Green Power Purchase Helps University Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Syracuse University has partnered with Renewable Choice Energy to provide green power to the University, in order to further reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The University purchased a total of 123 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of wind power in the form of renewable energy credits (RECs) from the Boulder-based firm for the years of 2014-16, which will offset 35 percent of the campus’ total electricity consumption and is a 15 percent increase over previous years. This will decrease the University’s annual GHG emissions by 45 million pounds—the equivalent of avoiding the consumption of more than 2 million gallons of gasoline each year.

Renewable sources, such as wind power, are one component of Syracuse University’s Climate Action Plan.

Syracuse University has voluntarily purchased green power since 2005, but this is just one component of the University’s integrated Climate Action Plan (CAP). The CAP consists of five overlapping sustainable components focused on: energy conservation through existing technologies; energy efficiency through emerging technologies; creation of energy from renewable sources; enhancing sustainability practices among students, faculty and staff; and limited use of energy offsets, as needed, that benefit local residents and businesses. Additionally, the University’s Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management manages and tracks energy use, emissions, conservation efforts and energy procurement.

“Partnering with Renewable Choice Energy allows Syracuse University to further decrease its carbon emissions while highlighting its commitment to sustainability and energy conservation in a fiscally responsible manner,” says Nathan Prior, associate director for energy conservation at Syracuse University.

RECs are the way that green power is tracked and traded in North America and are used by thousands of U.S. and Canadian organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to decrease environmental impact. The 100 percent wind power RECs purchased by Syracuse University are sourced entirely from wind farms located in the U.S. and certified by Green-e® Energy, the nation’s leading certification program for renewable energy.

“We are pleased to partner with Syracuse University in their ongoing efforts to mitigate climate impact,” says Aran Rice, vice president of sales for Renewable Choice. “As a leader among universities in their proactive position on climate management and sustainability, Syracuse University’s increased commitment to green power demonstrates continued progress toward their emission reduction goals.”