A major milestone on UNC's path to climate neutrality by 2050 is
the university's plan to employ low-cost fixes that scale back
building energy use-which accounted for more than 90 percent of
the carbon footprint in 2007. By Carolyn Elfland and Chris
Martin In its inaugural National Building Competition in 2010,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized
Morrison Residence Hall for achieving the greatest overall
percentage of energy reduction of any building entered in the
competition. The 10-story, 218,000-square-foot building, located
on the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) campus, was
constructed in 1965 and renovated in 2007. The forward-looking
facility includes a solar thermal system, more efficient
windows, and upgraded lighting. It also sports a touch-screen
monitor in the lobby that allows residents to keep track of
their energy consumption. The project and honor (for details,
see sidebar,"The Biggest Loser Emerges as a Winner") reflect
UNC's commitments to reducing its carb