University of Alabama at Birmingham
IN-25: Innovation B

The UAB Sustainability Investment Fund, sponsored by the UAB Division of Student Affairs and UAB Sustainability, supports student-designed, student-led projects that improve campus sustainability. UAB Sustainability uses the widely accepted definition of sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In practice, we achieve this by working to holistically incorporate sustainability principles and standards in operations, teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community outreach and education. Investment Fund projects target a sustainability need on campus and can address areas of economic, social or environmental sustainability. Projects that align with UAB’s Sustainability Strategic Plan will receive priority consideration. The most recently funded project, a pollinator garden, was proposed by a senior in our Biology department. The garden has been implemented in the campus's Mini Park as a way to create a more welcoming environment for pollinators. Past projects include: - A student in the joint master of public health and doctor of medicine program proposed electric car-charging stations; two are be placed in the School of Medicine parking lot by Volker Hall on University Boulevard. The board awarded $1,000 for this project. - A graduate student in public health and public administration proposed a program to facilitate increased recycling and repurposing of items during dorm move-out. The board awarded $300 for this project. -A doctoral student in cell, developmental and integrative biology proposed a new water-bottle filling station in the Tinsley Harrison Building. The board awarded $1,400 for this project. -A junior in civil engineering proposed a project for the addition of more functional bike racks on campus. The board awarded $5,000 for this project. The student also proposed a self-service bike-repair station for the Campus Green. The board awarded $1,300 for this project. - A freshman in chemistry and Spanish individually proposed adding recycling bins to all floors of all residence halls and creating a work-study position in UAB Recycling to service the new bins. The Green Initiative, a student-led group on campus, and the student worked together to implement the project. The board awarded $7,000 for this project. -A graduate student in civil engineering proposed adding paper-recycling receptacles in all UAB lobbies where current recycling rolling bins won’t fit. The board awarded $600 for this project. -A graduate student in public health, applying on behalf of the Public Health Student Association, proposed a new water-bottle filling station in the Ryals Public Health Building. The board awarded $1,400 for this project

https://www.uab.edu/reporter/campus/sustainability/item/5992-students-leading-8-projects-to-promote-sustainability