USU USGBC Student Chapter Participates in National Effort
The Utah State University student chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) partnered with the university’s sustainability council to host a booth for the Green Apple Day of Service during USU’s Open Streets Festival Sept. 28. The club distributed flower bulbs in packages that provided information about the USGBC, Green Apple Day of Service and how to learn more about the organization and sustainability. According to a media report, USGBC brought together thousands of volunteers to participate in nearly 2,100 service projects in all 50 states and more than 30 countries for the second annual Green Apple Day of Service.
Rachel Scott, student president of USU’s USGBC chapter that includes students from the interior design program in the Department of Art and Design, said their goal is to educate about sustainability, particularly in relation to energy and resource-efficient buildings.
“Our efforts are specifically aimed to have an impact on the USU campus,” said Scott.
The Green Apple Day of Service is an initiative that brings together volunteers and green schools advocates around the world to take action through service projects in their own communities. The day provides an opportunity for community members to transform all schools into healthy, safe, cost-efficient and productive learning environments.
“This year our project planning began with a desire to address the issue of clean air that has been such a hot topic in Cache Valley,” said Scott. “Air quality is something that our campus and community is truly concerned about, and so we saw this as an opportunity to have a local impact.”
Scott and the rest of the USGBC invited people to plant the bulbs in their yards as a commitment to do their part to improve the air quality in our community.
“Overall we gave out 180 bulbs during the festival, had the opportunity to work with the Sustainability Council and sparked students’ interest in our organization,” said Scott. “We found it a successful experience and look forward to being part of Green Apple Day of Service in future years.”
Writer: Whitney Schulte, 435-797-9203, whit.schulte@gmail.com
Contact: Denise Albiston, 435-797-1500, denise.albiston@usu.edu
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