As of January 2010, Southwestern University in Texas derives all of its electricity from local wind power. 

The school signed a deal with the city of Georgetown and American Electric Power - for the next 18 years, to get its jack from the Southwest Mesa and South Trent wind farms in Texas. 

Jake Schrum, Southwestern’s President, was one of 666 to sign onto the American College and University’s Presidents’ Climate Committment, an agreement to reduce carbon emissions.

(Photo:  RunForOnePlanet.com)

President Schrum largely attributed the agreement to students who initiated the dialogue between the school and the city. 

Students at Southwestern have carried the banner of sustainability on their campus in a number of coordinated efforts:  tray-less dining areas, compost bins, an organic garden, environmental theatre, an environmental summit for high school students, organizing Students for Environmental Activism and Knowledge (SEAK), and sending 17 students to Powershift 2009.

(Photo:  Courtesy of SEAK)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies five other universities who purchase 100% renewable energy, in its Green Power Partnership. 

1.  UC Santa Cruz
2.  Auraria Higher Education Center
3.  Western WA University
4.  University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
5.  The Evergreen State College

As TENTHMIL reported, the University of Oklahoma plans to have all wind power for its campus in Norman by 2013. 

Southwestern’s has also pursued LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for its buildings, with one award received and one pending.

(Photo:  AustinTexasHomes.com)

This Thursday, February 4, Southwestern is participating in a nationwide “teach-in” on global warming, with 700 other organizations. 

Universities make interesting exemplars of revamped energy plans.  Like small metropolises, they have a wide array of energy needs to fulfill, and active student bodies that get a taste for the civic process.