To: Central Michigan University
Central Michigan University: Expand Your Use of Solar Energy
Central Michigan University has a history of sustainable leadership for colleges across Michigan and the US. Let's perpetuate CMUs sustainable path by encouraging CMU to source more of their energy from renewable sources in the form of solar-panels.
Why is this important?
How we source our energy affects everyone on this planet both immediately and in the future. Everyone in this planet is connected; energy we use here affects people throughout the world. The sourcing and production of fossil fuels directly affects the communities near where these processes are taking place, by polluting their water, air, food, and destroying their local ecosystems. The livelihoods of billions of people are at risk from global climate change which is being caused by the exploitation of fossil fuels. It is our responsibility as citizens of this world to reduce our negative impact on others and on our environment.
Currently Central Michigan University (CMU) gets most of its energy from two sources: the general power grid and an on-campus power plant. Energy from the grid is sourced mainly from burning coal, generating nuclear energy, and burning natural gas. CMUs on campus power plant formally burned locally sourced scrap wood chips to generate electricity; however, following the boom in fracking, natural gas is now used solely in the production of this energy.
Changing where we get our energy is difficult; we need to start with small projects and work our way up to sourcing our energy locally, efficiently, and sustainably. Solar is already being used on CMUs campus in a few ways, so expanding this solar infrastructure is the next step in creating a health, sustainable campus that the students, faculty, staff, and all global citizens can be proud of. Help us make CMUs campus something to be proud of!
Currently Central Michigan University (CMU) gets most of its energy from two sources: the general power grid and an on-campus power plant. Energy from the grid is sourced mainly from burning coal, generating nuclear energy, and burning natural gas. CMUs on campus power plant formally burned locally sourced scrap wood chips to generate electricity; however, following the boom in fracking, natural gas is now used solely in the production of this energy.
Changing where we get our energy is difficult; we need to start with small projects and work our way up to sourcing our energy locally, efficiently, and sustainably. Solar is already being used on CMUs campus in a few ways, so expanding this solar infrastructure is the next step in creating a health, sustainable campus that the students, faculty, staff, and all global citizens can be proud of. Help us make CMUs campus something to be proud of!