About Us

 

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC) shall be to increase the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices through funding of renewable energy, energy efficiency, maintenance, and energy education projects on campus using the Renewable Energy Fee.

Who We Are

We are composed of voting members, non-voting members, and ex-officio members. Voting members vote on proposals and non-voting members are students who work on and give input on RESPC projects. Ex-officio members are UNC faculty and staff members who act as administrative advisors. Non-voting membership is open to EVERYONE!

We work with several different departments, faculty, and professionals to generate ideas and access technologies that can be used to improve the use of energy at UNC. Through the Renewable Energy student fee, we are able to fund these projects and invest in innovative new technologies that help UNC-Chapel Hill set the standard for campus sustainability across the state and around the nation.

Committee (2024-2025)

 

Co-Chairs 

Max Nelson : Environmental Science, B.S. & Public Policy, B.A. ’26

Max is a junior at the UNC, double majoring in Environmental Science (B.S.) and Public Policy (B.A.). He currently serves as Co-Chair of RESPC and is passionate about advancing sustainable energy initiatives. In addition to his leadership in the RESPC, Max is an active member of Epsilon Eta, and is serving his third term as the undergraduate representative to the Chancellor’s Buildings and Grounds Committee. Max is deeply committed to driving positive change for both the environment and his campus community.

Jash Sangani : Economics & Environmental Studies, B.A. ’25

Jash is a senior at UNC Chapel Hill, pursuing degrees in Economics and Environmental Science. For the past two years, he has served as Co-Chair of RESPC, leading the team in allocating over $300,000 in student-funded initiatives. Beyond RESPC, Jash has interned with various companies in the energy sector, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale solar development and designing residential programs for U.S. utilities to drive energy savings. These experiences have honed his project management and leadership skills. After graduation, Jash aims to continue making a meaningful impact in the energy consulting field, advancing the clean energy transition.

Cabinet

Alongside being Chief of Staff of RESPC, Victoria is a Junior studying Environmental Science on the Quantitative Energy Systems Track with a Data Science minor interested in pursuing a career in the renewable energy sector focusing on economic opportunities, project implementation and risk management. She has been an intern with UNC IE’s Cleantech Corner Initiative for the past two years, and has recently begun an internship with the NC Collaboratory researching effective strategies for North Carolina’s energy transition. Victoria will continue to dedicate herself towards advancing the goals of RESPC as she has done for the last two years and will work to add to the strong relationship RESPC has with other environmental student organizations.

Abby is a junior majoring in Environmental Studies – Sustainability Track, and minoring in Business Administration. She is also a member of the Environmental Affairs branch of Undergraduate Student Government. She joined RESPC in the Fall of her first year and has been a contributing member for the past two years. As the Director of Media and Engagement, she works to keep the Instagram, LinkedIn, and website updated, helps coordinate special events, and contributes to group projects as a project lead.

Sophia Moloo is a sophomore from Ottawa, Canada studying computer science and environmental science on the Quantitative Energy Systems track. She is a the Climate Resilience Intern at the Town of Chapel Hill, a research assistant at The Water Institute and the Co-Director of UNC’s Impact Consulting Studio, which allows students to work on engagements with climate tech businesses.

Ex Officios

  • Obadele St. George, Energy Engineer
  • Noah Kittner, Asst. Prof. Dept. of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
  • Cindy Shea, Director of Sustainability & Primary RESPC Advisor
  • Melanie Elliot, Sustainability Analyst
  • Sean Cooper, Electric Distribution Systems Manager
  • Tony Millette, Director of Energy Services
  • Vee Veerabhadrappa, Director of Energy Management

Voting and Non-Voting Members

There are 7 voting members appointed by Student Government: 2 co-chairs appointed after student body democratic election, 3 undergraduates by the Undergraduate Senate and 2 graduate students by the Graduate & Professional Student Student Government Senate. There are usually ~30 active non-voting members in addition to these.

History

In 2002 and 2003, students successfully campaigned to get a referendum for a Renewable Energy Fee on the ballot during campus elections. In February 2003, the referendum was approved by the majority of students, creating the fee and RESPC. The Board of Trustees and Board of Governors approved the fee in 2004, and collection began in the 2004-2005 school year. The fee was renewed in 2005 with 85% approval, 2009 with 83% approval, and finally in 2013 with 83% approval. The 2009 election expanded RESPC’s mandate to include energy efficiency, education, and maintenance along with renewable energy projects. The 2013 election made the fee permanent.