We need more sustainable student housing
Solar panels can be placed on the rooftops of each dormitory to provide cheap, renewable power. For example, the Little Rock, Arkansas, Veteran's Administration Medical Center achieved complete solar power by creating a shaded parking lot using solar panels. We can generate additional solar energy by emulating it. This placement would provide clean, renewable energy to the dorms and benefit students by creating more shaded areas throughout campus. Electricity-saving appliances can also reduce the electrical footprint within dorms. The Department of Energy states that LED lights use not only 75% less energy when opposed to standard lighting but also last twice as long.The next step would be reducing water consumption. This step is meaningful due to the fragile state of the San Marcos River. Besides being a significant point of pride for the San Marcos community, the San Marcos River is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the southwestern U.S. However, due to the current drought, water levels of the San Marcos River have lowered. This extreme circumstance has highlighted the need to reduce water consumption to protect the local environment.