History
The Sustainability Revolving Fund was created when Carleton College agreed to match a donation made by the Carleton Students Association (CSA).  Initial funds were also contributed by the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC).  In 2008 the fund grew again when Jim Haughn (class of '83) raised donations from his class by riding his bike 800 miles from his home in Toledo, Ohio to his Carleton Class Reunion in Northfield.  Jim's Bright Idea, as his bike ride became known, raised nearly $14,000 additional dollars (for more information on Jim's Bright Idea go to www.carleton83.info).  As of May 6th, 2010 the SRF had $41,190.00.

Philosophy
This philosophy behind the SRF is that many projects which reduse waste and Greenhouse Gas emissions also save money.  For SRF projects to be approved by the SRF Committee (a subcommittee of the EAC) there must be ample proof that the project will pay for the implementation costs through energy or utilities reductions within 6 years of initialization.  90% of the savings accrued through the first 6 years go back into the SRF (the other 10% go to the CSA until their donation of $17,500 is paid in full plus 10%).  This will allow the SRF to grow over time, allowing bigger projects with higher start-up costs but higher energy returns.

Why ask students to help?
Some students have questioned why, if SRF projects must provide relatively short-term cost savings, would the college and the Facilities Office not implement these projects themselves?  In my opinion this excellent question gets to the heart of the Sustainability movement; it should be asked about every facet of energy consumption in our society and our daily lives.  The short answer is that at Carleton, as is the case anywhere, even immense resources inevitably have a limit. 

As an example, installing Compact Fluorescent light bulbs is a no-brainer with regards to energy savings over the life of the bulb compared to an incandescent.  But switching every campus incandescent bulb for a fluorescent would be an immense undertaking.  Every light bulb on campus would have to be identified, which would mean removing unwieldy covers on overhead lamps, and after identifying each bulb a matching fluorescent would have to be acquired and installed.  The process would require significant man-hours which are already occupied performing other essential campus functions.  The reasoning is similar to why many families do not grow their own food, though it would arguably be cheaper in the long run for them to do so.

The SRF provides students the resources to pursue their own ideas and ambitions while taking a greater ownership in Carleton.  In turn, they will be doing the college a service.

Writing by Chris Erickson (2008-2009 5th Year ENTS Intern)

Information Provided By:
Sustainability Revolving Fund Charter
Carleton College 2008 "Return. Renew. Reunion" publication.