by Charles Adams III

Update for April 28, 2014

Knoy Hall of Technology is now generating a portion of its own electricity via solar photovoltaic arrays on its roof. It is the first building on Purdue’s academic campus to have this capability.

"We have grid-tied the solar panels to Knoy Hall which allows the building to use the generated electricity," said Terance Harper, a graduate student in mechanical engineering technology. "If there is an excess, it will be pushed to Purdue’s electrical grid."

Holly Chan, a graduate student in the Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation, has been named a finalist in the College Entrepreneur category of the Entrepreneur of 2013 contest presented by The UPS Store.

Chan’s idea of a zero-waste grocery store, dubbed The Hero Store, is one of five finalists for this year’s award.

Through a new initiative dubbed Project [Re]Green, College of Technology students are working to make sustainability an everyday reality within the college.

Holly Chan, a graduate student in the Department of Technology Leadership & Innovation, is working with the college administration to research sustainability and how to incorporate its ideals into the college’s culture.

Five sustainability ideas were honored this week by the College of Technology’s Project [Re]Green initiative.

From 123 submissions, a panel of judges chose winners in four categories and one honorable mention. The winning ideas, and several other submissions, will be implemented as part of a new class during Fall 2013: TECH 19900 (Applied Sustainability Principles).

As the college strives to become more sustainable, the dean is encouraging faculty, staff and students to submit green ideas for possible implementation. Organizers of the Green Ideas contest encourage all submissions of creative ideas, collective action and sustainable efforts.

Prizes will be awarded in four categories: