Green Power - Campuses

Tools for Action - Campuses

Schools and colleges are natural leaders - they point their students toward the future. By turning to renewable resources to help them meet their energy needs, institutions of higher learning demonstrate commitment to their founding educational mission, assume fiscal responsibility by protecting themselves against fluctuations in the price of fossil fuels, and raise student awareness about the environmental impacts of wasteful energy consumption and the available alternatives.

Maine's private and public colleges and universities are increasingly demonstrating their commitment to environmental and economic sustainability by reducing their greenhouse gas emissions through their energy purchases.

The Maine Green Power Connection provides colleges and universities with many ways to help them make a cost-effective switch to green power. MeGPC exists to facilitate the use of green power in Maine. We educate, facilitate and congratulate Maine's green power leaders. These resources will deepen your understanding of what green power is, who is buying it, and why they have chosen to do so. More resources will be added regularly - feel free to visit often.

Spotlight on Campuses
Maine's campuses are going green. Read more »

MeGPC Services and Publications

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Maine Green Power Connection "Improve the Air You Breathe" - A basic handout on green power and the Maine Green Power Connection. Feb 2005. [PDF]
Green Power Action Guide for Maine Campuses. A handbook for Maine students exploring green power for their institutions. Drafted with MeGPC by Hannah Arnold (Colby '03), the Guide is available for piloting on Maine campuses. (PDF)
Maine Green Power Menu - A comprehensive listing of all green power products available in Maine, arrayed for easy comparison. Links for further information and easy purchase. Call MeGPC with any questions, 207-729-9665.
Maine Green Power Organizations - Every Maine organization that buys green power deserves to be noticed. MeGPC lists all green power purchasers, for recognition by visitors on www.MaineGreenPower.org/directory/list.shtml.

Key Articles and References for Higher Education

State of Maine Executive Order - On November 24, 2003, Governor John Baldacci signed an Executive Order requiring all new and retrofit education buildings in Maine to be built to LEED standards (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design; see references below). Green power can assist in realizing these objectives. November 2003. [PDF]
EPA Green Power Partnership A Guide to Buying and Benefiting from Green Power.

Selected Links for Higher Education

Green Campus Consortium of Maine - Many Maine campuses have active programs in environmental protection and sustainability. The Green Campus Consortium links and supports all these efforts. www.megreencampus.com.
Maine Higher Education Council --MHEC provides a medium for closer acquaintance and better understanding among the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Maine's universities and colleges, and brings attention to major issues of concern related to higher education, including environmental sustainability. www.state.me.us/mhec/
EPA Green Power Partnership - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership recognizes organizations that commit to making significant green power purchases. Technical assistance, publications, national recognition and other assistance available. www.epa.gov/greenpower
Green-e /Center for Resource Solutions - The Green-e renewable energy certification program is increasingly recognized as the mark of third-party approval for green power purchases. Many schools nationally have purchased Green-e certified power. Products are posted and purchasers recognized at www.Green-e.org.
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) "The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution." www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEED_main.asp
LEED Certification Guide for New Construction www.usgbc.org/Docs/LEEDdocs/LEED_RS_v2-1.pdg