Green Action Fund Proposal Andrea Blair, Director Student Access Center 202 Holton Hall Project Description/Narrative Showcase Sustainability/Renewable Energy Imagine a “moving billboard” cruising campus educating students and the public in environmental stewardship and sustainability. Funding is requested to purchase a portable charging unit. This unit is offered by Moser, LLC (konzasolar.com) and includes a trailer, solar panels and the Konza Portable Solar Tracker. The tracker is made right here in Manhattan, KS and invented by Mark Moser, a local resident and engineer with interest in renewable energy. The tracker (figure one) is a device that maximizes the sun’s energy by automatically adjusting to the brightest spot in the sky AND it’s portable. Figure two shows the panels in an upright position for travel. Figure One Figure Two The electric golf cart in figure three, powered by the portable charging unit, has been purchased by the Division of Student Life. It will be the “coolest” bus on campus. Figure Three The golf cart will replace a gas guzzling van used by the Student Access Center for over 25 years. The cart will be used by office staff to transport students with disabilities and to deliver exams, Monday-­‐Friday, 8-­‐5. It is stated in the guidelines that projects with high student involvement are given strong preference. The unit will be available to clubs, student groups, and academic departments providing leadership opportunities for students to promote renewable energy. The unit will provide a forum for dialog, outreach and service between departments to enable progress towards a sustainable campus and introduce new curricula/research in environmental and sustainability issues. Sustainability/Environmental Benefits The cart will perform the same tasks previously done by the van. Fuel cost for the van averaged $500 a semester and expended 170 gallons of fuel. Benefits to K-­State Students/Campus Visibility For the past 25 years, this office has coordinated an on-­‐campus shuttle service for students with disabilities using a van rented from Motor Pool. The service is heavily utilized and for many of the students necessary to remain in school. Last fall semester over 600 rides were provided to students with permanent disabilities and temporary injuries. Just in the first 8 weeks of the current semester, 32 students have requested the shuttle service; 9 with permanent disabilities (wheelchair users, low vision, respiratory and heart conditions) , 23 of them with temporary injuries (surgery or broken bones requiring crutches) that may last from 2 weeks to 6 months. This office also provides accommodations on course exams to assist faculty who may have students with disabilities in their courses. The cart will also be used to pick-­‐up and return over 1200 exams/semester. As you can see, the portable charging unit will be highly visible around campus demonstrating the University’s commitment to renewable energy. Administering the Funds This office will be responsible for administering the project funds. Detailed Budget The cost of the portable charging unit is exactly, $5000.00. A breakdown of the parts and charges are attached. The purchase of the one item will be made as soon as funding is available. Timeline of Activities The golf cart powered by solar panels will be in operation by January 21, 2014 the first day of spring semester.