Union partners with EPA on wind energy

Green Power Partnership

(Dec. 1, 2004) -- Union College recently became a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "Green Power Partnership," a designation to honor businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations that purchase power from renewable energy sources. In the fall of 2003, Union converted 5 percent of its energy purchases to power derived from windmills.

"We are pleased that the EPA recognizes Union's commitment to cleaner, renewable, alternative sources of energy," said Union College President Roger Hull. "In this day and age, we all have to do our part, and we hope others will join us in this and other environmentally advantageous programs."

Although wind power costs slightly more than traditional sources (about two cents more per kilowatt hour), there is no pollution produced and no fuel needed in its production. The wind power, which is part of the state's energy grid, is produced at the Fenner Wind Project in Madison County, New York's largest wind farm.

According to the EPA, the goal of the Green Power Partnership is to facilitate the growth of the green power market by lowering the cost and increasing the value of green power. A strong green power market will support new, clean technologies that will reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation, the nation's single largest industrial source of air pollution.

The College was first recognized for its use and support of wind power at an award ceremony earlier this year in Albany. The event was hosted by two environmental groups, an energy developer and a state energy agency. Union joined four other colleges as well as 10 municipalities and six commercial businesses in New York State to convert a portion of their energy purchases to power derived from windmills.

Other colleges in the state who purchase wind power are Hobart & William Smith, Pace University, Bank Street College, and the State University at Buffalo.

To learn more about the Green Power Partnership and to see the full list of members and honorees, go to http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/