An environmental forum will kick off the University of North Texas’ “We Mean Green” schoolwide public awareness campaign.

The forum, driven by the new North Texas Energy and Environment Club, is free and open to the public today and Saturday, said Brandon Morton, president of the student club.

“We’re hoping students and public attending the conference learn about UNT’s role in climate change and energy development,” Morton said. “We’re hoping they will walk away with some easy ‘green’ tips they can do every day.”

Some of those tips including walking, unplugging electrical equipment when not in use and using power strips to conserve energy and help the environment, Morton said.

Everyone can benefit from the forum, said Dr. Tom La Point, a professor in the biology department at the university. Denton residents — not just students — would be interested in the forum, he said.

“It’s an attempt to reach out to the community,” La Point said.

Although it’s not Earth Day, the forum will bring city and university officials together with environmental groups, La Point said.

Earlier this year, UNT was the first large public university to sign the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment — a nationwide initiative of university presidents and chancellors committed to preventing climate change by making campuses carbon-neutral.

Some of the subjects addressed at the forum include carbon emissions, alternative fuels and wind energy.

Featured speaker Don Ferrier of Ferrier Homes will talk about “green” building. Ferrier has been featured in national news media for his company’s building techniques.

For more information about the forum, visit www.powerofgreen.nteec.org.