Neutral Gator reduces Gainesville's environmental footprint

CH2M HILL's Gainesville, Florida office sponsors Neutral Gator, a private, non-profit organization aligned with the University of Florida (UF) Office of Sustainability. Neutral Gator's objective is to neutralize the carbon generated at all 2009-2010 UF athletic events through a program that provides carbon offsets to benefit the local community. Partnering with long-term client Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), CH2M HILL has provided funding for materials and supplies, as well as field team volunteers who retrofit government-subsidized apartments with features that provide the carbon offsets. Retrofits include installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, insulation for electrical outlet boxes on exterior walls and for hot-water heater piping, and low-flow fixtures for the water faucets, showers, and toilets. Each retrofit takes from 60 to 90 minutes. These retrofits reduce both water and energy consumption, resulting in carbon credits. The residents have already seen savings of up to 30 percent on their utility bills as well.