When new Sound Transit light rail stations open this month, it will be a win for mobility around the region. It will also mean an upgrade to the U-PASS, said Bill Bryant, assistant director of UW Transportation Services.
Starting Aug. 30, the Link light rail will go north to Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline. The UW community will be able to easily explore more of the region thanks to the unlimited rides the U-PASS provides.
Decarbonizing UW operations is a big job that involves rebuilding the campus energy infrastructure, and it will take nearly a decade to complete. But it just got a boost from an unexpected source.
Right now, the UW burns natural gas to create steam and heat campus, emitting greenhouse gases. The University is at the beginning of an effort to decarbonize its energy system, called the Energy Transformation Strategy.
According to the most recent survey, 13% of the UW community is driving to campus alone, a record low. The numbers reflect the continued impact of remote work as well as support for mass transit despite post-pandemic declines.
At home, there are simple steps you can take to save energy: program your thermostat, fix a leaky pipe, tell the kids to turn off the light when they leave the room, and so on. Smart home devices make doing this even easier, automatically increasing or decreasing energy usage to match your activity.
After a blistering summer, fall temperatures have continued to break records. The Seattle area has seen the most ever October days over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and, with temperatures hitting 88 degrees on Oct. 16, the latest day ever in the year to go above 80 degrees.
With record-breaking heat waves and more 90-degree-plus days each summer, increasing temperatures are killing many of our region’s trees. Birch trees, prized for their silvery bark, are becoming more vulnerable to a destructive pest, altering our region’s streets, green spaces and landscapes — including the UW campus.
Amid the scramble to move out of the residence halls every June, waste reduction may be not at the top of most students’ priorities. That’s where UW Recycling steps in, helping students donate things as part of the annual Student Cleanup, Recycle and Moveout (SCRAM) program. In addition to diverting waste, the event aims to prevent illegal dumping and support the local community.
Editor’s note: UW Facilities counts on a number of student interns year round to contribute to our departmental success. This spring, Julie Ira interned with UW Recycling, and shares her experiences in this guest article. For more information about UW internships and positions, click here.
