Eastern receives award for wind energy initiative

In recognition of the fact that St. Davids is now 100 precent wind-powered, Eastern University has been selected to recieve the 2007 Green Power: Turn It On! award from PennFuture.

According to a letter from John Hanger, president and CEO of PennFuture, this is the eighth year for their awards. The organization exists to promote development of renewable energy sources in Pennsylvania.

Bettie Ann Brigham, vice president of student development, said that 950 Eastern students chose to pay the optional $25 wind energy surcharge this semester. “Most parents and students feel good about our wind energy,” Brigham said. “[We made] the surcharge optional so that everyone will know what we are doing.” She went on to say that the university itself kicks in the balance of the cost.

The award, which was presented on Oct. 16 at The Hilton Inn in Philadelphia, is the culmination of a five-year plan to make the campus fully wind-powered. However, according to Brigham, Eastern achieved that goal in just four years.

Despite the extra expense, the amount of participation and recognition attests that keeping our campus green is well worth it. As Brigham said, “It’s a constant prayer of trying to be responsible with this beautiful environment that we have.”

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