U.S. Higher Education Rallies on Renewable Energy

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http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=46514

The Higher Education Committee (HEC), a coalition of college and university presidents and academic leaders organized by The American Council On Renewable Energy (ACORE), is calling on American institutions of higher learning to commit to renewable energy by greening their campuses, investing in the industry and teaching future generations about renewable energy.

"American institutions of higher education are joining together to move renewable energy into the mainstream," said President of College of the Atlantic (COA) David Hales, who will chair the HEC. Last month, COA declared itself net-zero for all greenhouse gas emissions; through renewable energy investments the college will offset whatever carbon emissions it cannot eliminate or reduce.

"Colleges and universities can take immediate action by demonstrating how to transition to a cleaner, more secure, more reliable and affordable energy future," noted ACORE President Michael Eckhart. Colleges and universities, he believes, have a vital and urgent role to play in mobilizing intellectual and financial capital toward energy strategies that can be used by the nation, its institutions and its general population. "These institutions can help create and drive the market for renewable energy, as well as profit from its growth," Eckhart added.

Through forums and other resources, HEC will focus on four initiatives: increased use of renewable energy on U.S. college and university campuses, increased investment of endowments in clean energy funds and companies, resources for the education of current and future generations, and involvement of alumni associations.

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