Students now accepting ideas for Green Investment Fund projects

Mount Allison University students will invest in the environment in 2010 as they kick off their latest project that will ensure a 'greener' future for Sackville.

The students are now receiving applications for their Green Investment Fund, an initiative that aims to reduce carbon emissions in the community, both on and off campus.

Mount A student Curtis Michaelis said anyone in the Sackville area is welcome to submit their project ideas to the Student Administrative Council (SAC), which will then be forwarded to the students' environmental affairs committee for review and final approval.

"It's open to anyone, students, faculty, and the community . . . anyone who has an idea for a green project," Michaelis told town council during its monthly meeting last Monday night.

Applications will soon be available through the SAC website at http://sac.mta.ca/ or through members of the student council. The successful applicant(s) will be named on March 12, said Michaelis.

The Green Investment Fund, a student-driven project that is believed to be the first of its kind in North America, will provide about $20,000 each year to fund initiatives that will offset carbon emissions within the town, such as: increasing the use of solar panels or geo-thermal technology in the community; further developing tree nurseries; installing solar-powered streetlights; or initiating a community network of bicycles.

"We will be looking at projects that reduce the greatest amount of carbon emissions," Michaelis explained. "Our guiding principle in this process is that the initiative must improve the community."

The funds will come from the students themselves, who last spring voted overwhelmingly during a SAC referendum to raise student fees to contribute a $10 green levy for the projects.

"The students wanted to contribute (to the environment) in some way, But they knew it would be tough to do it individually, so they thought we could do it collectively and it would have a greater impact," said Michaelis.

And as the town of Sackville kicks off the development stage of its community sustainability plan, Michaelis said the timing seems perfect to move forward on this project.

"We feel this could potentially benefit you as you move forward with your sustainability plan."

Mayor Pat Estabrooks complimented the youth for spearheading this initiative.

"This is youth showing us what we should be doing. This is a great step in the right direction."