energy + climate
It is widely accepted that the use of oil and gas and other human activities that create greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to climate change; businesses, citizens and campuses around the globe are actively seeking solutions to slow the growth of and reduce emissions. In the U.S., the generation of electricity produces 32% of our greenhouse gas emissions.
Idea starters
- Efficiency:
- Install better temperature-control systems, use energy-saving office equipment, regularly maintain air-conditioning units, install high-efficiency windows, or weather-strip door frames to minimize drafts.
- Lights:
- Use LED exit signs and energy-efficient bulbs. Encourage people to turn the lights off! Increase your use of natural light when possible.
- Renewables:
- Encourage administrators to purchase renewable energy. Collectively, colleges and universities are the largest purchasers of renewable energy in the U.S.
In practice
The Environmental Center at the University of Boulder started a campus Wind Challenge to provide a way for students to purchase wind energy. In the spring of 2006, students offset 2% of housing energy consumption through this program. In addition, the school powers three buildings on campus with wind energy and intends to expand this to new construction.
Resources
- Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Program
- http://www.energystar.gov
- Clean Energy Campus Toolkit
- http://www.campusactivism.org/displayresource-111.htm