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CC continues commitment to renewable energy

April 07, 2006

For immediate release - March 7, 2006 Contact: Eric Cárdenas (860) 439-2508; eric.cardenas@conncoll.edu

Connecticut College continues commitment to renewable energy

NEW LONDON, Conn. - In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of its energy usage, Connecticut College's Environmental Model Committee (EMC) has coordinated the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) that provide a subsidy for production of wind energy equal to approximately 50 percent of the college's annual electricity consumption.

The college purchased renewable energy certificates that balance 7.5 million kilowatt hours of the college's electricity usage. Last year, the college purchased RECs equal to 44 percent of the college's annual electricity consumption, up from 22 and 17 percent in the first two years of the program. Five years ago, the student-led Renewable Energy Club (also known as "REC") proposed that each student pay a $25 a year per student surcharge to support the use of renewable energy. The measure passed overwhelmingly and as a result has helped offset millions of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. This latest purchase prevents the release of over 10 million pounds of greenhouse gasses from entering the atmostphere. This has the equivalent environmental benefit to removing 978 cars from U.S. roadways or planting 1281 acres of trees. This year, the students, via the EMC, purchased the 100 percent, Green-e(r) certified, new wind renewable energy certificates from 3 Phases Energy, a renewable energy solutions provider and marketing firm.

Connecticut College Vice President for Administration Ulysses Hammond said this continued initiative, which is a joint effort between students and administration, strengthens the college's position as one of the most environmentally committed campuses in the country.

"Our purchase of renewable energy certificates reaffirms the College's commitment to be a model for environmental sustainability," Hammond said. 3 Phases Energy said they were pleased to be included in the college's environmental initiative.

"Connecticut College has been a national leader in the field of renewable energy for the last three years," said Steve McDougal, Senior Manager of Business Development. "3 Phases Energy is thrilled to be partnering with the College to build awareness for renewable energy that ultimately helps to build new wind farms across the country."

While the college is purchasing wind RECs to offset its electricity usage, its faculty, staff and students are working hard to reduce their electricity usage. Two recent initiatives include:

• The compact fluorescent bulb exchange program sponsored by REC: Students have gone door-to-door in dormitories to exchange more than 1,700 standard incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). Currently more than three quarters of the student body are using at least one energy-efficient bulb in their college residence. It's estimated this initiative will save the college nearly $6,400 annually in energy costs as CFLs use approximately 70 percent less energy than a standard bulb and last up to 10 times longer. • REC has also purchased 10 Vending Misers(r), devices that can be installed on vending machines to power them down when not in use. "They put the machines in sleep mode," said Amy Cabaniss, campus environmental coordinator, "shutting off the lights but keeping the drinks cold." The Miser can cut the amount spent on electricity in half. About Connecticut College

Ranked among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Connecticut College enrolls 1,900 men and women from 42 states and 41 countries. The college is known for putting the liberal arts into action through interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. Founded in 1911, the college operates under an 84-year-old honor code. The college is located at 270 Mohegan Ave, New London, about two hours by car from Boston and New York. The 750-acre campus is an arboretum overlooking Long Island Sound. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.

About 3 Phases Energy 3 Phases Energy, a national renewable energy marketing and development company, is committed to promoting and implementing renewable energy options for businesses, utilities, governments, institutions, and individuals through green pricing support services for utilities, direct access, retail and wholesale sales of Green Certificates, and onsite efficiency and solar photovoltaic installation. In 2005, 3 Phases Energy was recognized as the U.S. EPA/DOE Renewable Energy Technology Supplier of the Year. For more information, visit www.3phases.com.

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For media inquiries contact: Amy Martin (860) 439-2526; a.martin@conncoll.edu