Jeremy Emerson takes energy efficiency serious.
So serious that he wants the proposed Nebraska Union expansion, which would include a multicultural center, to receive energy efficient certification.
On Wednesday, Emerson attended the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska meeting to support a resolution encouraging the university to become certified.
ASUN passed the resolution by a unanimous vote.
Emerson, a graduate architecture and community planning student, is endorsing a certification called the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Emerson said the system ranks buildings' energy efficiency by how many criteria on a list were satisfied. He described the system as the new way of designing buildings and said it takes into account five major criteria:n Energy efficiency
- Water consumption
- Innovation
- Materials and resources
- Sustainable site
Various concerns and questions raised by ASUN senators on the possible cost increases in winning such certification were quenched by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs James Griesen's faith in the proposal.
Griesen said he didn't think the plan would add to the cost of the project.
``I think this (energy) project won't cost a dime in the end,'' Griesen said. ``We have a contingency plan built on.''
Griesen also outlined a timetable for the proposed expansion, noting that before its slated opening in 2009, one year would be dedicated to design, with two more allowed for construction.
He expected to have a funding package outlining the expansion's cost by this summer.
Charlie Francis, director of Nebraska Unions, said he supported environmental certification for the proposed Nebraska Union Expansion project, as long as the extra costs are identified.
Francis said his only concern with the proposal is if the certification added to construction costs, pointing out that the most appropriate time to ask about certification was upon the hiring of a project architect.
Emerson agreed, noting that's when the real work begins.
Besides being upbeat about the resolution passing, Emerson was quick to point out the benefits of the certification to a building on campus.
``Part of LEED is using paints and carpets and other materials that are healthier for students,'' Emerson said. ``The major advantage is in the long run, it will save a significant amount of money for students.''
