SOPE

SOPE has been very active in submitting proposals for the entirety of the existence of Carleton’s Sustainability Revolving Fund (SRF) . The fund, containing $41,190.00 as of May 6th, 2010 the SRF had $41,190.00, was started by joint contributions from the Carleton Student Association, the Environmental Advisory Committee, and the school itself. The purpose of the fund is to supply the initial capital for sustainable projects around campus with short payback periods. The fund pays for the project in the beginning but then accrues the savings (due to energy or water efficiency) for 6 years. In this way, the fund revolves, or has the chance to grow substantially.

SOPE’s SRF task force has submitted multiple proposals to the committee. The earliest proposals included one on upgraded lighting systems in Cowling Gym and another for the replacement of incandescent lightbulbs with CFL models. The latter of the two was approved and the official document and the savings calculations can be viewed on the right. Another successful project was to replace current residence hall showers and faucets with low-flow equivalents. Most of Carleton’s 2.5 gpm shower heads were replaced with 1.5 gpm efficient models and there is ongoing work to see how much money that is saving the school.

**CURRENT PROJECT**

Our most current project involves making drying racks available on every floor of every dorm to reduce dryer use. After a successful pilot program in Cassat, we have be granted funds to place 2 drying racks on every floor of every dorm. This term the SRF task force will be focusing on obtaining the drying racks and all of SOPE will be involved in educating the floors not only on the existence of the drying racks but also other sustainable laundry practices.

For more information contact Ryan Noe or Anne Sledd.