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UNM will primarily use a four-tiered approach to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. The tiers are behavior-based energy conservation, technological improvements in utilities production and consumption, renewable energy, and alternative transportation. UNM recently concluded the first performance year of a campus-wide energy conservation program focused on modifying the behavior of the campus community. The program is already realizing significant savings.

Second we will continue the process of improving our utilities infrastructure by replacing a pressure reducing station with a steam turbine generator. This will allow the University to produce electricity with little to no additional fuel usage. We will continue upgrading our lighting and controls systems and complete “green remodels” of older buildings.

Third, we will begin the process of investing in renewable energy. As a sun-drenched state, New Mexico is ideally suited to take advantage of solar energy. By the end of 2010 UNM will have two fully operational photovoltaic systems on campus roofs.

Finally our Parking and Transportation Services is aggressively promoting alternative transportation choices for our students, staff, and faculty. For the past two years members of the UNM community have had access to free transit passes and reduced fares for the local rail system. Beginning in December 2009, an Alternative Transportation Kiosk will open in the Student Union Building and trained staff will assist members of the UNM community in determining their greenest commuting options. UNM is also transitioning its fleet to alternative fuel vehicles.

The Sustainability Studies program, which began in fall 2007, continues to add class sections in order to accommodate its increasing enrollment. Many other departments have classes with topics related to sustainability: Economics, Sociology, American Studies, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Anthropology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Structural Engineering, School of Management, Women’s Studies, Communications and Journalism, Biology, Water Resources, Architecture and Planning, Community and Regional Planning, Research and Service Learning Program, the Law School, and the Department of Continuing Education.

The Office of Sustainability and Sustainability Studies Program hold annual sustainability expos and invite everyone from the University community to participate with informational booths and forums.

The Office of Sustainability hosts a website, Facebook group, and Twitter account, all of which provide updated information on events, job openings, and other resources for those interested in sustainability.

The Sustainability Studies Program is actively involved and sponsors many environmental outreach events in the community such as grower markets, organic gardening workshops, an Aldo Leopard film festival, and green building lectures. These events are open to the community and all are invited to participate.

New and transfer students and residence hall advisors learn about sustainability, recycling, and energy conservation as part of their orientation. Dorm residents hold a Green Living Forum every fall semester. The Sustainability Studies Program is developing a Sustainability Living and Learning Center for 12 - 20 freshmen in the dorms.

Beginning in the Fall 2009 semester, Eco Reps were elected in each dorm. These students attend a seminar for training in energy conservation, recycling options, and other topics related to sustainability. The job description, program description, and training were written by an American Studies class in Research Learning and Service Training.

Currently there are over fifty faculty who conduct research in areas, which relate to sustainability and climate neutrality. The newest is Dr. Mark Stone, the Civil Engineering Professor of Sustainability who specializes in water resources.

The University of New Mexico is an institution which prides itself on the innovative research and technological developments of its faculty. Two outstanding examples are Associate Professor of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Plamen Atanassov who is leading a team exploring the possibility of putting biofuel into a fuel cell, research that takes a step toward hydrogen rather than petroleum based economy. Also Associate Professor Kuppu Iyengar, a Regent’s Lecturer, whose professional work and research has been at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainability efforts relative to civil and structural engineering.

UNM has a Science and Technology Park that assists with the patent application process and nourishes and incubates ideas, new products and technologies. This provides a fertile ground for the research related to all areas of sustainability and carbon neutrality. Dr. Andrea Mammoli received an award from the Science and Technology Park and is the principal investigator on several renewable energy projects, including the renovation of the solar HVAC system in the Mechanical Engineering building.

The University of New Mexico is an urban campus set in the middle of Albuquerque. Our surrounding neighborhoods are home to our students, staff, and faculty, and what we do as a campus affects our neighbors as well as our city and state.

Currently out for comment is UNM’s Master Plan for our future development, which has a strong emphasis on sustainability. This plan includes elements of energy conservation, renewable energy, alternative transportation, and green building technologies. All members of the community are invited to provide their input and ideas.

The community and surrounding neighborhood associations were also invited to participate in the Town Hall where the Sustainability 434 students presented their Carbon Neutrality Plan, a class project in the spring 2009 semester. Comments and ideas were collected from the breakout sessions on transportation, renewable energy, and locally produced food. The students’ plan was incorporated into UNM’s Climate Action Plan.

The University of New Mexico Policy 2100 “Sustainability” places an emphasis on community service and states that UNM will serve the community at large, “by providing leadership and setting an example of how to achieve the triple bottom line of environmental protection, social equity, and economic opportunity.”