In an effort to continue a University-wide trend toward energy conservation, Ecopledge members Katie Cava, A&S '08, and Katherine Walsh, A&S '08, presented a comprehensive proposal to a Board of Trustees subcommittee Nov. 30. The energy conservation initiative and clean energy policy would not only save Boston College considerable sums of money, but would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
"It's very important for universities to start educating students about energy conservation since we're the generation that will be in power when global warming becomes a large problem," said Cava. "Universities need to take a stand and use their influence and power; plus they are huge consumers of energy."
Although actions taken by BC last year to conserve energy have saved over 10 million kilowatt hours and $1,800,000 in avoided cost, the policy would commit the University to an even higher standard. If adopted, the policy would require BC to obtain 30 percent of its energy from clean sources by next school year and 60 percent by the year 2010. According to the proposal, this would result in "lowered energy costs, insulation from fluctuating energy prices, and a reduction in the school's impact on global warming."
Clean sources, which provide energy from sources other than fossil fuels, like wind, water, and solar, currently comprise approximately 11 percent of BC's energy provision.
"Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide," said Deirdre Manning, BC's energy manager. "Carbon dioxide is believed to contribute to global warming, while nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are known for causing harmful acid rain and respiratory problems, especially in people with asthma."
Independent of the initiative taken by Ecopledge, BC has signed a five year contract with a new energy provider, TransCanada, which generates 28 percent of its energy from clean, renewable sources. The contract will begin in January 2007, said Manning.
