Sustainability a must

UNC has made another gesture indicating its support of environmental sustainablity but it must continue to take concrete steps to illustrate this commitment.

UNC has recently signed on to a resolution with a long-term goal to become a carbon-neutral campus joining 600 other colleges and universities nationwide.

Not only is this initiative beneficial to the environment but it will also lead to cost savings for the University through a reduction in energy costs.

The University's first step should be to explore ways existing buildings can become more energy efficient.

Already all 33 residence halls have low-flow water fixtures and efficient lighting. Future renovations to other campus buildings should include these features but they should also implement more advanced features such as the addition of solar panels and gray-water recycling.

And all new construction projects should strive for carbon neutrality from the onset.

In addition the University should solicit input from existing student groups who have been advocating for more sustainable practices for years.

This is a perfect opportunity for UNC to implement some of the innovative ideas conceived by the many students passionate about environmental justice.

By affirming its commitment in sustainability though the goal of carbon neutrality UNC's efforts will not only help the environment but encourage students to adopt a socially responsibility lifestyle as well.