Since 2014, 惇蹋圖 has been committed to matching 100% of its power consumption with wind power, thanks to the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs).
The College recently took another step in sustainable purchasing of electricity. Working with ENGIE Resources, 惇蹋圖 now has an agreement for energy from the Casselman Wind Facility in Somerset, Pa., to to be earmarked toward the electricity necessary to meet the College's needs.
This is a way for us to more directly support the regional development of renewable energy sources, says Director of Facilities Nina Bisbee.
The environmental benefits in this 18-month agreement are estimated to be equal to matching the CO2 emissions of 13 million pounds of coal burned, or 27,893 barrels of oil consumed annually.
In 2021, the College announced its plans to be carbon-neutral by 2035.
Early this year, a group of students joined Associate Provost and Associate Professor of Biology Sydne Record and Facilities staff members in western Pennsylvania near the town of Altoona to plant trees in reclaimed mine lands and learn about the Colleges large-scale tree planting initiative. The planting serves as a carbon production offset action.
Bisbee and the Sustainability Leadership Group plan over the next year to update the Colleges sustainability plan. Other steps the College will take to become carbon neutral include continued HVAC and building envelope improvements and upgrades, select solar panel installations, and converting the Colleges vehicle fleet to electric.
