Paul Smith’s College awarded sustainable energy grant

Above: Paul Smith’s College’s Smitty Sustainability Committee

As Paul Smith’s College updates its Climate Action Plan, the institution has been awarded a New York State Energy Research and Development (NYSERDA) grant to help fund sustainable energy initiatives.

The $56,000 REV Campus Challenge Technical Assistance for Roadmaps grant will be used to hire third party energy consultants and conduct an evaluation of energy needs on campus. Additionally, $4,000 in bonus funding will support sustainability fellowship positions for students working on Sustainability Tracking and Rating Systems (STARS) projects.

Kate Glenn, sustainability coordinator and faculty member at Paul Smith’s, worked with students in her Alternative Energy class to draft the grant proposal. In addition to NYSERDA funds, a $27,000 grant from the college was written by student members of the Smitty Sustainability Committee and approved by the student body.

“PSC has a long history of experiential education and this just just another example of the type of project-based learning opportunities we provide students,” said Glenn.

For the next eight months, Saratoga-based L&S Energy Services will assist the college with its carbon neutral goals through three phases. The first will focus on collecting and examining data, followed by an assessment of campus infrastructure and energy use.

The third and final phase of the project will be the development of an Energy Master Plan and updated Climate Action Plan, as well as a standard operating procedure for STARS reporting. Students will be working directly with the consultants throughout.

“We are a leader in the Adirondacks and work collaboratively with area nonprofits and local renewable energy companies to support and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in our region,” added Glenn. “In this time of great turmoil, we recognize the importance of continuing to support a more local and therefore more resilient energy economy.”

About Paul Smith’s College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution offering broad-based higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields such as natural sciences, sustainability, forestry, business, hospitality, recreation, and culinary arts – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.