Harvard University, MA Renewable Energy Policy
Type: Policy
Status: In effect
Source File: http://www.greencampus.harvard.edu/cre/
Description:
Clean, Renewable Energy at Harvard
Behavioral changes, green building design, and energy efficiency upgrades can minimize the amount of energy we consume in our day-to-day activities. However, we must still consider the source of the energy that we do consume. Most often, our energy comes from non-renewable fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal, will be critical in reducing Harvard's environmental impact beyond what is possible from demand-side reductions alone.
Renewable Energy at Harvard
Harvard currently invests in renewable energy by 1) purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) and 2) installing and operating a number of on-site renewable energy projects. These web pages will help you to explore Harvard's current renewable energy initiatives, learn about how to finance renewable energy for your school or department, and see what technologies we hope to adopt in the future.
The Renewable Energy Fund
In an effort to make Harvard the nation's top university purchaser of renewable energy, Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers announced a new, $300,000 renewable energy fund to promote the development of renewable energy on campus. Read the full story, Harvard Gazette, March 10, 2005.
The Renewable Energy Fund has financed the purchase of 14,000 MWh of RECs for the winners of the annual Sustainability Pledge and has funded a full time staff member at the Green Campus Initiative. For the 2007 Sustainability Pledge, instead of purchasing RECs, it gave funding to three on-site renewable energy projects.