Adelphi University Supports Renewable Energy and Again Commits to Offset 100 Percent of its Electricity with Wind Power

Adelphi University, a leader in the area of energy conservation and a green environment, is continuing its commitment to renewable energy by offsetting 100 percent of the electricity consumed at its Garden City campus with the purchase of 20,206,800 kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by wind farms across America through Boulder, Colorado-based provider Renewable Choice Energy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this purchase helps avoid a similar amount of CO2 emissions as that produced by nearly 2,775 passenger vehicles annually or the electricity use of 1,761 average American homes.

“Adelphi University is proud of its efforts to green the campus and continue to set the standard for others to follow,” said Adelphi University President Robert A. Scott. “The investment in clean renewable energy to minimize the impact on the 

Renewable energy facilities generate renewable energy credits (RECs) when they produce electricity. Purchasing these credits is one of the widely accepted ways to address the environmental footprint of electricity consumption. Purchasing RECs at the same quantity as your electricity consumption guarantees that the energy you use is added to the power grid from a renewable energy facility and supports the further development of these facilities. Renewable Choice RECs are third-party certified by Green-e Energy.environment underscores the University’s commitment to conservation and sustainability practices. There is excitement among administrators, faculty, students, and staff to create a campus culture that values environmental responsibility.”

“We are proud to be working with a university that is demonstrating its environmental leadership through conservation efforts, energy efficiency projects, and a significant renewable energy commitment,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy. “Renewable energy credits play an important role in helping build our country’s clean energy infrastructure and provide developers with more opportunities to develop wind and other renewable energy projects. We are delighted that Adelphi’s commitment to offsetting 100 percent of its electricity continues to be a valuable component of its sustainability strategy.”

Adelphi University’s lush, 75-acre Garden City campus has been recognized with a myriad of honors: Member of EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, Cool Schools List by the Sierra Club, Excellence in Green Information Technology by Computerworld, winner of the 2008 Regional Commuter Choice Outstanding Achievement Award by The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council and Long Island, and 2009 Clean Air NY Champion, among others.

Adelphi University has a long-standing commitment to green building and implementing sustainability initiatives. In addition to its continued investment in renewable energy, Adelphi made the commitment to “go green” with extensive use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling its new facilities. More than 300,000 square feet of new buildings, including a residence hall completed in 2003, new Centers for Sports and Performing Arts completed in 2008, a renovated Woodruff Hall completed in 2009, and a new residence hall, currently under construction, are all heated and cooled by geothermal systems, making geothermal an integral component of this university’s long term commitment to reduce energy use. Combined, these systems are one of the largest of its kind in the northeast. This system allowed Adelphi University to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified status for the Centers for Sports and Performing Arts, by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new facilities are not only energy efficient but are also constructed with environmentally friendly materials, refuse from construction is recycled, solar gain on roofs and parking areas are reduced, and storm water is returned to aquifers naturally. The University’s housekeeping staff has taken a “green” approach to cleaning throughout the campus by replacing cleaning products containing toxic ingredients with Green Seal certified cleaning products, adopting new cleaning methods that will significantly reduce or eliminate the need for and exposure to strong chemicals, and using products that have a low environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

The University continues to search for and implement new ways to improve energy efficiency and to use products that are beneficial to the university and to the environment. In November 2006, Adelphi began relying 100 percent on natural, organic techniques to maintain the flora around campus. All commercial pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and petroleum-based fertilizers have been eliminated from Adelphi’s grounds maintenance plan. Adelphi also has an extensive recycling program, where paper, plastic, metal, and cardboard are separated from the normal waste stream for recycling. A separate program for fluorescent lamps, ballasts, batteries, and electronic scrap, guaranties that the mercury and other heavy metals in these items do not wind up in landfills.Lackmann Culinary Services, which oversees the cafeterias on campus and food service for events, transitioned from plastic to paper food containers, and orders from local producers.

To learn more about Adelphi University’s other green initiatives, visit the Adelphi Goes Green website.