 "Photo: Mike North")
Though about $90,000 was given out for sustainability projects this past academic year, one fraternity’s hopes of being the first Greek house in Chico to have solar panels was denied.
Theta Chi recently applied for a grant through the A.S. Sustainability Fund Allocation Committee, but was turned down, said junior Cody Beratlis, house manager of Theta Chi. The $10,000 grant would have helped pay for solar panels on the roof of the fraternity.
Despite being turned down for funding, they plan to apply again next semester, he said.
“It was a nice effort,” Beratlis said.
Besides the idea of adding solar panels, Theta Chi has taken steps these past few semesters to become more sustainable in the long run, he said. Theta Chi has put in motion-sensor lights in the hallways, kitchen and porches in order to control and conserve electricity.
By setting up the solar panels on the roof of Theta Chi, costs would be cut while saving energy, said junior Dustin Pesch, president of Theta Chi.
“There are 18 people living in the house and there’s about $1,200 to $1,400 in Pacific Gas and Electric costs,” he said. “By installing the panels, costs would have been considerably cut while also giving us the chance to be more sustainable.”
There were eight total applicants for sustainability funding from various organizations on campus, four of which received funding, said Robyn DiFalco, A.S. sustainability coordinator.
Some sustainable proposals that did receive funding this semester include Recycling for Sutter Hall, B.Y.O. Cup: Reusable Soda Cups and the Mechoopda Trail of Tears, she said. Generally, the voting members of SFAC look for projects that are visibly strong on campus and touch the most number of students.
The total amount of money requested for spring 2010 by all organizations totaled more than $43,000, DiFalco said. However, the four that did receive funding came to almost $13,000, though there was nearly $76,000 allocated during fall 2009.
About $17,000 will roll over to the next academic year, she said. By rolling the leftover money into next year, it can be useful if enrollment is cut, which would also cut sustainability funds.
“Having the money leftover will be useful for next year,” DiFalco said.
August Walsh can be reached at
awalsh@theorion.com
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