UAB goes green | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Steering wheel...check

Seat belt...check.

Tires...check!

It has all the components of your average car.

Except this one will cost you about a penny a mile.

"It just speaks energy conservation, going green, zero emissions. You can get more attention out of this thing than a fancy sports car," said UAB Engineer, Matt Winslett.

Winslet is referring the UAB's solar powered car.

He and other staff members use it to get to and from the schools 150 plus buildings.

This is just part of school's plan for a cleaner campus.

"Our utility consumption is pretty big and by having so many buildings consuming so much energy, electrically, steam, natural gas, water, chilled water we just want to be leaders in energy conservation," said Winslett.

The solar panel car isn't the only project moving the school forward in its green initiative.

Add rooftop garden to the mix.

UAB Biologist Julie Price and countless volunteers have helped create five gardens around campus. "It's cooling the building so we're saving on our energy bills. We're reducing the amount of storm water that goes into the storm water system which is good for the environment. It doubles the life of the roof system."

The greenery around campus is not only pleasing to the eye for walkers but it's helping save money in an uncommon area.

"We also have herbs in each corner that will be cut by the chefs in the dining hall and used to prepare food for the students," said Price.

It's a move students here can feel good about.

"It interests me more about the school," said UAB Freshman, Shelsea Walker.

"I feel good about it because at least they're doing something to help the environment in a city that is extremely polluted," said UAB Freshman, Jacob Mayhew.

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