April 29, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

UCLA Officials Announce $15 Million “Self-Replenishing Fund” For Energy Projects:

UCLA officials announced today the creation of a $15 million “self-replenishing fund” to support energy efficiency projects, such as the installation of motion-sensor light switches to water-saving plumbing fixtures.

The announcement makes UCLA the 46th institution in the nation to join the Billion Dollar Green Challenge, which was created by the Sustainable Endowments Institute to encourage universities to pursue energy-efficiency projects.

UCLA officials said the university has already invested $20 million in such projects.

“UCLA has a long history of energy efficiency projects, and we’ve seen that it’s a good investment with a good return, with some of our projects earning back their costs in less than a year,” according to Nurit Katz, UCLA’s chief sustainability officer. “Committing to energy efficiency is a big part of our strategy to combat climate change and meet the University of California’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2025.”

The fund will be created with bond financing and not involve any student tuition or fee money.

UCLA’s previous sustainability projects include the installation of occupancy sensors that turn off lights in empty rooms and hallways; retrofits of heating, ventilation and cooling systems; and replacements of old light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs.

The new fund will be self-replenishing, with savings realized by the energy-efficient upgrades injected back into the fund for future projects.

“Let’s say we did a project that cost $1 million, resulting in $250,000 in annual savings, which is pretty normal,” Katz said. “Half of the savings — $125,000 — would go back into the revolving loan fund until that million is paid back. People realize these projects aren’t just an expense, they’re an investment.”

The university will be conducting an annual energy audit of campus buildings to identify future projects to fund.

in News
<>Related Posts

Chamber Music Palisades to Present Premiere and Classical Works at April Concert

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

The performance will feature compositions by French composers Jacques Ibert, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Francis Poulenc, alongside the world...

Palisades Will Rogers 5K Moves to Venice Beach After Fire Damage

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Proceeds from this year’s race will help fund the rebuilding of the community center, a longstanding gathering place for local...

A vocal flower blooms in Beverly Canon Gardens

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Soprano Golda Zahra comes home to put on a free concert in her old neighborhood “Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa…” The young couple was...

Culver City Baseball and Softball Teams Gear Up for Crucial Santa Monica Matchups

April 29, 2025

April 29, 2025

Centaur Baseball Seeks Revenge After Last Year’s Setback Against Santa Monica Culver City High School’s varsity, junior varsity, and softball...

Kids Learn Season of Science, Biomimicry in Heal the Bay Science Camp

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

This summer, kids have the opportunity to engage in science in Heal the Bay’s Aquarium Summer Science Camp.  Heal the...

Los Angeles Residents Accused of Defrauding FEMA After Devastating Wildfires

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Defendants Faked Damage and Residency to Illegally Collect FEMA Aid Five individuals have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly...

Santa Monicans Petition Waymo to Reduce Charging Station Noise

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Residents say the constant beeping — described as a non-stop “beep-beep-beep” from vehicles backing out — has created a public...

SMC Symphony to Perform Bernstein, Gershwin, and Beethoven

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

The concert will showcase musical styles, from Broadway-inspired rhythms to the traditional drama The Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra will...

Hacienda-Style Palisades Home Sells for $12M After Wildfires

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

The home and its immediate surroundings remained virtually untouched by the fires A modern hacienda-style home in Pacific Palisades has...

Performing Arts Workshops Summer Camp Open for Registration

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Performing Arts Workshops (PAW) has something for everyone this summer. They offer four two-week musical theater camps and eight one-week...

Spring Brewery Artwalk & Open Art Studios

April 28, 2025

April 28, 2025

Where Art Lives. If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, the Brewery Artwalk is holding its Spring...

Sarah Paulson’s Malibu “Jewel Box” Trailer Finds Buyer After Price Drops

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

“American Horror Story” Star Still Turned a Profit Despite  Actress Sarah Paulson has sold her renovated trailer home in Malibu’s...

Open Alcohol Consumption on 3rd Street Promenade Could be Allowed by Summer

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

The entertainment zone plan builds on a bill signed by Gov. Newsom, which allows public drinking areas Santa Monica officials...

Mayor Issues Emergency Order to Waive Permit Fees for Palisades Residents

April 27, 2025

April 27, 2025

City Departments Ordered to Suspend Collection of Fees for Rebuilding Mayor Karen Bass on Friday issued an Emergency Executive Order...

CHP Arrests Man Accused of Stealing $5K of Copper on PCH

April 25, 2025

April 25, 2025

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and was booked at the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station A 22-year-old...