In Spring 2017 Toni Castillo proposed to upgrade the Telonicher Marine Lab with modern, energy efficient LEDs. At the time, this was Cal Poly Humboldt’s most energy intensive building and this project came out of an initial audit performed by the Redwood Coast Energy Authority on October 28, 2016. The Idea Paper was approved by the committee on March 6, 2017 and then moved into development in Fall 2017. At the end of the semester, the developed project was approved to move forward with a budget cap of $120,000.

The project paid for the design and engineering to convert the natural gas fuel heating system with a series of heatpumps.

The project took six months to design (October 23, 2019 to April 13, 2020) and two months to implement (February  5, 2021 to April 9, 2021) for a total cost of $84,194.44. The completed system replaced the existing wood stove as the sole source of space heating at the time. By installing an all electric mini-split heating system, CCAT aligns its sustainability and carbon reduction goals to move towards zero net energy and toward being a completely electrified home. The system contains a single outdoor unit and 5 indoor units (4 upstairs and 1 downstairs).

The project replaced old single speed water pumps at the fish hatchery with a new premium effiency pump with a variable speed drive and an updated control system.Read More Here: Final Project Report

The HEIF committee allocated $8,000 for one semester to create and fund an energy analyst team which performed a range of behavioral outreach programs - including presentations and sign implementations - and energy analyses to measure results. The team expected to save roughly 44,100 kWh, $5,750, and 17,250 kgCO2 annually.

The purpose of the WRRAP Electric Bike project was to provide a reliable and suitable form of transportation for the Compost Squad from the Waste Reduction and Resource Awareness Program (WRRAP) to collect organic material within the Cal Poly Humboldt campus.Read More Here: Final Report

This project proposes updating theater lighting in the John Van Duzer Theater, as follows: replace stage lights with new color options, replace gallery fixed position and face light special lights, replace cyclorama lights and high sides, and cabling. Cost should not exceed $80k and the Theatre/Film/Dance department will coordinate the work.

The CCAT M.E.O.W. (Mobile Energy Operation Wagon or Mobile Energy On Wheels) is a trailer that currently resides in the CCAT driveway. Inside the trailer are four pedal-power bikes, four 12v batteries, and three solar panels on the top of the trailer powering the system. CCAT wants to use the M.E.O.W. to power small student-led projects/events, act as an emergency clean power generator in times of blackouts, and supply a space for students to charge phones, laptops, etc. while in use. Lastly, CCAT wants the M.E.O.W.