While it is admirable that some people at UW-Madison are moving to make clean, renewable energy a larger source of power, more steps need to be taken to accomplish this goal. Big Red Go Green (BRGG), a WISPIRG affiliated student campaign, believes that the University should immediately do two things: announce that all future buildings be LEED-certified, and that Chancellor Wiley should sign the President's Climate Commitment.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, provides a set of guidelines to builders focusing on the sustainability of the building, its overall energy performance, and its impact on the surrounding environment. LEED certification stresses five major areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

It is possible for all future structures on this campus to be certified by these standards.

BRGG would also like to see Chancellor Wiley sign the President's Climate Commitment. This is a pledge that requires the university to develop a plan to achieve climate neutrality as soon as possible, to take definite steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to make all actions and plans available for public viewing. By signing this document, Madison could become a role model for other large universities and join the ranks of countless other schools that have already committed to make a difference in the fight against global warming.

Devin Trezise
Big Red Go Green intern
UW-Madison sophomore
Horticulture and Chinese Major