Representatives from Gustavus Adolphus College will host a town meeting regarding the future installation of wind turbines on campus from 7:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the St. Peter Senior Center.
The meeting will include an update from Gustavus officials on the progress of purchasing wind turbines and a question-and-answer session where residents can give their input and voice their opinions.
Wind turbines would enable the college to harness renewable wind energy and significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The presence of turbines on campus would save the college an estimated $600,000 in energy costs per year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40-50 percent.
The desire to purchase wind turbines is just one example of the college’s commitment to environmental sustainability and environmental education. Last August, the Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation opened with funding provided by Glen and LaVonne Johnson. The college also owns two electric utility vehicles for on-campus use by the physical plant staff and several hybrid vehicles, including those used by the college’s safety and security officers. The college is currently participating in the National Campus Energy Challenge, which is a month-long competition to see which school can reduce its energy use the most during the month of February.
The St. Peter Senior Center is located in the St. Peter Community Center at 600 S. Fifth St. For more information, contact Gustavus physics professor Chuck Niederriter at chuck@gustavus.edu.
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