Chippewa Valley Times

A new sustainability project at the University of Wisconsin-Stout was unveiled on June 23, marking a significant step in the university's commitment to clean energy and green transportation. The project introduced two electric vehicle charging stations located in Lot 14 on the west side of Sorensen Hall, now accessible to campus members, community members, and visitors.

The level two charging stations are part of the ChargePoint network and can charge four electric or hybrid vehicles simultaneously. Users will be charged a fee of 35 cents per kilowatt hour, according to Sustainability Manager Kadi Wright.

This initiative was realized through collaboration among various university bodies, including the Stout Student Association (SSA) and its Sustainability Council, the Sustainability Office, the Campus Wide Energy Committee, Facilities Management, and Parking Services.

At the unveiling event, Chancellor Katherine Frank emphasized that "this event may seem like a small celebration, but it represents something much larger – our institution’s ongoing commitment to sustainability." She highlighted UW-Stout's role as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University in preparing students for future challenges both inside and outside academic settings.

Vice Chancellor Erik Guenard echoed these sentiments by stating that "these new electric vehicle charging stations are more than a convenience – they’re a clear sign of our institution’s evolving role in addressing climate change."

The SSA's Bergen Haag expressed hopes for continued progress: "I hope this project benefits many people and inspires further initiatives on our campus."

UW-Stout has been recognized for its efforts in sustainability by being named a national Green Ribbon school by the U.S. Department of Education. The university aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050 as part of its Carbon Commitment. Additionally, UW-Stout offers various programs related to environmental science and sustainability.

Sustainability initiatives at UW-Stout also include bike-friendly facilities such as StoutBikes program and recycling systems that significantly reduce landfill waste. The university continues to engage with stakeholders through events like Earth Week and collaborative meetings focusing on sustainability goals across campuses statewide.