October 26th, 2008

From the Environmental Protection Agency

The 2008 Green Power Leadership Awards were presented in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference, held October 26-29 in Denver, Colorado.

Green Power Purchasing Award

Oregon State University’s (OSU) purchase of nearly 67 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy certificates (RECs) is equal to nearly 75 percent of the total campus electricity consumption. The University’s purchase places the school on EPA’s list of Top 20 College and University green power purchasers. The school funded its purchase through a student “Green Fee” approved during a general campus election, and resulted in a purchase of RECs from a mix of biogas, biomass and wind resources. The Green Fee produced the highest voter turnout in OSU history, with more than 70 percent of voting students supporting the initiative.

As a part of OSU’s purchase agreement, its green power supplier will set aside a part of each payment into a reinvestment fund that will finance an on-site solar photovoltaic project in 2009.

The University advises students about the Green Fee and the REC purchase at table displays during campus events. It also offers information to help students reach the campus goal of 100 percent.