Clean Energy Committee
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 would apply 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 will enter 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 new fee proposal, as many students voted for it in the fall. Pending Board of Trustee approval, informational pamphlets will be made available at the cashier desk and other locations to inform students as they pay tuition. The election of the student members of the Clean Energy Committee will provide a significant opportunity for students to learn more about the initiative and to directly participate in the election and allocation process.
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 will be formed at the beginning of fall quarter, and this group will be in place to map out the specific process for most projects. The committee will meet twice per quarter and the student representative will be available between meetings to promote, take, promote and evaluate proposals and to prepare for committee meetings. The student should hold weekly office hours and most clean energy related business will be facilitated through the Greener Futures student group office.
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.