July 24, 2003

12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Butler/Wu, Private Dining Room
 

Committee Attendees: Michael McKay, Chair; Cathy Kunkel, Janet Gruschow, Robin Izzo, Bill Jordan, Tom Nyquist , Leila Shahbender, Don Weston

Committee Members Absent: Andy Dobson, Kelsey Jack, Emmanual Kreike

Other Attendees: Mary Banfield, Sarah Barbrow, Ted Borer, David Bourguignon, Kai M. A. Chan, Rick Curtis, Chad Klaus, Meg Messina, Stu Orefice, Barclay Satterfield
 

1. Wind Energy Presentation

John Halley, Community Energy, Inc., gave a presentation on wind energy. The following items were discussed:

• Introduction of Community Energy, NewWind Energy product, utility partners, and customers
• Overview of wind energy technology and economics
• Certificate-based approach to developing and marketing wind power
• Overview of CEI’s Mid-Atlantic wind farms, including the Jersey-Atlantic wind project
• The costs and benefits for Princeton University

Community Energy is a leader in bringing wind-generated power to the market. Some of their customers include: Penn State University, University of Penn, and the U.S. Army. More information about wind power can be found at the following website: http://www.newwindenergy.com/

Priority Projects 2003-2004 Discussion

The following are priority items received from PEOC and Greening Princeton members. The committee categorized the projects as follows:

1. Initiatives that have no cost and can be acted upon immediately

• Addressing temperature settings in campus buildings (Tom Nyquist, Engineering)
• Purchasing PCW or unbleached paper towels and other green cleaning products
  (Jon Baer, Building Services)
• Installing low flow showerheads, low flow toilets and faucets in buildings (Maintenance)
• Encouraging better outdoor water use (Grounds)
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by improving fuel economy of University fleet (limiting idling time for campus safety officers, promoting carpooling, reducing car commuting by faculty and staff, investing in alternative energy); encouraging the purchase of hybrid or fully electric vehicles (including the little
  buggies)
• Reducing paper use (education campaign focused on students, faculty and staff)
  (Bill Jordan)
• Increasing recycling (another matter of changing behaviors as above; Jon Baer, Building Services)
• Introducing recyclable dinnerware (or some other alternative) in catering (Stu Orefice, Dining Services)
• Installing energy-efficient light bulbs and motion detectors, among other lighting alternatives; continue the installation of motion sensors on building lighting where possible. (Kenny Grayson, Electric Shop)
• Officially encouraging the University to purchase as high a %PCW for paper as possible. If 100% PCW can be negotiated to be cheaper than virgin paper, then the purchase of the 100% PCW should be mandated. (Don Weston, Purchasing)

2 and 3. Initiatives that are a policy issue and/or will need a higher level of approval because of cost.

• Experimenting with solar power and encouraging the University to invest in and buy power from a green energy company (eg. wind power and other alternatives)
• Establishing University-sponsored Earth Day events
• Adopting standards for University investments in socially/environmentally responsible companies
• Encouraging the University to maintain a certain percentage of green space on campus, and, some parcels of a minimum size
• Requiring LEED certification on all new buildings
• Establishing official University environmental policies

Initiatives 2 and 3 will be discussed in further detail at the next meeting.

Other issues

• Funding sources, an environmental campaign tied to PEOC initiatives/ recommendations, and an environmental fund were discussed. (This will need approval from Nassau Hall and the Development Office.)
• Robin Izzo mentioned the Best Management Practices (BMP) Catalog has case studies about effective environmental topics, such as green building practices and energy efficiency, to assist colleges and universities achieve compliance. The web site for this information is: http://www.epa.gov/region01/assistance/univ/bmpcasestudies.html
• A summer intern was hired to work in food services. PEI will advertise in the fall for a student to work on environmental issues identified in the audits and priority items identified by PEOC. Facilities will help to fund the position. Kai M.A. Chan recommended an “environmental implementer” who could work on one or two specific campaigns.
• The next PEOC meeting is confirmed for Thursday, October 2, 2003, 12 noon, at Butler/Wu Private Dining room.