendum), the UNC Board of Trustees, and UNC system's Board of Governors, the $4 per semester student fee has been in effect since the 2004-05 school year. Since then, the committee has administered the almost $200,000 per year generated by the Green Energy Campaign student fee. 

In February 2005, the referendum was renewed with approval by 85% of student body votes. This referendum will remain in effect until 2009, at which time it will be once again put before the student body for renewal. For more information on the referendum process or the projects we have undertaken with the fee money, please take a look at our Project Updates page.

Composed of 7 students (5 Undergraduate, 2 Graduate) and 4 faculty/staff/administration members, the committee works together to identify and implement renewable energy projects on campus. We also combine our efforts to help spread awareness of renewable energy technologies and to compose grants that enhance the educational aspects of our projects.

If you are a UNC student and would like to get involved, come by one of our meetings, or click here to sign up for our listserv. The student members meet on Thursday evenings, and meetings are open to the public. The full committee usually meets on the second Friday of every month at 2:30PM in room 307A of South Building. These meetings are also open to the public, but due to limited space in the conference room, please contact us here in advance of your visit.

We have accumulated a variety of useful documents over the years, which are helpful for understanding our history.

Check out these sites for information on other university green energy and sustainability initiatives:

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
Campus Climate Challenge
Appalachian State University Renewable Energy Initiative
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Harvard Green Campus Initiative
University of California-San Diego
Duke Green Power Challenge
Berea College Sustainability Initiatives

Please explore our website to learn more about the committee’s past successes, current projects, and the increasing worldwide momentum away from fossil fuels and towards responsible energy usage.