From electric buses to geothermal heating: 11 ways college campuses can help usher in a renewable energy future

America’s colleges and universities are playing a huge role in helping the world transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

On Oct. 16, Environment America Research & Policy Center released a report titled “Renewable Energy 101,” detailing 11 of the best strategies and tools that universities can use to move towards meeting 100 percent of their energy needs with renewable sources. Among them: microgrids and energy storage, electric and sustainable transportation, geothermal heating and cooling, and more.

“Universities have the ability and the know-how to take bold steps to shift to clean power and eliminate pollution from energy use,” said Jake Taber, an associate with our national network’s 100% Renewable Campuses campaign. “We’re seeing that all across the country, from Georgetown University’s energy efficient buildings to Arizona State University’s nation-leading solar energy production.”

Our network has already secured commitments from Boston University, Cornell University and the University of California system to go 100 percent renewable.

Read “Renewable Energy 101” here.

Photo: University at Albany, SUNY runs a 10-week long competition each year among residence halls and some academic buildings to save energy and help develop lasting energy-conscious habits. Credit: UAlbany via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)