2023 Projects

Bear Safe Garbage Cans  

In hopes of achieving a safer environment for black bears, and preventing the habituation of black bears to human trash as a food source, the Kless Committee approved a project to install two bear-safe garbage cans on campus. The bins are located by the restrooms next to the M-trail, as well as by the tennis courts outside of the University Center.

This not only prevents bears from getting into trash bins on campus, but it also reduces the number of negative human-bear interactions. This is very vital for the safety of both UM students and black bears in the area. 

The total cost of the project was $4,275.99 which was completely funded with student sustainability dollars. The project was proposed in Spring 2023 and the bins were installed in Fall 2023. 

2022 Projects

Rise+Rooted Composting System

In an effort to decrease the amount of waste headed to the landfill and increase student awareness and understanding of composting, UM Campus Dining applied for and received Kless Sustainability Funds to purchase and install a student-facing composting station in Rise+Rooted. 

This new composting station supplements the system already present across Campus Dining, further increasing student access to reduce food waste. Campus Dining already has a workforce well-educated in compost systems and a strong plan to educate students on proper composting practices. The groundwork was laid for a successful composting system; they just needed a bit of help to make the dream of expanding it a reality. 

This project anticipates the diversion of thousands of pounds of waste away from the landfill over many years. Food waste decomposing in landfills releases large quantities of methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas. Instead of heading to the landfill, the organic waste will be collected by the city to make useful compost that will nurture local soils.  

Their funding request was approved in Spring 2022 and the new composting bin found its way to Rise+Rooted in time to start the Fall 2022 semester.  

UM Food Pantry Sustainable Care Products

Environmentally friendly common household and personal care products can be difficult for many to access due to financial or availability constraints. In an effort to combat this problem as well as raise awareness for plastic-free, environmentally friendly alternatives, the UM Food Pantry requested a grant from the Kless Sustainability Fund to purchase these alternatives for the UM Food Pantry. These products, which included laundry detergent strips, shampoo and conditioner bars, reusable menstrual cups, and plastic-free organic cotton tampons, were available in conjunction with an outreach campaign to raise awareness of the environmental impact of conventional products.  

The campaign was oriented towards reducing plastic and other waste, and promoted alternative products that were plastic-free, reusable, and/or design with end-of-life considerations, such as biodegradability, in mind. The funding made available by the Kless Sustainability Fund ensured that no student on campus would be blocked from accessing these products due to financial or availability constraints. 

The goal of the Food Pantry’s outreach campaign was to shift attitudes and purchasing patterns among UM students in favor of these environmentally friendly alternatives. As they stated in their grant application; “If through this exposure even a handful of students opt for more sustainable products moving forward, we will have saved thousands of pounds of plastic containers, harmful synthetics and other pollutants from ending up in our local landfill.” 

UM FLAT Insulated Curtains

The University of Montana Forum for Living with Appropriate Technology (UM FLAT) is an intentional, living-learning community dedicated to everyday sustainability. The house and cottage wherein UM FLAT members live were both built in the 1940’s and leave much to be desired in structural energy efficiency. To help the FLAT reduce its carbon emissions and reach their goal of carbon neutrality by 2025, FLAT members sought funding from the Kless Sustainability Fund to purchase window inserts and insulated curtains to increase energy efficiency.  

Something that FLAT members, as well as many other Missoula renters face, is the inability to make structural upgrades to their buildings to increase energy efficiency and lower energy costs. The window inserts and insulated curtains provided a non-invasive way to increase household energy efficiency. Since the UM FLAT is also a forum to teach other Missoula community members about sustainable living practices, the methods adopted by the FLAT have the potential to spread throughout the community and decrease energy consumption by Missoula as a whole. Since Missoula is a historic city with many old buildings, this project is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how 21st century green building technology can be effective in houses built in Missoula decades ago.  

Window inserts can result in as much as a 20% reduction on heating and cooling bills, and insulated curtains can yield energy savings from 24-34%! Based on this, the UM FLAT would reduce their CO2 consumption levels by almost 2 metric tons annually! Not only that, but there are also great savings expected in energy costs as well. 

UM Firewise Garden Signage

The completion of the Firewise Garden, located in the southeast corner of campus by the Clapp Science Complex, was partially funded by the Kless Sustainability Fund!  

The West has seen a significant increase in the length and severity of wildfire season, as well as an expansion of the number of people living at the wildland-urban interface (WUI), putting more homes at risk than ever before. Despite this, homeowners are generally unaware of the importance of using Firewise and fire preparedness practices around their homes. To combat this, the Firewise Demonstration Garden has been developed on the UM Campus to increase community awareness of fire prepared practices and protect our community and its natural resources.  

To further this mission, the students involved in the Firewise Garden applied for Kless Sustainability Funds to add educational signs and seating areas. Prior, visitors could only learn about Firewise landscaping if they toured the garden with a specialist, and it would be difficult to spend quality time in the garden without seating areas. The garden itself provides significant water conservation, benefits native pollinators, and promotes reducing wildfire risks to homes, people, and firefighters! 

This project and use of Kless Sustainability Funds will promote community resource conservation efforts and work to keep Missoula safe! We’re excited to hear what you might come up with! 

2021 Projects

ASUM Transportation Bus Charger

ASUM Transportation operates the UDASH Transit System in and around the University of Montana. UDASH is one of the only student-run transit systems in the country and provides an invaluable opportunity for the UM community to get around Missoula in a sustainable and affordable manner. To further increase the sustainability of the UDASH system, ASUM Transportation received Kless Sustainability Funding to make the battery-electric bus fleet system even more efficient.  

The Kless Sustainability Fund supported the purchase of one 50kW depot/garage charger to provide increased charging capacity for UM’s fleet of battery-electric buses. The UDASH battery electric buses are part of a vital effort to reduce carbon emissions and address Missoula’s oftentimes significant air pollution concerns, and the additional charger will provide increased consistency and reliability for electric bus usage.

UM FLAT Solar Energy Monitor

UM’s Forum for Living with Appropriate Technology (UM FLAT) is currently working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, and in 2021 a significant part of reaching that goal was conducting an extensive energy audit of the FLAT residences. To help achieve this goal, the UM FLAT applied for Kless Sustainability Funds to purchase a Sense Solar Energy Monitor to allow them to live-track their energy use and solar production, eventually helping them to identify their largest sources of carbon use and begin working towards reduction and elimination.  

UC Vegetable Gardens Liason

In 2021, the UM Food Pantry partnered with the UC Vegetable Garden to create a paid student position to serve as a liaison between the Food Pantry and the Garden. This student position would work to help harvest vegetables from the UC Veggie Garden, prepare them for consumption, deliver them to the UM Food Pantry, and perform outreach and events to help educate UM Community members about local produce, accessible options, and food waste. Our current food system is incredibly carbon-intensive, and increasing access and education surrounding local produce is a way to help reduce food-related emissions. In order to pay this student position’s wage, the UM Food Pantry and the UC Veggie Garden received KLESS funding, because this position would help advance UM’s sustainability goals

UC and Campus Rec LED Lighting

In 2021, the lighting systems in the University Center and the Student Recreation Center were updated to be significantly more energy efficient. In the UC and Campus Rec, old lighting was upgraded to more efficient LED bulbs, and the Campus Rec Center was also retro-commissioned to maximize energy savings. There was enormous potential for energy to be saved through upgraded lighting and energy systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) within these buildings.  

In order to upgrade these buildings, KRELF funds were utilized. In the Campus Rec Center alone, electricity usage was reduced by 237,498 kWh, or 27%! Add in the savings from updating the lighting in the UC, and the annual CO2 savings would be equivalent to parking 30 cats or pulling 26 houses offline. This project, and the KRELF funds that supported it, provided a major opportunity for the University to reach our sustainability goals. 

West Mansfield Irrigation Automation

Prior to installing an irrigation automation system near the Mansfield Library, one of most common complaints the Sustainability Department received was the overspray of irrigation water onto paved areas, especially sidewalks. To reduce the amount of water applied to the lawn, reduce the amount of water wasted due to evaporation and over-spray, and reduce student-sprinkler conflicts, Kless Sustainability Funds were used to install an automated irrigation system. The yearly water savings from this upgrade amount to over 116,000 gallons! There is also the potential for an increase in the area’s trees’ ability to sequester carbon due to more appropriate and uniform watering. While the irrigation system was being installed, the opportunity to plant more trees was taken, further enhancing carbon sequestration and evaporation reduction potential.  

2020 Projects

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

As of 2020, Missoula’s Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure was still quite limited. In order to encourage the use of fully electric vehicles by students, UM employees, and community members the UM Office of Sustainability and Facilities Services partnered with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The generous partnership between the DEQ and UM, with the use of Kless Sustainability Funds, led to the installation of four EV charging stations on campus to support the university and community’s climate action goals and to combat public health issues caused by poor air quality in the Missoula Valley. While most of the funding for these stations came from the DEQ’s generous grant, Kless Sustainability Funds directly supported signage at the charging stations and offset the cost of installation.  

Music Building Water Bottle Filling Station

To increase access to efficient reusable water bottle refilling, Kless Sustainability Funds were used to purchase and install a water bottle filling station in the Music Building. This not only helps music students keep their voices healthy and ready to go, but also benefits UDASH users as the Music Building doubles as the Campus Transit Hub! 

Providing water bottle stations makes bringing your own bottle and reducing single-use plastic waste easier than ever! 

2019 Projects

Social Sciences Data Center

Before 2019, the Data Center in the Social Sciences building was at considerable risk, highly inefficient and unsustainable. To relocate the Data Center and increase its efficiency and sustainability, Kless Sustainability Funds were used in part. The updated and relocated Data Center no longer uses water for cooling, saving 8.5 million gallons of water per year and thousands of dollars in operating costs! 

Cargo Bikes for UM Catering

In 2019, Kless Sustainability Funds were requested by UM Catering for the purchase of three-wheeled cargo bikes which could transport food and supplies from the University Center to various events across campus. At the time, UM Catering was reliant on a fleet of large gas-powered vehicles to deliver supplies, food, and staff from their kitchen and office in the University Center to event locations around UM’s main campus and beyond. These vehicles were large, cumbersome, and fuel inefficient. Alternatively, three-wheeled cargo bikes will provide UM Catering with the ability to move food, supplies, and people without fossil fuels! 

Energy Efficient Lighting for the Pope Room of the Law Building

Replacing the incandescent light-bulbs with LED/energy efficient light-bulbs in the Pope Room of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law utilizing Kless Sustainability Funds would not only 
increase energy awareness, but also reduce the school’s carbon footprint. The Alexander Blewett III 
School of Law at the University of Montana continues its efforts in reducing our carbon 
footprint. LEDs require about 40% less energy to power them, thus they are an affordable, environmentally conscious improvement. The grant applicants hope that in replacing these bulbs in the Pope Room of the Law School, they would help the Law School near closer to its target of becoming a carbon-neutral building. 

E-Recycle Wire Stripper

Utilizing a powered wire stripper purchased through Kless Sustainability Funds, UM's Industrial Materials Coordinator would finally be able to efficiently separate the insulation from the raw metal used in electric cords. Historically, cords have been cut off of used and surplus electronics and the cords have been sold to Republic Services or Pacific Steel for the value of the metal. Unfortunately, the value for cords with the plastic coating (insulation) is about 20% of the true value of the metal if it was clean and separated. With the use of a Stripmeister wire stripper, UM's E-Cycle Program will be able to maximize the value of this recycled material and help to keep the material available as a clean commodity that can be used for other goods.  

UC LED Lighting Initiative

The University Center serves many students on Campus, therefore improving the sustainability of the building was high on the list of priorities. Using Kless Sustainability Funds, 481 fluorescent light bulbs all around the UC were switched out LEDs. LEDs last longer, burn brighter, and use less watts than fluorescent bulbs, and do not include mercury. The University Center aimed to be greener, and the grant provided by Kless Sustainability Funds was the perfect initial push! 

2017 Projects

Upgrade Heaters in ASUM Bus Garage

The project proposal is to replace three conventional natural gas heaters in the UDASH bus garage with more efficient far infrared heaters. The new heater models will use 30-50% less natural gas while keeping the bus garage more comfortable for workers.

Covered Bike Parking

The League of American Bicyclists has designated the University of Montana as a Gold-Level Bicycle-Friendly University since 2013. In order to maintain this designation, we must continue to develop bicycle infrastructure and a cycling culture on campus. Cyclists at the University of Montana have repeatedly requested short-term use covered bike parking. As the primary sponsor of bike programs on campus, the ASUM Office of Transportation is leading the initiative to provide covered bike parking. The bike parking shelters will be constructed in central locations on campus to ensure a high volume of use as well as a fast turnover for daily commuters. The shelters will protect bicycles from the elements, such as rain and snow, lengthening the life of the bicycle.

Turner - LA Sprinkler Automation

This project would entail coordinating with an outside contractor to dig up and install an automated coupler system over the summer. Facility Services has already reached out to a specific contractor who has done the majority of the university sprinkler systems over the last five years, including the oval. Facility services plans to work with this outside contractor to assist in plumbing, electrical, and grounds keeping work.

2016 Projects

UM Energy Corps 2016

This use of KLESS funds supported a 6-month, full time Energy Corps service member who coordinated and reported on a variety of energy assessments for campus including: a plug and process load inventory, assessment of behavior change opportunities for faculty and staff at UM, the potential for server center consolidation across campus, and energy conservation outreach related to these items.

Grizzly Pool Lighting Project

Replaced the out of date lighting system at the Grizzly Pool with a more energy efficient, longer lasting LED based system.

Sustainable Food Systems Intern Project

The Sustainable Food Systems Intern project was a stipend-funded position to support a student's work of completing the two main objectives of 1) conducting the Real Food Challenge calculator assessment of 2015-16 UM food purchases and 2) bolstering awareness and use of the Grizzly Green on-campus farmers market.

Residence Hall Recycling Bin Project

To build upon our previous success in introducing recycling bins into the Residence Halls, we would like to provide recycling bins in all of the remaining residence halls. We have seen that recycling has had a positive impact on our residents, as well as on the environment. Again, the recycling bins will have informational stickers included to further inform residents of the recycling options on campus. Providing these bins to the other halls will further increase recycling and awareness in these areas, as well as promote environmentally friendly programs throughout the halls.

Smart Buildings Initiative Completion of Auxiliary Buildings Digital Meters

Install digital smart meters on 6 remaining auxiliary buildings, including the Curry Health Center, Turner Hall, and Washington Grizzly Stadium.

 Longboard Racks to Support Sustainable Transportation.

The racks will support sustainable transportation by enabling longboard, skateboard, and scooter riders to secure their boards in a designated area just like bicycle users. Having a safe place to lockup boards will encourage more ridership, but also keep boards out of buildings where they can become fire and liability hazards. The racks are aligned with the University of Montanas stated sustainability initiatives and will help decrease the carbon footprint of the student population.

2015 Projects

Establish a Photovoltaic Solar Array at the University of Montana West Campus

The idea behind WCSI is to provide an investment opportunity for the University of Montana that can also be used as a learning tool and lab site for students. This investment would also be part of the UMs carbon neutral goal by providing energy to West Campus. All of this is possible because WCSI is using the economy of scale to provide the most cost effective, per installed kilowatt, of any solar array currently installed at the University of Montana.

UM Dining Services Lommasson Center 10 kW Solar PV Array

The UM Dining & Lommasson 10 kW Solar Array represents a prime opportunity for The University of Montana to strengthen its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, improve its relationship with the community, and underscoring its determination to reduce operating expenditures. The Project holds the unique prospect of partnering with UM Dining to enhance their current sustainability operations. The 10kW array would represent The Universitys largest renewable energy project to-date, expanding UMs renewable energy portfolio by approximately 65%. The Array will provide valuable educational benefits to both current and future students while emphasizing community partnerships to solve global issues.

Water Bottle Filling Stations

Unnecessary disposal of plastic water bottles has a significant impact on our carbon footprint and takes up valuable space in our landfills. While a single bottle may not pose substantial CO2 emissions, large quantities of these bottles do hold enough merit to raise concern for the environment. Allowing students and faculty better options to refill their own reusable bottles will help lessen both consumption and disposal of plastic bottle waste. With the successful implementation of several water bottle filling stations in place already, adding two more within SoBA will allow continued ease and convenience for those who desire to utilize these appliances. Requested funds of product and install estimated at $580.00. With the support of the Kless Revolving Energy Fund, we can make a sizable difference on our environment and community alike.

Variable Frequency Drive for the Grizzly Pool

The purchase and installation of new main circulation pump at the Grizzly Pool that includes the application of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). VFDs can make a very positive difference in both maintenance and energy consumption. A VFD is an electrical device, that is designed to monitor and protect a swimming pool filtration pump, and vary the frequency (speed) of the motor in order to provide a specific flow rate (gallons per minute) during the day and during closed hours. Our current pump runs 24/7 at 100%. By employing a VFD the pool pump could run at 90-100% during use hours and dialed back to 50-60% or lower outputs during non-use hours. This can equate to some real energy savings!

Residence Hall Recycling Bin Project

We would like to begin the implementation of recycling bins within residence hall rooms in order to increase awareness and usage of the recycling opportunities. Our project will be completed in stages, the first of which we are requesting KRELF funding. Individual recycling bins will be placed in every residence hall room across the campus. Recycling bins will also include information on the side of the bins about what to recycle at the University of Montana in order to passively educate students. Providing these bins will provide ease of access to residents as well as remove the necessity of creating recycling boxes themselves. In addition, in the near future the Residence Life Office will be looking into providing recycling bins on every floor of the residence halls, with a pilot test building occurring first. This future addition will provide even greater convenience for residents and therefore incentivize recycling.

2014 Projects

ASUM Childcare Worm Composters

We would like to buy four worm compost bins to put in to the two ASUM preschool facilities. The excess food that is normally thrown away after snacks and meals can be put into these composters to be processed by worms. The compost will be transferred to some ASUM Garden facility after that.

Eco-Reps 2015

The University of Montana Eco-Reps are sustainability advocates and educators within the residence halls. The strive to connect residents with sustainability initiatives on campus and the UM Climate Action Plan. We host events promoting sustainable lifestyles on campus, such as recycling box decoration, homemade laundry detergent making, and cider pressing. Our ultimate goal is to reduce our carbon emissions to assist in carbon neutrality by the year 2020.

2014/15 Residence Hall Eco Reps

This will be the third consecutive year of the UM Eco Rep program! KRELF funds provide a small stipend for the 5 Eco Reps who will be our student sustainability educators in 2014-15, small program costs, and will cover the fees for 2 Reps to attend the AASHE conference in Portland in October 2014. Eco Reps work within the UM Residence Halls to educate their peers about sustainability issues, UM's Climate Action Plan, and Missoula-area sustainability efforts.

Carbon Offsets to Mitigate Air Travel

Using this grant money, we will purchase offsets for 10% of the annual business-related air travel for the University of Montana, approximately 1,131 metric tons of CO2e. According to Fiscal Year 2010 data, the University traveled by air for 14.6 million miles, and produced 11,319 metric tons of CO2e. Offsets are available through multiple providers, and we are considering either ClearSky Climate Solutions or Sterling Planet for our offset purchase. ClearSky, a Missoula-based climate justice organization, offers to help the University identify a specific and appropriate offset project to support. Renewable energy provider Sterling Planet also offers a variety of offset options, and allows for bulk purchases at reduced rates.

Student Recreation Center Climbing Wall Lights

Theater-style lighting fixtures in the climbing wall area will be replaced with 12 LED fixtures that require less maintenance and have longer bulb life and use less energy.

University Center Reusable Water Bottle Campaign

The Take Back The Tap subcommittee of Climate Action Now (CAN) is working to promote awareness of the environmental and social impacts of disposable water bottles. Increased awareness and the hype over the new water bottle fillers will help displace the sales of disposable water bottles and direct the demand towards the bottle fillers. An increase in the usage of the water bottle fillers should also be used as a means to raise awareness of other on campus sustainability efforts. We think that putting the KRELF logo or some form of advertisement for the KRELF Committee would boost student recognition of sustainability projects funded by KRELF.

KRELF Energy Savings and Emissions Reduction Estimation Project

It is proposed to hire to student, undergraduate or graduate, to estimate and report on electricity and natural gas savings and associated GHG emission reductions from KRELF projects. Robin Saha, or another able and willing, KRELF committee member, would supervise the students. it is proposed that the student would work a total of 100 hours on this project, approximately 10 hours per for for 12 weeks during the Spring 2014 semester. All estimates, assumptions and calculations will be shown and documented in a spreadsheet. In addition, the student will write a report describing the purpose of the analysis, the methods, results and conclusions. The purpose is to help the KRELF Committee evaluate the overall effectiveness of KRELF-funded energy projects,to more effectively communicate the benefits of KRELF projects to the campus community and others about the demonstrable benefits the Fund, and to asses the contribution of KRELF to the University's climate goals. Estimations of non-energy-related resource conservation benefits of KRELF projects can also be undertaken if time allows.