 The App State REI, or Renewable Energy Initiative, put forward $300,000 for the half a million dollar wind turbine behind the Broyhill Conference Center. Another REI tour is scheduled for Friday April 15th at Raley Traffic Circle at 11am. Photo by Rebekah Uribe | The Appalachian The forum included a free meal and prize drawing, in addition to guest speakers and reviews of REI projects.
Speakers included Gernon Harvey, Energy Transformation Fellow with the Office of Sustainability, and Dave Lee, a graduate student in technology and communication manager for the Solar Homestead, who both spoke about sustainability at Appalachian State University.
Harvey said that over the last two weeks Appalachian’s power bill has been over $250,000 and is about $8 million annually.
“Even though we are getting a lot more efficient in our energy usage, our demand is going up,” he said.
According to Harvey, Appalachian’s electricity needs have risen approximately 15 percent over the last five to six years due to factors such as facilities renovations and adding A/C systems to buildings.
Lee spoke about Appalachian’s entry into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, describing the event itself, as well as its significance.
“It’s just this cool circle of student power,” Lee said.
REI also gave guests multiple prizes, including gift certificates from local businesses like Boone Bagelry and Hob Knob Farm Café.
The forum included reviews of REI projects that have been approved and projects that are currently underway.
The projects currently in progress include the placement of four “BigBelly” solar trash compactors and recycling stations on Appalachian’s campus.
Two other projects have not been approved, but are currently under review. They include the installation of solar power arrays on the ASU College Street AppalCart shelter and a solar “A” on top of Owen’s Field House at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
REI is currently accepting membership applications for next year through its website: rei.appstate.edu. Applications are due April 21 at noon, said Katie Cavert, public relations officer for REI.
Story: MATT CAULDER, News Reporter
Photo: REBEKAH URIBE, Photographer |
