The grass is about to get a little greener on UCO’s side of the fence starting April 1.
In anticipation of deteriorating weather conditions, the kickoff activities for the University of Central Oklahoma's "Bronze+Blue=Green: UCO Lean and Green" initiative planned for Friday, March 27 have been rescheduled for April 1.
The university will kick off its initiative by encouraging the campus community to turn off all lights and electronics from 11 a.m. to noon, according to a UCO press release. Teachers are encouraged to have class outside and everyone on campus can enjoy a sack lunch at Broncho Lake.
Information booths and other activities will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. around the lake.
The BBG initiative is the start of a month-long awareness campaign intended to initiate lasting changes among the UCO community that will help the environment and save the university money, the press release stated.
“These tough economic times call for us to continue leading the way by being smart with our resources,” UCO President Roger Webb said. “One of the most valued resources we have is the creativity and innovation of our campus community, and I am excited to see the ideas generated as a part of this initiative.”
As part of the BBG initiative, UCO is creating an online community that allows people to participate by sharing ideas, personal stories and pictures.
On the Web site, www.uco.edu/green, visitors can check out the stories, get daily “Lean and Green” tips and stay updated by joining the BBG Facebook group and signing up to follow UCO on Twitter.
The initial awareness campaign will culminate with Earth Week, April 20-24. The culmination will include several UCO student-generated events.
Throughout the campaign there will be several other awareness initiatives. Some of the programs include the installation of energy use monitors in key areas, an audit of paper use and printing and some surprise displays to illustrate the importance of going green.
The effort does not end after Earth Week. According to Adrienne Nobles, UCO Director of Communications and Marketing, campus officials hope to initiate permanent changes in policy and practices through this effort.
UCO is already a recognized leader in sustainability efforts such as using 100 percent wind power and producing its own bio-diesel fuel for campus vehicles from used cooking oil.
The efforts have won the university multiple awards, made them a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Club and saved UCO more than 30 percent in utility costs since 2003, according to the press release.
Those with any questions about the BBG initiative can contact Nobles at 974-2103, and email her at anobles@uco.edu
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