GCC Leads to Reduced Energy Use

February 7, 2008

Students test appliances for energy use

Results from the first week of the 2008 Green Cup Challenge (GCC) are in. Exeter students reduced electrical energy consumption by .5%. With more progress to be made here on campus, students are being encouraged with energy tips by E-Proctors in each dorm. In Exeter's North versus South side dorm challenge, South side is leading with a .73% reduction. Way to go, South side! Overall, Miss Porter's School and Andover are leading the pack with decreases over 10%.

Students at PEA are part of the growing movement to save energy and reduce carbon emissions. The monthlong GCC is an interschool effort by 32 boarding schools to reduce energy consumption by 10%. During the GCC, Exonians will be able to attend special presentations from sustainability experts and watch movies targeting energy issues.

The first sustainability presentation – a roundtable "Focus the Nation" discussion on global warming – took place last week. Speakers included Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire state senator; Cameron Wake, climatologist, UNH; John Moskal, senior energy advisor, U.S. EPA; Roger Stephenson, executive vice president for programs, Clean Air-Cool Planet; and Kurt Ehrenberg, regional representative, N.H. Sierra Club. The second presentation takes places tonight when Georges Dyer ’96 and Michelle McKay present the work of Second Nature, an organization working to promote sustainability principles within colleges and universities.

Aspen '08, an E-Proctor, particularly appreciated the presentation by Wake during the "Focus the Nation" panel. "He gave a very strong, concise presentation on the science behind global warming, but was also capable of speaking towards the reality of how society is dealing with that information."

Libbie '08, who helped introduce the panel speakers, also enjoyed Wake's talk. "He presented basic data on climate change, beginning with global trends and slowly narrowing his focus down to changes in weather patterns in New England. This was an effective method of convincing the audience. His stories about his scientific research in Antarctica, China and across the world were both informative and entertaining." She also appreciated that "the panel gave students a sense of the wide range of professions available to those interested in entering the environmental field."

Alex '08, also an E-Proctor, thought that Wake "really emphasized the scariest aspect – that we don't know what the exact effects or ramifications of global warming will be." Speaking of Moskal from the EPA, Alex found him "fascinating to listen to. His views and his subsequent discussion with some of the audience really illuminated what the EPA has and has not managed to accomplish at a federal level."

Alex developed his interest in the environment before arriving at Exeter. "I've always been deeply concerned with the environment, but it wasn't until my lower year that I dipped my toe in the environmental scene here at Exeter to get more involved." He continues, "I enjoy spending time outdoors biking, hiking, swimming, or just relaxing here at Exeter. I love making change that moves Exeter towards a more sustainable status and future."

Opportunities for environmental action are not limited to the GCC. E-Proctors are active all year setting up educational programs and guest speakers, as well as recycling and energy conservation programs. "We write proposals for environmental initiatives and start projects," explains Aaron '08, another E-Proctor. "We're currently working to make the dining halls 'trayless' (at St. Paul's, this reduced food waste by 34%), and to create 'The Exeter Exchange,' a store where students donate school supplies and clothing that they normally throw away at the end of the year."

E-Proctor Sarah '08 is energized by the environmental speakers that have come to campus. "They are often people who are making real change that is good for the environment. It's inspiring to see how motivated they are and some of the innovative ideas they have." Sarah enjoys her role in helping spread the sustainability message. "I get to work on proposals for institutional change, and when a proposal is well-received or a plan moves forward, it is very exciting. I feel like I personally am making lasting change at Exeter in terms of the environment."

The nine-member Carbon Committee is another environmental student organization that works to develop campus programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their 54-page Carbon Neutrality Proposal, developed last year, identified ways in which the Academy could reduce energy consumption. Aaron, one of the authors, found it rewarding to work on the proposal. "Each step we take brings us closer to reaching our goal," he says.

Interested in learning more?

Read more about environmental student activities and sustainability projects at the Academy…

Learn about the GCC and the Green Schools Alliance…

Find out about Focus the Nation events...