In Spring 2010, HEIF received a proposal to “virtualize” 40 of Humboldt’s computer servers into four newer ones. Rapid advances in computer technology enables this consolidation, and for HEIF the new machines’ increased efficiency and fewer total number results in a net savings of electricity and reduced air conditioning of server rooms.

In 2014, the Marine Lab Seawater Circulation Retrofit addressed Cal Poly Humboldt’s (Humboldt) most energy intensive building, the Telonicher Marine Lab. The lab hosts students and guests for educational purposes related to marine sciences. The seawater recirculation system transports ocean water into the building’s live marine exhibits.  Water must constantly move through the filtering system to simulate movement and mimic a natural marine setting. At the time of the proposal, the pumping system of the seawater circulation used two oversized pumps.

The retrofit proposes to install a dedicated heating and ventilating (HV) system to the UPD to separate the heating system from the rest of the Student & Business Services (SBS) building. 

In 2012, this project was proposed to convert the main Natural Resources building air distribution system (Air Handling Unit-1) from a constant air volume system to a variable air volume system. The conversion would reduce gas and electricity consumption by allowing AHU-1 to provide an appropriate amount of air in a given moment rather than constantly providing maximum air. This project was defunded by the Committee in 2024.

In 2013, OZZI reusable food containers and OZZI return machines were purchased. Food containers were administered to Humboldt members via an exchange token system in which students paid a small non-refundable fee for an OZZI token. The program was integrated into Dining Services so that fewer single-use containers are consumed, and the energy associated with producing and transporting them was displaced. 

In 2013, the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF) allocated a little over $5,000 to fund HEIF Art (HArt) Day. The primary goal of HArt Day was to generate awareness about issues that HEIF values and to suggest alternative behavior changes that will assist the sustainability development of our campus as well as our planet.

In 2013, a two-year pilot of Zimride at Cal Poly Humboldt (Humboldt) was proposed. Zimride is a private university carpooling network for students, staff, faculty, and alumni. The program is designed to be a user-friendly ridesharing system for both daily commutes and long-distance travel.After the two year pilot program, the program was deemed successful. Parking and Commuter Services took over the management of this program. It is anticipated as of December 2020 the vendor will discontinue the service. 

In Spring 2013, the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund (HEIF) allocated $4,500 in funds to conduct a pilot project through monitoring of Siemen’s Hall to evaluate the effectiveness of a spreadsheet tool to achieve energy savings through the replacement of light switches with sensor controls on campus. The tool provided recommendations that optimize energy savings while still meeting the room’s use. By assessing the feasibility of installation, and by measuring the energy consumption of the circuits before and after, this tool was tested for effectiveness.

This project provides funding for Humboldt campus departments/areas/offices that have completed a Green Workplace Assessment with the student group Green campus. Money is intended to fund energy efficient equipment that Green Campus identifies as being outdated or in need of replacement in order to achieve energy savings and energy efficiency. This project was defunded in 2024 because no projects were ever identified as being appropriate for this match funding.

In 2014, the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund allocated $60,777 to fund a retrofit of the Experimental Greenhouse located by Science D on the Humboldt campus, which had not been retrofitted since its original construction in the 1960s. The proposed retrofit included upgrades to the boiler system, water piping system, fans, and gas meter, will increase building use and decrease natural gas usage over a 20year lifespan. This project was defunded by the Committee in 2024.