Colorado State University's Wind Farm at Maxwell Ranch retrieved from www.ext.colorado.edu
Living in the residence halls, I often feel like I have little to no control over my resource consumption when it comes to energy or water. Although I think often about how I can reduce what I use each day, there are aspects of my life that are out of my control. I don't have a thermostat to regulate the temperature of my room, I am not able to affix low-flow fixtures in my bathroom, and I definitely can't choose to heat, cool, or source electricity with alternative energy sources.
I firmly believe in the statement made by Kerr & Hart-Steffes (2012) that "higher education has a unique
opportunity to impact global sustainability initiatives. As centers of research and scholarship, and hubs of activism and action, institutions of higher learning can, will, and are propelling the United States sustainability movement forward in multiple dimensions." Many universities have risen to the challenge by creating room in their budget for sustainability coordinators or creating an office dedicated to sustainability. A large chunk of american colleges have publicly committed to taking sustainable measures via the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). This commitment entails developing a plan and deadline to becoming carbon neutral as well as committing to at least two measures to reduce energy consumption or source energy from a renewable energy source. Many universities have taken this pledge, including my alma mater, and are using it to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable measures. One creative way Colorado State University decided to demonstrate their commitment is the creation of a wind farm not too far from campus. The former president of Colorado State University, Larry Penley, explains the many reasons why this was chosen:
http://www.colostate.edu/media/green-power.aspx#movie (I apologize for the link, I could not for the life of me figure out how to embed the video)
In conjunction with the wind farm, Colorado State University (CSU) offers each incoming student residing in the residence halls the option to select wind power as their energy source over traditional coal-powered options. Although the program only covers 4% of the overall Housing and Dining Services energy consumption, the gesture has earned CSU the recognition of the Environmental Protection Agency as a Green Power Partner. The EPA Green Power Partnership recognizes public and private institutions, including colleges and universities, that have taken significant steps to utilize green power to provide energy for their daily operations. For an additional $17 a semester, approximately 300 of the 6,000 residents on CSU's campus have chosen to utilize wind power as their energy producer. Although this does not seem like much, the number of residents signing up has grown since its inception in 2004 and the initiative in itself demonstrates CSU's dedication to alternative energy on campus.
Aspen Hall, an energy-efficient hall at Colorado State University, where students are encouraged to choose wind energy for their energy needs. Retrieved from askjohncummings.com.
References
http://www.arizona.edu/features/solar-cats-transform-dorm
http://www.colostate.edu/media/green-power.aspx#movie
http://presidentsclimatecommitment.org/about/commitment
http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118345800.html
I think that it's great that CSU's campus offers alternative energy options to students. I haven't heard of the ACUPCC before, so I jumped on their website. Looks like IU hasn't signed on to this commitment yet. This is not a surprise for me seeing that it has taken IUB years to stop burning coal as their main source of energy. Is IU on the right path with their integrated energy master plan?
ReplyDeleteI think IU is on a right path on a majority of fronts, such as the repairing campus utility systems, designing campus more efficiently (LEED certification), and increased campus involvement in energy conservation, but what about its switch to natural gas?
The campus master plan describes looking at solar and wind energy as the most practical options. The plan looks at the economic side of energy savings- solar cells would payback after 40 years. IU talks about being a leader in the Midwest for renewable energy, but its obvious that its fiscal responsibility is doing the decision-making when alternative options are considered. The same holds true with wind power as IU states that there must be incentives and grants to receive a reasonable return on the investment. Where is IU’s investment to with the environment and its sustainability? We might be on a path, but its certainty not the right trail towards alternative energy.
While initiatives such as the Presidents' Climate Commitment are nice gestures, it is important to make sure that the campus administration is held accountable for the pledge they make. Higher learning institutions are a unique environment due to the lack of control that users have over their climate control, technology/appliances used, etc. Unfortunately, these large institutions, which could make a big impact on energy consumption, especially in smaller communities, often do not prioritize funding for environmental/energy sustainability. There are also issues with fixed rates, etc., which disincentivize reduction in use. This is bizarre in the culture of scholarly research and innovation present at higher learning institutions. Although some higher learning institutions are leading the way, others need to step up to the plate and go above and beyond to be leaders for energy conservation and renewable energy use.
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