DEPARTMENT of Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Anthony M. Babauta visited the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability office yesterday to see the energy-efficient features of the retrofitted model home and learn more about the sustainable initiatives implemented by the university.
The home was originally built in the 1960s. The UOG-CIS renovated the original structure and added features such as a sustainable garden, a water catchment system, high efficiency windows, energy-efficient air conditioners, and a 6-kilowatt photovoltaic system to create a model for a sustainable island housing that produces zero-carbon emission.
Babauta stated: “I wish to commend the University of Guam, (UOG) President (Robert) Underwood and the faculty and students for being real pioneers and creative thinkers. Going and being 'green' is much about developing a mindset and trend others seek to emulate. The CIS model home features state-of-the-art concepts and cutting edge technology that speak to the very essence of sustainability and environmental consciousness. This home is a remarkable achievement and truly a building model for conserving and protecting our natural resources.”
Partnership
UOG-CIS Sustainability Coordinator Elvie Tyler said funding support from USDOI helped launch the UOG Green Initiative, and other core programs.
“DOI provided grant funds to help us promote our Going Green Program for the campus as well as the community. We got two grants from DOI totaling around $585,000,” Tyler explained.
She added: “In 2009, we received around $285,000 to start the Going Green Program. The following year, UOG-CIS was established to promote energy conservation and efficiency. We received $300,000 from DOI to stretch out the green initiative to the community.”
DOI also made it possible for UOG-CIS to implement an education and awareness-raising program in the villages and also to start a recycling center at the Mangilao Mayor’s Office, according to Tyler.
Funding support also enabled them to provide small grants to UOG faculty in 2010 and 2011, as a way of facilitating integration of sustainability topics into the curriculum.
“Some of the funds were used to promote a sustainable garden at UOG. Part of the UOG internship program also came from the USDOI grant,” she added.
Tyler concluded: “The support of the DOI, especially the Assistant Secretary, has really increased awareness in recycling and energy efficiency, not only on campus but also throughout the community. Our sustainable model wouldn’t be available for the viewing of the community without the help of the DOI grant.”
