January 2026

WSU Introduces Advanced Battery Energy Storage System


Weber State recently energized a new, state of the art, battery energy storage system that will strengthen campus resilience, reduce utility costs, and lower emissions. This 5 megawatt/10 megawatt-hour system will provide reliable backup power for the campus while also supporting the university’s long term sustainability goals. 

The project is a collaborative partnership between Weber State University and Rocky Mountain Power (RMP). Through this partnership, RMP can utilize the battery system to help stabilize the local grid when needed and, in return, provide financial incentives to the university.

The Ogden campus currently operates approximately 1.5 megawatts of solar generation. The addition of battery energy storage will enable further solar deployment by increasing flexibility and reliability, supporting Weber State University’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. 

Currently, when the campus experiences a power outage, individual buildings rely on backup generators that operate for a limited period to maintain minimal functionality. These generators require significant maintenance and produce emissions. With the new battery system, backup power can be delivered to the entire campus and for an extended duration. The battery responds more quickly than traditional generators, produces no local emissions, and is capable of powering the entire campus for two or more hours. In many cases, campus occupants may not even notice a loss of utility power.

In addition to improving reliability, the battery system will generate substantial cost savings. By charging during periods of lower electricity prices and discharging during higher cost periods, the university can significantly reduce its energy expenses. These savings will be reinvested into additional renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across campus. Overall, this system represents a major milestone in the university’s ongoing energy and sustainability efforts.

Run Up for Clean Air

Running Up For Air (RUFA) is part of the Up For Air Series, which hosts endurance events designed to bring attention to air quality issues and support organizations working on real solutions. RUFA proceeds benefit high-impact local partners, like Weber State’s Sustainability Practices and Research Center (SPARC) and Ogden City’s Sustainability Office. Through the challenge, RUFA helps participants and the broader community learn why clean, healthy air matters.

You can support air quality too, by either registering for the challenge, or by making a donation, even if you don’t run. Be sure to select “Ogden City and Weber State Sustainability” as your charity option: 

RUFA’s winter endurance challenge invites participants to race from the 29th Street Trailhead in Ogden to Malans Peak and back again. Participants can choose to run for 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours, either solo or as part of a team. Each lap begins and ends at the 29th Street Trailhead and covers about six miles round trip with roughly 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Runners repeat the lap as many times as they can until they “Refuse To Continue.”. 

The event will take place on February 27 and 28, during the heart of winter inversion season, to highlight the air quality challenges our community faces this time of year. Participants may expect snowy, icy, and potentially windy conditions and traction devices like spikes or shoe screws are strongly recommended. 
Whether you’re looking for a serious endurance test or a meaningful way to support our clean air efforts, RUFA invites you to step up, challenge yourself, and be part of the solution. You can learn more and register at the RUFA website. 

Whether you run the race or not, your donation makes a difference. Last year, donations supported a SPARC and Ogden City collaboration to purchase and install air quality monitors across Ogden, providing real-time, publicly accessible air quality data. This information empowers residents, visitors, and city leaders to better understand pollution levels and make informed decisions for cleaner air. Sign up, or donate here.

Sustainability Snapshot Series 

Join SPARC for January’s Sustainability Snapshot and discover how faculty from diverse disciplines, and community members incorporate sustainability principles into their work. This month’s speakers include Anne Dunaway (Urban Prairie Agriculture), Jim Cohen (Botany), and John Trimble (World Languages and Cultures). Come learn, connect, and be inspired.

The session connects with January’s Green Badge theme of “Food Sustainability” and highlights how different fields contribute to a more sustainable future.
All are welcome to attend! 

 Date: January 13
 Time: 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
 Location: Hetzel-Hoellein Room, Stewart Library (LI-321)

Apply for the Sustainability Leadership Scholarship 

WSU students pursuing sustainability-related fields are invited to apply for the Jeanne A. Evenden Sustainability Leadership Scholarship. 

This scholarship awards $1,000–$5,000 to 1–5 students who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability through a specific project, initiative, or area of focus. Funding may be used to support tuition and other educational expenses.

All application materials must be submitted by February 20. See details and apply here.

Ushuaia Blue– A Climate-Centered, Poetic Journey 

The WSU Theatre Program, supported by a STAR Grant award, will be producing Caridad Svich's climate-centered play Ushuaia Blue. The play tells the story of two scientists doing research in Antarctica’s landscape whose lives are disrupted by tragedy in this cinematic, poetic, and magical spirit world of ice. The play engages thematically with the climate crisis and raises questions about the impact of research and art on fragile Antarctic environments.

Performances run February 13–21 in the Browning Center's Eccles Theatre. Showtimes are:

  • February 13, 14 & 18–21 at 7:30 p.m.
  • February 19 at 7:30 p.m. (An ASL-interpreted performance)
  • February 21 at 2 p.m.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Green Badge Program Update

Participate in the Green Badge Program and start earning your badges today! 

January's green badge will help you explore
“Food Sustainability” 

The Green Badge program can help you care for the planet and yourself. The program offers well-researched ways to learn about sustainability topics. 
 
One of December’s participants reflected on their experience recording a week of stress-relieving activities, sharing, “Being able to look back and reflect on what activities relieved stress was encouraging. It helped remind me that I still had time to do things I enjoy doing despite feeling busy all week. Having that reminder is what made me feel better going into a new week because I knew that I would have time to do at least something that would relieve stress that I enjoy doing. It's the little things that count!”

Does Your Department Have a Green Team? 


Form a Green Team today! 

The Green Department Program is for faculty and staff to learn ways to make their departments or offices more sustainable. Green Teams work together to earn points and recognition by implementing change and taking actions outlined in a Green Team checklist. 
 

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

Food Recoveries
Einstein Bros Bagels, Shepherd Union Building
Mondays
1 – 2:15 p.m.
Volunteer here

Thrifted Thursdays
The Shepherd Union Atrium
Thursdays
1 - 2 p.m.
Learn more

Weber River Symposium
Shepherd Union Ballroom
Tuesday, January 13
Daytime session: 9 a.m – 4 p.m. | Free evening session: 4 to 7 p.m.
Register here

Sustainability Snapshots with SPARC: Food Sustainability
Hetzel-Hoellein room in Stewart Library, LI-321
Tuesday, January 13
1:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Learn more

Zero Waste Athletics - WSU vs University of Idaho
Stewart Stadium
Saturday, January 17
6:30 - 9:45 p.m.
Register here

Zero Waste Athletics - WSU vs Idaho State
Stewart Stadium
Saturday, January 31
12:30 - 3:45 p.m.
Register here

Coming up in February: Idle-Free Month 
Ogden City Council will acknowledge the initiative on February 3 at 6 p.m. in their meeting.

News & Resources

Great Salt Lake's latest species discovery gets a name fit for the lake's native history | Utah News Dispatch

EPA awards $3.4M grant to expand waste management in Davis County | KSL.com 

Warm start to winter a glimpse into Utah's future, scientists say | KPCW