Ecopledge's proposal, which has garnered the support of 1,200 students and 10 faculty members, also includes the implementation of items from the Energy Star Checklist starting next year and the hiring of an energy services company to recommend other possible upgrades.
To fund the initiative, Ecopledge proposed the establishment of a revolving loan fund with an initial investment of $1 million. "After the initial investment, it is basically self-sustaining," said Cava. The concept is modeled off Harvard University's "Green Campus" loan, a $3 million investment that was projected to save the school $889,000 per year.
By investing the initial capital in energy projects such as "changing light bulbs, replacing windows, and updating heating and cooling systems," according to the proposal, the savings would be returned to the fund.
"Financing is often the most difficult part," said Cava, "but the revolving loan fund is a feasible way to accomplish change. It might take a few years to start seeing savings, but it's worth it in the long term."
While BC has reduced its energy usage by cutting lighting from the parking garages and decreasing heating and air conditioning usage in several buildings, Ecopledge hopes to put the University on a path toward even greater environmental awareness.
"Sometimes environmentalism is thought of as a 'revolutionary idea'," said Cava. "Our plan is not only feasible, it makes sense economically."
"BC has done well with energy conservation in the past," said Walsh. "This policy is just a written way in which they can continue; it's a plan to base new goals around and puts initiatives on a timeline."
Data from other "green" schools throughout the country was also included in the proposal to show the committee what BC can aspire to achieve. While only 80 of the United States' approximately 4,000 college campuses currently use green power, investment in loans similar to the one proposed by Ecopledge has given schools the opportunity to explore other options for conservation.
Spring Break
