Our university spent $41 million
on campus energy in the 2006 fiscal year: 46 percent for electricity, 47
percent for power plant coal/gas/oil and 7 percent for water and sewage. Gov.
Doyle has required all state facilities and campuses to reduce energy use by 20
percent in just four years, from 2006 to 2010. UW-Madison needs your help to
accomplish this goal. Decreasing our campus energy use will reduce air
pollution emissions from campus power plants and will save the university
money. Here are some steps you can take:
-Heating,
cooling and ventilation use 72 percent of our university's energy. Research
labs use 60 percent of our electricity. Set your thermostat low this winter,
and close lab hoods when not in use.
-Read
and follow the university's "WE CONSERVE" tips available at: www.conserve.wisc.edu/tips.htm.
-Urge
our university to reduce coal burning and to install better air pollution
controls at our Charter Street power plant. As a result of a recent Sierra Club
lawsuit, the plant has agreed to cut coal burning by 15 percent starting this
January. While this action will cost $1 to $3 million annually, it is worthwhile
for our university to set a good example to the community by converting to
cleaner sources of energy. National climate change experts, including NASA's
Dr. James Hansen, have asked the United States to reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions by 80 percent by 2050, especially by replacing coal plants with
cleaner energy. Urge our campus to do its part.
Energy use stretches beyond the
university to home life. The average American uses six times more energy than
the world average, with one-fifth of U.S. energy use going to households,
one-fourth to transportation and one-third to product manufacturing.
-Choose
energy-efficient transportation. Walk, bike, take the bus and carpool. Madison's
Community Car program has several hybrid cars in its fleet. If you buy a car,
choose one with a high fuel economy to reduce air pollution emissions as well
as your gas bills.
-Choose
an energy-efficient living space. Forty-two percent of the average American
home energy use goes to heating and cooling. Whether you rent or own your home,
you can save money by finding a well-insulated, non-drafty abode.
-Educate
yourself about energy issues. UW-Madison has a variety of one-time lectures as
well as courses on energy and sustainability through its environmental studies,
engineering, business and other departments. You can get involved with
energy-related research and outreach through the university's Energy Institute,
Solar Energy Laboratory, Fusion Technology Institute, Engine Research Center,
Power Systems Engineering Research Center and Center for Sustainability and the
Global Environment.
-Let
the city know the importance of considering sustainability practices in its new
economic development plan.
Nina Trautmann
M.S. Land Resources
