Energy
Connecting our campus, community, and environment
Indiana Energy
Nearly 96% of Indiana's electricity comes from coal-fired power plants. DePauw begins the pursuit of a lower energy and emissions footprint with the challenges of a nearly completely fossil fuel electricity grid and energy prices so low that efficiency and alternative energy projects are difficult to justify economically, even when they are justified ecologically. That's where we start at DePauw when we consider how to make responsible energy choices.
Energy Wars + Campus Conservation Nationals
Energy Wars is a project focused on promoting conservation. It is a competition to reduce electricity and water usage among living units and Greek chapters. Since 2010, the project grew through partnership with Campus Conservation Nationals, a first-of-its-kind national conservation competition.
In November 2010, DePauw won 1st place among 40 colleges in the pilot round of Campus Conservation Nationals by reducing electricity usage by 26% in 9 residence halls. In Spring 2012, DePauw will return to the playing field to defend its championship against 170+ colleges and universities.
History of DePauw Energy Competitions
| Semester | Participating buildings | Avoided utility costs |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2012 | Campus Conservation Nationals 9 residence halls 10 greek chapters |
TBD |
| Fall 2010 | Campus Conservation Nationals Pilot 9 residence halls |
$2,830 |
| Spring 2010 | 10 residence halls | $221 |
| Fall 2009 | 10 residence halls 12 greek chapters |
$3,065 |
| Spring 2009 | 9 greek chapters | $4,794 |
| Fall 2008 | DePauw's inaugural 'Energy Wars' 10 residence halls 4 greek chapters |
$6,198 |
Energy Research
Students are researching alternative energy futures for DePauw through regularly offered courses and through independent studies.
Courses on energy include GEOS 197SB Energy for the 21st Century, PHIL 232A Environmental Ethics, PHYS 110 Physics and Society, and all courses offered through the DePauw Environmental Policy Project.
Students interested in pursuing independent study projects on energy can partner with the Office for Sustainability and faculty members from the appropriate field. Independent study contracts for Winter Term, a semester, or summer are available through the Registrar.
Winter Shutdowns
Between Christmas and New Year's, DePauw offers employees 3 extra days of vacation and makes an effort to significantly reduce heating, cooling, and electrical loads across campus. These efforts saved $50,000 in utility costs in 2010.