Renewable Revolution

10/29/2014 02:38 PM   
University Celebrates Shut Down of Coal Plant, Transitions to Geothermal 

SustainableBusiness.com News

Another university is shutting down its coal plant because it's shifting to geothermal energy - West Chester University in Pennsylvania.

 At this year's "Sustainability Day," on October 22 (which is apparently observed at universities across the US), they celebrated the decommissioning of the university's coal-fired power plant. Yea!

 Geothermal heats, cools and provides hot water for 15 campus buildings, including apartments and residence halls, and the 10-year plan is to reach 25 buildings. Besides eliminating about 40 million pounds of annual emissions, the university will save $1 million a year on electric bills.   


"We are committed to geothermal energy for both new  construction and renovation of existing buildings," says Greg Cuprak, Executive  Director of Facilities Management. 

When the entire district system is completed, there will be 1200 wells - mostly under parking lots - and 20,000 feet of pipe that distribute clean energy throughout the campus. The goal is to shut down the central heating plant, which will eliminate all coal (7000 tons a year) and most fuel oil (200,000 gallons a year) burned on campus.

Geothermal West Chester University

Like so many universities today, this is just one element of West Chester's Climate Action Plan. Sustainable practices are being implemented into every aspect of university life, including curriculum, purchasing and buildings. Green roofs are sprouting on rooftops in addition to protecting land around campus.

Read Indiana's Ball State University is converting from coal to the nation's biggest geothermal system.
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23484

Read our article, Chevy Does It Right! Supports Clean Energy at Colleges, Retires Carbon Credits.

Learn about the sustainability efforts on campus:

 
Website: www.wcupa.edu/sustainability/greenefforts.asp

http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/25979



As part of being responsible, caring human beings, we have to pressure our government to take major action to stop the degradation of the biosphere from climate change. This is causing death and disease to both domestic animals and wildlife, all of which have done nothing to deserve such a horrible fate at our hands. It's time to eliminate the excuse our fossil fuel loving oligarchy uses for "resources" wars for oil that bring nothing but misery to us and profits for them.

I started a petition on Care2: Demand Liberty From Fossil Fuels Through 100% Renewable Energy WWII Style Effort. I'm hoping that if enough people sign my petition, we can make a difference. I have over 370 signatures. Once I reach 500, Care2 will publicize it more. Will you help me collect more by adding your name?

Here's a link to the petition (You can sign anonymously if you have privacy concerns):  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/420/529/456/demand-liberty-from-fossil-fuels-through-100-renewable-energy-wwii-style-effort/

Thank you and please pass it on. The biosphere you save may be your own.