| Press Release Archive
A Green Power First for the Nation
Concordia University in Austin has
become the first college or university in the nation to subscribe
to 100% green power for all of its power needs. The 77 year-old
Lutheran college has enrolled in Austin Energy’s GreenChoice®
Renewable Energy Program for all of the 5.5 million kilowatt-hours
(kWh) of electricity it uses annually. In addition, Concordia
will use energy efficiency improvements to offset the additional
cost of green power.
“We are taking this step as a University
to make a direct contribution to the development of clean
renewable energy resources for our community,” said
Concordia University President Thomas Cedel. “Preserving
our planet and improving the quality of life are a point of
emphasis throughout our educational process.”
Concordia will take advantage of Austin
Energy’s Commercial
Rebate Program to install energy-efficient lighting throughout
its campus. Energy-saving devices will also be installed on
all soft drink machines on the campus. These devices include
motion sensors that turn off the compressor motors and lights
when the area around the machine is unoccupied. A side benefit
of turning off all internal heat-producing motors is that
the soft drinks actually stay colder. The University estimates
their reduced energy use will offset the additional green
power costs of about $5,000 per year.
“The business community in Austin
has taken a leadership role in the development of our green
power program,” said Austin Mayor Will Wynn. “To
have the first college in America at 100% subscription is
another strong statement about Austin, and we are very appreciative
of this participation by Concordia University.”
Concordia’s green power purchase qualifies
the University for participation in the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Green Power Partnership. Because they
are the first college to subscribe to 100% green power and
because of the size of their subscription, they will also
earn the EPA’s elite “Green Power Leadership Club”
award. Concordia’s green power purchase will eliminate
nearly 8 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
This is the equivalent of taking 700 cars off the road or
planting more than 1,000 acres of trees.
Austin Energy’s GreenChoice program
ranks number one in the nation in green power sales according
to the Department of Energy (DOE). During 2002, the utility
sold more than 251 million kWh of green power, double the
amount sold by second place Sacramento and third place Denver
and four times the amount sold by fourth place Los Angeles.
For more information, contact Ed
Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000
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