Current News
College continues commitment to renewable energy
March 01, 2007
For immediate release - March 1, 2007 Contact: Eric Cárdenas (860) 439-2508; eric.cardenas@conncoll.edu Connecticut College continues commitment to renewable energy For first time, college offsets 100 percent of annual electricity consumption NEW LONDON, Conn. - For five years, Connecticut College has purchased renewable energy certificates (RECs) that provide a subsidy for production of wind energy equal to a percentage of the college´s annual electricity consumption. This year, for the first time, the college is offsetting 100 percent of its annual electricity consumption.
Coordinated by the college Environmental Model Committee (EMC), the college purchased renewable energy certificates that balance 15 million kilowatt hours - 100 percent of the college´s electricity usage. Last year, the college purchased RECs equal to 47 percent of the college´s annual electricity consumption, up from 41, 40, 24 and 17 percent in the first four years of the program.
Six 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 20 million pounds of greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere. This has the equivalent environmental benefit to removing 2,050 cars from U.S. roadways or planting 7,892 acres of trees.
This year, the students, through the EMC, purchased the 100 percent, Green-e® Certified, new wind renewable energy certificates from 3 Phases Energy Services, a renewable energy solutions provider and marketing firm.
Connecticut College Vice President for Administration Ulysses Hammond said this 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.
"The college offsetting 100 percent of its annual electricity consumption is a milestone to this environmental initiative," Hammond said. "Going from 17 percent to 100 percent in five years is an aggressive model that reaffirms the college´s commitment to environmental sustainability."
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 four 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 college´s "dial-down campaign" in which thermometers in campus buildings were set to lower temperatures to reduce the college´s heating oil use, and the student-led "Concert from Conservation," competition between residence halls to reduce the consumption of heating fuel and electricity on campus.
Ranked among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation, Connecticut College enrolls 1,900 men and women from 43 states and 45 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 85-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. --CC--
For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu