Carnegie Mellon University, PA Wind Energy Policy

Carnegie Mellon University, PA, US

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Type: Policy

Status: Adopted

Source File: http://www.cmu.edu/greenpractices/green_initiatives/we_background.html

Description:

Background of Wind Energy at Carnegie Mellon
Carnegie Mellon University aims to provide leadership in demonstrating the need and importance of environmentally sustainable practices in our places of work, our homes and our communities.

The commitment to wind power for five percent of the university's total electricity needs is part of its overall energy management and conservation effort.

Carnegie Mellon has evaluated the emissions of prospective electric generation suppliers from the start of deregulation in Pennsylvania. The Green Practices Committee, a university group of faculty and staff with expertise in environmental issues, recommended the purchase of renewable energy if possible. No bids for renewable energy supply for a portion of our electricity needs were received the first three years.

When Carnegie Mellon was preparing to re-bid its electricity supply contract this year, Environmental Defense recommended two renewable energy suppliers capable of providing Carnegie Mellon 5 percent of its power usage for fiscal year 2002. Some faculty associated with the Green Design Initiative reviewed the bids for emissions and recommended 100 percent wind power as the best buy environmentally.

While the cost of wind power is somewhat higher (approximately two cents per kilowatt hour) than conventional sources, Carnegie Mellon has made this investment (1) to demonstrate the university's recognition of the importance of development of renewable, less environmentally damaging sources of energy, (2) to provide educational opportunities for our students, faculty and staff, and (3) to help support the development of wind power generation in Western Pennsylvania.

The Green Practices Committee is planning a "university challenge" for conservation efforts to cover the extra cost of the wind power. This will have the added benefit of reducing the university's overall energy consumption.

Check out the background tab to read the school's press release.