While others are wondering how to reduce their carbon footprint, Quinnipiac University is doing something about it. They are installing twenty-five Windspire vertical wind turbines at the first university micro-wind farm in the country.
The turbines are being installed at Quinnipiac University’s new York Hill Campus. Part of a major sustainability initiative, the new campus will also use solar-powered bus stops, encourage alternative transportation, and utilize water efficiency practices such as rainwater harvesting and low flow plumbing fixtures. This is the first of what the University expects to be a dedicated commitment to sustainable strategies, which also includes an education and environmental awareness program.
The York Hill Campus was designed by Centerbrook Architects, a design firm with a history of using renewable energy and sustainable building practices. Centerbrook worked closely with Quinnipiac University to develop a “Sustainable Strategy” that includes a focus on indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, energy and green power, water efficiency, biodiversity, and education and environmental awareness.
“Quinnipiac University is committed to building one of the most environmentally friendly campuses in the country,” said John L. Lahey, president of Quinnipiac University. “Our York Hill Campus reflects our ongoing commitment to using renewable energy sources and educating our students about the importance of environmental issues.”
Why wind energy?
Wind is abundant. Scientists estimate that U.S. wind resources can supply more than three times our total electricity needs.
Wind is domestic. Unlike oil and, increasingly, natural gas, wind energy does not need to be imported, and helps to reduce our dependence on foreign countries.
Wind is inexhaustible. Unlike fossil fuels or uranium, wind energy is renewable and can be used without reducing the birthright of future generations.
Wind is clean. While displacing greenhouse gas emissions, using wind also avoids other harmful fossil fuel pollutants such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, making our air and water cleaner and healthier.
Source: American Wind Energy Association
Now about that turbine:
The Windspire wind turbine is a low-cost, low-noise, attractive wind power appliance 
for use in urban, suburban, rural and remote locations. Manufactured in the U.S. by Mariah Power, Windspire turbines are propeller-free, vertical-axis designs that feature patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. Later this year, Mariah Power will introduce multiple new products based on the Windspire technology including: off-grid capabilities, larger rotors and a system that is able to generate more energy at lower wind speeds.
For more information, visit www.mariahpower.com.
Let’s hope this is just the tip of the iceberg for universities, companies and communities around the world. I think Margaret Mead said it best:
The solution to adult problems tomorrow depends on large measure upon the how our children grow up today. There is no greater insight into the future than recognizing when we save our children, we save ourselves.
Wendy Gabriel is the founder of My Green Side.org, a columnist for Examiner.com and a weekly on-air contributor to The Christopher Gabriel Program. You can listen to her Wednesdays on AM970 WDAY where she talks about Simple Tips for Green Living.
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