The proposal requests $18,150 to design and construct a sustainable recycling enclosure and xeriscaping on Desoto Street. [1] The current recycling area is an eyesore that does not reflect positively on the university. [2] A new enclosure using sustainable materials and indigenous drought-resistant plantings would enhance the space, reduce water and energy usage, and serve as an educational demonstration. [3] The project aims to transform the area into an asset using sustainable strategies like recycled materials, solar power, and reduced irrigation.

1. Sustainable Campus (Green) Fee Funding Proposal
The Sustainable Campus (Green) Fee Committee invites proposals for initiatives in 2010‐2011 to make
the University of Memphis campus more sustainable. Approximately $360,000 is generated annually by
the Green Fee.
According to Tennessee Board of Regents Guidelines, on‐campus sustainability initiatives:
 Should be for direct, demonstrable campus sustainability benefits
 Should be allocated for sustainability initiatives with the primary focus on projects for energy
efficiency and utility conservation
 Should not be used for budgeted salaries, special events or operational expenditures not
associated with the SCF Program
Proposals should fall within one of the following categories: Energy and Utilities (electric, gas, water,
etc.)
 Local Generation (renewables – solar, wind, etc.)
 Alternative Fuel (hybrid vehicles, Bio‐diesel projects, etc.)
 Other (Environmental, Recycling, etc.)
Educational initiatives can also be considered.
All expenditures for proposed initiatives must be completed by June 30, 2011. Normally, funded projects
should be completed by that date. Funding of any initiative beyond June 30, 2011, will require a new
proposal and is not guaranteed. The person(s) and department submitting a proposal must be capable
of fulfilling the initiative.
Proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010.
* Denotes required information.
1. * Name of Person(s) Submitting Proposal:
Michael Chisamore, Sherry Bryan and Jenna Thompson
2. * Department :
Architecture
3. * Primary Contact E‐mail:
mkchsmre@memphis.edu
4. * Primary Contact Office Phone:
901‐678‐4914

2. 5. * Primary Contact Campus Address:
411 Jones Hall
6. * Title of Proposed Project:
Prototype Recycling Enclosure and Xeriscaping on Desoto Street
7. * Total Amount Requested
$18150.00
8. * Itemize Proposed Spending (Must Total Amount in #7):
 Asphalt removal and recycling $1500
 Concrete Pad with recycled content $1500
 Metal siding with recycled content $3000
 Tube steel structure $1200
 LED lighting and solar power panel $7500
 Xeriscaping (Indigenous plantings) $3450
Total $18150
9. * Describe the proposed project, including purpose, benefit to the University, participants,
student participation, any additional information that should be considered:
Proposed Project
We propose to design and build a new enclosure and xeriscaping for the recycling area along
Desoto Street using sustainable design and construction practices. The enclosure would serve as
a prototype for other installations throughout the campus and beyond.
Purpose
The recycling and dumpster area along Desoto Street is an eyesore and does not reflect
positively on the recycling program at the university to visitors, existing and potential students.
A new aesthetically pleasing enclosure could enhance the profile and public presence of
recycling on campus. If the enclosure was done in a way that utilized sustainable principles it
could serve as an educational demonstration for the campus community.
The area around the present dumpster area is crumbling asphalt and contributes to local heat
island effects and undesirable run‐off. Drought resistant indigenous plantings around the
enclosure will reduce the need for potable water, enhance air quality and help increase
awareness of sustainable plantings on campus.
Involvement and Process
The effort would utilize the design and construction resources of the Department of
Architecture as well as the technical expertise of local industry partners. The design and
construction of the enclosure would involve a broad range of participants including the
Department of Architecture and other interested student and community organizations. The

3. design effort would start during the fall semester utilizing “Tiger Blue Goes Green” to generate
awareness and interest in the project. Other involvement strategies would follow.
Participating students would have the opportunity to take part in the research and
implementation of sustainable strategies on campus.
Sustainable practices that could be employed in the new enclosure design and construction
include:
 Sustainable Materials ‐ using materials that are fabricated locally and include recycled
content.
 Post Consumer Recycling ‐ recycle existing asphalt removed during the construction.
 Xeriscaping ‐ asphalt removed would be replaced by indigenous low maintenance
drought tolerant plantings. This would have the added benefit of reducing heat gain and
run‐off in the area. The planting area would be a demonstration area showing how
other areas of the university could be sustainably developed with plantings.
 Energy Efficient Lighting – using solar powered or LED lighting for signage.
Benefits to the University
 Connection to the University Strategic Plan that calls for developing an “inviting and
sustainable campus setting.”
 Providing opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship and the building of productive
partnerships.
 An aesthetically enhanced campus has been proven to aid in student recruitment and
retention. According to the Boyer Report, 62% of high school seniors picked a campus
based on its physical appearance. If implemented, the project would transform a
liability into an asset.
 Many students view sustainability as one of the factors in choosing a university. In
creating a university of choice, student participation would directly connect them to
sustainable initiatives on campus.
Project Concept
Existing dumpster area on Desoto Street (looking west) Existing dumpster area on Desoto Street (looking east)

4.
Proposed recycling area with xeriscaping, solar panels for lighting, and green screen
10. Describe any energy and/or cost savings that could result from your proposal:
Implementation of the project would result in reduced irrigation.
11. Identify any additional funding or support for this project:
As part of the project we intend to utilize industry partners for design and construction
expertise.
Questions may be directed to William Porter, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs,
weporter@memphis.edu, 678‐3971 or 678‐2188.