Clean Energy Committee
Clean Energy Survey: let us know what you think the future of CEC should be.
Our Mission
The Clean Energy Committee strives to promote clean energy technology by providing financial support for green energy projects that benefit the college, the local community and the global environment. Through this measure and also by helping to fund larger projects that address energy efficiency, carbon emissions and climate change, the Clean Energy Committee seeks to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and align itself with The Evergreen State College's goals of carbon neutrality and overall sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Green Power?
Why buy Green Power?
How will the College Purchase Green Power?
How is Green Power Distributed?
How will students be notified of the new fee?
How will the fee increase impact financial aid recipients?
How will students get access to the portion of the fee increase that will be designated for on-campus renewable clean energy related projects?
How will students in Tacoma, Grays Harbor and our Reservation Based Programs Benefit from this Initiative?
What is Green Power?
Green Power as defined in the Revised Code of Washington (19.29A.090) refers, in part, to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources such as:
- Wind Power
- Solar Power
- Geothermal Power
- Qualified Hydropower
- Gas from various form of Biomass
- Student Initiative – The students wish to participate in the purchase of renewable electrical energy.
- Renewable Energy Support –Increases the probability of increased development of renewable NW energy sources.
- Reduce Greenhouse Effects –Reduces the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas in our region.
- Strengthen Community Relations – Purchasing green power demonstrates Evergreen’s leadership in improving our environment.
- Improve College Image– Provides Evergreen with a marketing tool when comparing ourselves to peer institutions.
How will the College Purchase Green Power?
Both Puget Sound Energy and Tacoma City Light have green power options. Both are voluntary programs where the college applies a portion of the new student fee to purchase green tags so that the utility provider can pay for the more expensive renewable energy sources for its customer base. Evergreen enters into annual agreements with both providers to establish firmer commitments to the program.
How is Green Power Distributed?
All green power generation is placed on the common electrical utility grid for general public use. Green power costs are a combination of conventionally generated electricity – plus a premium (green tags) representing the additional generation costs of green power.
How will students be notified of the new fee?
Current students are well aware of the fee, as many students voted for it. New students are made aware of the fee and the Clean Energy Committee during orientation. The fee is also listed on your tuition statement. Informational pamphlets are also available at the Student Activities office.
How will the fee increase impact financial aid recipients?
The state and federal financial aid formulas will accommodate this fee increases. However, this fee will reduce the amount available for discretionary personal spending.
How will students get access to the portion of the fee increase that will be designated for on-campus renewable clean energy related projects?
The Clean Energy Committee offers a simple grant application process for students to apply for funding every quarter. There are quarterly deadlines for applications that are announced through the campus newspaper (CPJ). If you happened to miss the deadline do not hesitate in contacting us for we may be able to accommodate your application. The committee meets twice per quarter and the student representatives are available between meetings to promote, receive, and evaluate proposals in order to prepare for committee meetings. Our grant application can be found on this website or at the Student Activities office in CAB 320. The applications may be submitted online to cleanenergy@evergreen.edu or to Tom Mercado in CAB 320 building. Questions can be submitted to the email address above or by contacting Tom Mercado, Director of Student Activities.
How will students in Tacoma, Grays Harbor and our Reservation Based Programs Benefit from this Initiative?
We will purchase green tags from the Tacoma City Light to offset Tacoma’s electricity with green power. In addition, students from all sites can apply for funding from the on-campus clean energy fund. The Clean Energy Committee will strive to fund projects proportional to the fees generated by each campus.