Allegheny College Lauded For Environmental Sustainability
Recognized under the ACUPCC’s Celebrating Sustainability series
April 2, 2012 — Allegheny College in Pennsylvania is featured in the “Celebrating Sustainability” series leading up to Earth Day for its cutting-edge work in promoting environmental sustainability.
Allegheny has a long-standing commitment to promoting sustainability practices and solutions. Its commitment began in 1972 with the establishment of one of the first environmental science departments in the country and accelerated in recent years when the college became a signatory of the ACUPCC in 2007.
The institution’s achievements include:
Average reductions of about 25 percent in natural gas and electricity consumption in college buildings with envelope, lighting and boiler retrofits.
Installation of three geo-exchange heating and cooling systems.
Introduction of rain gardens, a green roof and porous parking for natural storm water management.
Commitment to purchase electricity that is 100 percent wind-generated, which reduces Allegheny’s carbon footprint by 52 percent.
Two Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified residence halls along with a current renovation that also seeks LEED certification.
Investment of over $2 million in energy retrofits since 2008, with an additional $3.5 million earmarked for efficiency projects through 2020.
Involvement of students in all aspects of sustainability on campus, including contributing to the design of sustainable features in buildings and renovations.
Commitment to become climate neutral by 2020.
Allegheny was recognized by the ACUPCC as part of its Celebrating Sustainability series, which identifies signatories that exemplify the initiative’s mission to re-stabilize the earth’s climate through education, research and community engagement. Celebrating Sustainability is formally recognizing a different institution every business day in April leading up to Earth Day on April 22nd.
“Allegheny has been a leader in deploying sustainable practices,” said Dr. Anthony D. Cortese, president of Second Nature, the lead supporting organization of the ACUPCC. “More importantly, Allegheny’s commitment is system-wide and growing. The college’s achievements underscore the importance of sustainable practices and provide a roadmap for all institutions.”
“We’re extremely proud to be recognized by the ACUPCC for our work,” said Dr. David McInally, Allegheny College, executive vice president and treasurer, “and especially of our students’ role in building sustainable practices at Allegheny. Their commitment to building a sustainable future continues to guide all of our efforts as we expand our practices and help the ACUPCC advance its mission.”
About Allegheny College
Allegheny College is a national liberal arts college in Meadville, Pa., where 2,100 students with unusual combinations of interests, skills and talents excel. One of the oldest colleges in the nation, Allegheny will celebrate its bicentennial in 2015.
Learn more at: www.allegheny.edu.
