Green Fund Projects 2022-2023
The Green Fund supports student-initiated projects that improve the sustainability of campus facilities. Explore projects funded in fiscal year 2023, or browse previous years’ projects in the Green Fund Project Archives.
2022-2023 Projects
Spring 2023 | $11,413
Native Plant Garden, School of Education
Wildlife ecology students are working with staff from UW facilities to plant a native plant garden just north of the School of Education building to support pollinators and be a space for indigenous place-based learning.
Spring 2023 | $2,000
Lighting Retrofit, Four Lakes Dining
Students from Helios and Enactus worked with Housing staff to upgrade the lighting in the kitchens, hallways, and other “back of house” spaces of Four Lakes Dining. The new LED bulbs will save 112 MWh of electricity a year.
Spring 2023 | $2,505
Energy Efficiency Devices
The Office of Sustainability Green Labs program will pilot and study the use of smart power strips and timers to reduce energy use of lab equipment.
Spring 2023 | $21,260
Electric Mower, Arboretum
The Arboretum worked with students from CLEAN to replace a fossil fuel-powered riding lawn mower with an electric powered one, saving roughly 14 MTCO2e in greenhouse gas emissions and $6,900 in fuel costs over the life of the mower.
Spring 2023 | $9,250
Aquaponics | D.C Smith Greenhouse
Students from Engineers for a Sustainable World worked with faculty and staff to build an aquaponics system to raise fish and edible plants in D.C. Smith Greenhouse and incorporate the system into classes and other educational programming.
Fall 2022 | $1,356
Tower Garden, Camp Randall
Student Athletes Leaders for Sustainability (SALS) introduced a vertical hydroponic growing system at the UW Athletics Camp Randall dining hall to engage student athletes in growing food.
Fall 2022 | $2,664
Lighting Controls, Waters Residence Hall
Students from Enactus and Helios worked with University Housing staff to add occupancy sensors and timers to hallway and bathroom lighting at Waters Residence Hall saving about 32 MWh and $4,700 a year.
Fall 2022 | $1,300
Bee Hotel, Allen Centennial Gardens
Students from Bees Please, Engineers for a Sustainable World, and The People’s Farm are working with staff to design and build a nesting box for native bees at Allen Centennial Gardens.
Fall 2022 | $1,427
Clothing Repair Equipment
Re-wear It Wisconsin, a student organization, runs clothing swaps and workshops on campus about clothing reuse and repair. This project offers equipment to support their waste reduction efforts.
Have an idea that addresses the environmental footprint, social impact, and operating costs of on-campus facilities? Green Fund staff can assist with proposal development at any time. Please contact Green Fund Program Manager, Ian Aley.