Continuing its support of campus wide sustainability programs, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke added a new solar-powered electric car-charging station on campus.
UNC Pembroke is now home to six electric car-charging stations. The latest installment was made possible through a $10,000 grant from Duke Energy.
Representatives with Duke Energy joined leaders from the university and Town of Pembroke for a dedication ceremony on August 22.
“This is clearly a good, good thing for us as well as for the town of Pembroke,” said Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings. “Sustainability and conservation is everyone’s job. This is something we take very seriously on our campus.
“At UNC Pembroke, our students, our faculty and staff advance sustainability through our daily actions, like turning off the lights when they are not in use. We also teach our students the importance of recycling and conserving water.
“By committing to sustainability as individuals as well as an institution we are protecting our environment for future generations,” Cummings said.
Jay Blauser, the university’s Sustainability director, said a recent survey showed that 14 electric vehicles are in use by faculty, staff and students.
Blauser said he hopes the addition of more charging stations will encourage others to drive electric vehicles. The newest station is located in a parking lot behind Village Apartments.
The signage for the station was funded by a student green fee – a fee students pay $7 per year.
Blauser said charging stations reduce the university’s community footprint.
“About one-third of our carbon emissions comes from students, faculty and staff commuting to and from the university,” he said. “A third is about 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This is one way we are going to chip away on that.”
David McNeill, Duke’s regional manager, said this partnership with UNCP is part of his company’s $1 million investment in the deployment of 200 charging stations across its service area.
“Duke Energy is committed to supporting the adoption of electric vehicles in our service area,” said McNeill, a member of the university’s Foundation Board of Directors.
“These electric charging stations are a part of Duke Energy’s investment and focus on a smarter energy future,” he said. “UNC Pembroke has a bright future. There is a lot of positive energy on this campus and Duke Energy is pleased to be a community partner with this outstanding university.”
Other ceremony guests included Pembroke Mayor Greg Cummings; Wade Jackson, account executive and Kacie Fore, community relations manager, both with Duke Energy; and Judy Sampson, Pembroke Chamber of Commerce president.