SDG Detail

Positive Energy Fund

Postgraduate program

Project description

Millersville University leveraged the success of a newly constructed zero energy building to establish a program that funds local, student-led community projects centered on advancing the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The program, entitled the Positive Energy Fund, provides micro-grants to students to complete projects on campus or in the local community (City of Lancaster) to advance the Global Goals. The zero energy building produced nearly twice as much energy as it used during its first year, making it a positive energy building.

Year 2019

Location United States

Organization Millersville University

Project aims

The program concept came from an interest in raising awareness of the Global Goals among faculty, staff and students by implementing projects that beneficially impact the local community.

Project outcome

Millersville University awarded $10,000 to an initial set of projects in the spring of 2019 for work to 1) conduct an Education and Poverty conference, 2) install native gardens with supporting STEM education plan at urban elementary schools, 3) prepare micro-media content on local sustainability projects and 4) integrate art into local green infrastructure. Each project featured collaborations with various local, regional and national partners. Over 1,000 individuals were reached with information on the Global Goals through the initial projects. An additional $10,000 was awarded in the spring of 2020 for projects focused on accessibility through assistive technology, inclusion in local schools and species resiliency.