The Clean Energy Fund was created in 2008 by a group of students who challenged UVM to increase investment in energy education and campus renewable energy projects.

Three student organizers, Dan Belhumeur, Ken Bagstad, and Nikola Janjić, conducted background research, polled students in a campus-wide survey, and developed a comprehensive proposal for a Clean Energy Fund. The students gained support from the Student Government Association, the Graduate Student Senate, and the Faculty Senate. In May 2008, the University's Board of Trustees voted to establish the fund and raise the student fee by $10 per student per semester.

Since then, the fund has invested about $1.3 million in more than 35 university energy-related projects and programs, and has supported a broad array of events and programs across the university. The campus’ continued investment in solar has been a direct result of the fund, and the educational programming the fund spurred has been both informative and effective in building student interest in clean energy.

  • students on campus

    Clean Energy Fund Student Proposal

    "We envision a UVM of the future that runs efficiently on a fraction of its current energy needs, powered by clean, locally produced renewable energy that fills university needs and supports the local economy. We believe students can and must be the first movers on the critical issue of global climate change, and can make meaningful differences with the support of the entire UVM, Burlington, and Vermont communities."

    Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 2008

Infrastructure Projects

Academic & Co-Curricular Education Projects

Innovative Research Projects