The Business Case for Renewable Energy: A Guide for Colleges and Universities

Print Version

A book to be published by National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
Authored by Andrea Putman and Michael Philips

Description

An increasing number of colleges and universities are investing in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, for a portion of their electricity supply. Renewable energy, once considered alternative or experimental, is now becoming a crucial part of business decisions about electricity supply, cost, and security. Contracts to purchase renewable energy can be structured as a hedge against price increases in conventional power. Also, on-site renewable energy installations can be used during peak demand periods to reduce the high demand charges imposed by electric utilities. Finally, an on-site renewable energy system can be designed to keep critical campus functions -- such as computers, security systems, and medical clinics -- operating during power outages or emergencies.

Colleges and universities considering a renewable energy purchase face a choice between buying renewable energy-generated electricity from their local utility or installing their own systems on campus. On-site systems have the advantage of reducing demand charges and providing emergency power. However, they involve high capital costs. These costs can be largely offset through innovative leasing programs and a variety of state and federal financial incentives.

A number of other questions face a college or university thinking about a renewable energy purchase. Are the renewable energy technologies and suppliers reliable? Which technologies are the most appropriate for the campus? How much renewable energy supply should be purchased and how much will it cost?

In this guidebook Andrea Putman and Michael Philips will answer these questions and address the full range of procurement issues involved in buying renewable energy. They will walk the reader through the purchase of "renewable energy certificates" and how and why they are "certified" by independent auditors. The book will examine how various institutions cover the higher up-front cost of most renewable energy sources. Sample cost and air emissions reduction calculations will be included. The text will feature examples and case studies of the diverse approaches colleges and universities have taken to utilizing renewable energy.

Sponsorship

To help defray the costs of preparing and distributing this publication, NACUBO wishes to offer sponsorship to interested organizations involved in the energy and finance industries.

Sponsor will receive recognition on printed marketing materials, e-marketing broadcasts, and the NACUBO web page about the book. The inside front cover of the publication will also recognize the sponsor(s). NACUBO intends to produce at least one web cast to promote the release of the publication, and the sponsors will be recognized within the broadcast. Each sponsor receives 50 copies of the publication, and can purchase additional copies at a 40% discount off the cover price. Finally, sponsor recognition in an appendix to the publication will include the organization's logo and a 50-word description.

Sponsorship levels

Lead sponsor: New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability
Co-sponsor(s): The U.S. Department of Energy, International City/County Management Association
Supporting sponsor(s): Chevron Energy Solutions, National Wildlife Federation, American Council on Renewable Energy

Several additional supporting sponsorships are available.

Contact Person

David Rupp
Manager of Sponsorships
NACUBO
202-861-2563

NACUBO

The National Association of College and University Business Officers is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of professionals working in business, finance, and administration in higher education. More than 2,100 colleges and universities in the United States are members of NACUBO, along with several hundred other non-profits and companies engaged in this sector.

Andrea Putman, President of Green Innovations, LLC

Ms. Putman has worked in the energy management and renewable energy field for 15 years. She has advised over 75 companies on ways to improve their energy-efficiency, reduce air pollution emissions, and increase the use of renewable energy sources. She presently consults for Community Energy Inc., the largest wind marketer in the East. For Washington Gas Energy Services, Ms. Putman developed a wind power marketing strategy and oversaw wind power sales to major federal and commercial users. Ms. Putman worked with ICF Consulting in support of EPA’s Energy Star partnership. As an Energy Analyst for Pepco Energy Services, she worked with clients on the development and financing of energy management contracts.

Michael Philips, Clean Energy Development Consultant

Mr. Philips has 30 years of experience in energy and environmental policy analysis and program design. Since 1994, Mr. Philips has managed an international clean energy consulting practice focusing on project identification and design, financial and economic analysis, and program evaluation. He has appraised and developed approaches for attracting private investment, as well as multilateral, bilateral, and U.S. government investment, to clean energy projects/enterprises. He assists energy-related businesses raise development capital and long-term financing.