The UConn Foundation's Green Campus Fund is one of the first of it's kind

The UConn Foundation, a private nonprofit that raises money for the school, has set up a fund dedicated to environmentally responsible policies. The web site for the Green Campus Fund states:

"As UConn continues to grow, your gift to the Green Campus Fund will help the University to incorporate “green” building and low-impact design concepts into all new construction projects. In building a more energy-efficient and environmentally balanced campus, we will enhance area quality of life, protect natural resources and reduce our ecological footprint."

The UConn Foundation is, according to an article by Tom Breen of the Journal Inquirer (article), one of the first organizations of its kind to set up a special fund dedicated to environmentally friendly practices. The progress of this special fund is being watched by other universities across the country as they contemplate similar measures.

For more information on the Green Campus Fund go to www.ecohusky.uconn.edu/greencampusfund.htm.

Sustainable Building and Renewable Energy in Georgetown CT

The Georgetown Land Development Co., owners of a 55 acre parcel in Georgetown CT, the former Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill, are redeveloping the site green. Overseers of the project will receive more than $72 million in qualified green building and sustainable design tax-exempt bonds to, among other things, aid in the purchase, construction and integration of renewable energy and sustainable design features of the project. The entire renovation is expected to run at $300 million. Components of the project include a hydroelectric dam and power plant, photovoltaic, and green roofs. The redevelopment will include housing, restaurants, a health facility, a train station on the Metro North New Haven line and other retail space. Part of the bonding criteria was that 75% of the square footage for the commercial buildings be registered for LEED certification and also for the creation of 1500 permanent jobs.