December 27, 2006—A coalition of college and university presidents and academic leaders recently called upon American institutions of higher learning to commit to renewable energy by greening their campuses, investing in the industry, and teaching future generations about renewable energy.
David Hales, president of College of the Atlantic and sustainability advocate, is chairing the committee. In October, COA became the first American institution of higher education to declare itself net-zero for all greenhouse gas emissions. Whatever carbon emissions the college cannot eliminate or reduce, it will reportedly offset through renewable energy investments.
The American Council On Renewable Energy’s (ACORE) new Higher Education Committee (HEC) will provide forums, information, tools, and other resources to facilitate four initiatives:
- Increased use of renewable energy on US college and university campuses,
- Increased investment of endowments in clean energy funds and companies,
- Resources for the education of current and future generations, and
- Involvement of alumni associations.
“These institutions can help create and drive the market for renewable energy, as well as profit from its growth,” noted ACORE President Michael Eckhart. He believes US colleges and universities have a vital and urgent role to play in mobilizing intellectual and financial capital towards energy strategies that can be used by the nation, its institutions, and its general population.
Additionally, Hales notes the HEC can take immediate action through developing educational materials and curricula for renewable energy, especially in schools of engineering, science, law, business and public policy. The HEC will also encourage colleges and universities to involve their whole communities, including alumni, staff, faculty, and students.
More information on the HEC can be found on the ACORE site.
