New York University Buys 118,000,000 kWh of Wind Power!
by Neil Chambers, New York City on 10. 6.06
As an adjunct professor at New York University (NYU), it was amazing to hear that the university announced it would purchase 118,000,000 kWh of wind power. It will be the largest purchase of wind power by any U.S. college or university, according to the EPA's Green Power Partnership Program, the largest purchase of wind power by any institution in New York City, and the 11th largest purchase nationally.
They are creating a Sustainability Taskforce to develop a Green Action Plan (GAP). NYU is joining the USGBC to enable the University to access "best practices" for green building design and incorporate those ideas into strategic planning. John Bradley was hired in June, 2006 to develop and implement a comprehensive energy strategy that includes cogeneration and alternative energy sources, operation of the University's cogeneration plant, identification and implementation of energy conservation projects, and development of engineering standards for NYU's facilities that will improve their energy efficiency and infrastructure reliability.
Other highlights of the announcement were the establishment of a new Environmental Studies major, an increase of the energy efficiency of the co-generation plant on campus that will reduce emissions significantly below EPA standards, reviewing sites for additional bike racks around campus to encourage bicycle commuting and the hiring of new employees to expand NYU's recycling program (NYU currently recycles up to 30 percent of its waste stream).
At the announcement, the student organization, Green Arch, was acknowledged as having had a role in bring awareness to the need for more environmental activity at the University. One of Green Arch's founders, Jeremy Friedman told me by phone that "this is so exciting to see NYU going green". I agree!
See also ::St. Olaf College Windmill Ups Ante in Green Competition with Carleton College, ::Wind Power Becoming Cheaper Than Conventional Power
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When you purchase green power, how do you really know it's green? I know you probably do not get electricity from a wind farm or whatever, chances are it's coming from the nearest plant. But how can you be sure your extra dollars are being invested in green infrastructure?
When you purchase green power, how do you really know it's green?
http://www.google.com/search?q=faq+green+power
That's nice, you can use google. How exactly does that answer, How do you know it's green? I have the same skepticism of co2 credits.
That's nice, you can use google.
You often tell people to Google things. So are you being snide about yourself now?
How exactly does that answer, How do you know it's green?
Any number of results from the search I gave you will provide you the answer you seek, if you're actually interested in it.
I have the same skepticism of co2 credits.
That's nice - you're able to be skeptical.
Verifying that electricity is green:
While you can reach many good refs through Google, I recommend the FAQ at the Green-e Web site. Green-e is the group that exists to certify the validity of green power and renewable energy certificates (RECs).
Regards,
Thomas O. Gray
American Wind Energy Association
www.awea.org
www.ifnotwind.org
That's really great that NYU's finally doing something green.
I remember trying to do an article on what NYU could be doing to make itself more green for the Washington Square Post while I was there (about two years ago now), but the idea got shot down in favor of a 'What's the deal with the Charles Gwathmey building at Astor Place?' story.(I was on the architectural beat)
I don't know why it took so long for green to become fashionable at a school of psuedo-hippies, but I really wish it didn't take this much time.
I think that any time there is extra expense involved, there is going to be resistance and hesitation.
Also, in my earlier post, I should have mentioned--anyone can sign up for green power through the Green-e Web site. Under "Your Electric Choices," there is a clickable map of the U.S. which will show you the choices in your state.
If you don't feel that you can afford to go 100% wind, a very inexpensive option is to buy 10% or 20%. For the average household, the cost will be 5-10 cents a day . . .
Regards,
Tom
Get to hear that the university has made the decision to buy green power certificates aka green tags, like so many companies and universities have done..
If they are using heating oil for hot water or heating systems, I can recommend a well tested fuel catalyst that helps vehicles and boilers lower emissions and fuel consumption rates. 3rd party reports available.
By the way, Krystal Planet, a co-sponsor of www.theGreatWarming.com provides green tags as well for residential and/or commercial entities - their program helps fund new wind or solar systems for educational institutions.
Regards,
CD
NYU's Green Initiative is a Sham. They are conning to public to belive that they are going green so that they can save over $1 million/year with their new power plant. First off, has thier powerplant recieved any LEED certifications? Have they even applied? Also, they fail to metion that they'll be destroying a city park fully of mature trees in order to go with their preferences, whereas, they could put the same exact powerplant on thier own private property without any destruction of Trees.
They are making a mockery of the 'Green' movement. Watch out for other institutions and corporations to do the same...
How much power does New York use each year?
Could New York really power their city on windpower?