It is good to hear that the Gaylord Nelson Institute is paving the way for \green"" building in Madison (Page 3, ""UW lays plans for area's first 'green building',"" Feb. 14). We can only hope their success will set a precedent that will influence building practices all over campus.
As the university moves forward with its ""Master Plan"" for redevelopment on campus, officials need to have the foresight to reduce rather than increase the growing energy needs of the UW System.
""Green"" building is not only environmentally friendly but also fiscally responsible. If the university does not act now, by the time its 15-year plan is complete it will have to sink more money into more redevelopment to upgrade an already outdated and expensive energy system. While new buildings and public spaces are nice, the university needs to show the students that it does not intend to throw our tuition money away on expensive energy costs.
The UW System could also be a progressive example for the rest of the state. Gov. Jim Doyle's Energy Task Force has already shown that Wisconsin is capable of getting more than 100 percent of its energy needs from wind power alone.
In addition to meeting energy needs, renewable energy sources have the potential create revenue for Wisconsin's farmers and create jobs for Wisconsin's manufacturing base. Our legislators need to show us they are truly working for the people by making Gov. Doyle's 10 percent renewable energy recommendation mandatory.
The UW campus and the state of Wisconsin are both deciding our future with their energy plans and we need to make sure they make the right choice.
