Energy
Nothing is closer to the heart of sustainability than energy usage. At Luther College we are striving to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and thus cut our greenhouse gas emissions. Luther is a charter signatory to the American College and University President's Climate Commitment. Based on this commitment the college has set a goal to cut its carbon emissions by 50% in the next four years and is working on a plan to become a carbon neutral campus. This requires a transformation of how we do business and students are involved in every step of this transformation. See below to learn more about our carbon reduction and energy conservation efforts.
Striving for Sustainability: Luther's Carbon Footprint (download this powerpoint of a talk on Luther's sustainability efforts -- September 2007)
Striving for Sustainability: Examining Luther's Carbon Footprint (85MB Powerpoint - 2/13/08)
energy.luther.edu ( Real-time electricity usage monitoring for each campus buildings)
Scroll down or click on one of these links to read more about Luther's sustainability efforts related to sustainability.
Transportation
With over 2500 active students and 500 employees, Luther College has a lot of transportation needs. While making sure we are giving our students every opportunity, we are exploring options to meet our transportation needs in innovative ways that reduce our energy usage and impact on the environment. As with all of our sustainability efforts, our transportation alternatives program is a work in progress, and we are constantly looking at new options. Read on to learn more or send us an e-mail with your ideas about things we should try.
Hybrids
Beginning in 2004, Luther began working to convert the college's fleet of passenger cars to gas-electric hybrids. We are adding two new hybrids per year to replace domestic sedans that generally use twice as much gasoline and produce more double the emissions. These Honda Civic Hybrids reduce fossil fuel usage and emissions dramatically while educating faculty, staff, and students about environmental options.
Biodiesel
Do you love french fries? So do we, but we used to hate all that used oil from the fryers we had to take care of. Not anymore. For the past four years, Luther College students, faculty, and staff have cooperated on a research project to convert used vegetable oil to biodiesel for use in college vehicles. Read more about the history of this project here: Biodiesel Research on Campus
Biodiesel Presentation March 2008
In the summer of 2007, Luther College took it biodiesel project to a new level by purchasing an Ester Machine from Green World Biofuels. This biodiesel processor allows us to make 80 gallons of biodiesel at a time. Since June 2007, Luther has converted 100% of its waste vegetable oil into biodiesel and is buring biodiesel in all of its diesel vehicles including all of its lawnmowers. This reduces our dependence on petroleum diesel, saves the college money, and reduces emissions dramatically.
Electric Vehicles
In 2007, Luther's Facilities Management department purchased three electric vehicles for use on and around campus. Two "neighborhood electric vehicles" are being used by maintenance and campus security and one electric "gator" is being utilized by the grounds department. We are currently exploring ways to use solar photovoltaics to charge these vehicles, but even with conventional electricity, they cut in half the emissions compared to their predecessors.
Electricity/Heating
By far the largest energy usage on campus is heating and electricity. We have made great strides in reducing this impact, but we striving to do more every day. In the past four years, Luther cut its electricity consumption by 22% and we hope to double that in the next four years.
Wind
Luther’s most recent initiatives include the consideration of wind power as an alternative energy source to power the school. Along with Alliant Energy, Luther is exploring the feasibility of installing wind turbines to produce clean energy for the school. A recent survey of the campus community showed significant support for the this idea. To read the survey results, click here.
Prospective wind turbine promotes renewable energy
Chips Article ~ 9 March 2006
Harvesting the wind west of Decorah (Luther Students Tour Wind Farm)
Chips Article ~ 14 April 2005
Wind as a Source of Energy
Student Article by Nikki Albee
Solar
Geothermal
Farewell to fossil fuels: alternative energy takes over (Geothermal Energy)
Chips Article ~ 14 October 2004
Geothermal Energy: How geothermal heating systems work
Student Article by Sarah Wieckert
Energy Audit
Chicago Climate Exchange
Luther urged to join Chicago Climate Exchange
Chips Article ~ 6 October 2005
Education
New Science Laboratories and Research Center
Luther is in the process of constructing a new 58,000-square-foot science building and renovating Valders Hall. Proposed green initiatives include green walls that would cool the building in the summer, a green roof, and an adjacent water garden. Heat retention mechanisms will be placed in the hoods to minimize energy loss. The Weidt Group will provide Luther Energy Design Assistance in the buildings use of windows, lighting, insulation, and heating and cooling mechanisms.
Center for Environmental Stewardship??
Courses related specifically to energy