A panel of campus and solar energy experts gathered at Kaufman on Oct. 19 to outline Dickinson College’s plans for carbon neutrality by 2020. The panelists included Neil Leary, director of the Center for Sustainability Education, Ken Shultes, associate vice president for Sustainability and Facilities Planning, and Darren Cassel, principal at the Stone House Group, the environmental consulting firm employed by the college.

A main discussion point for the evening was ways in which students could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by reinforcing everyday habits like unplugging electronics when not in use and walking or biking rather than driving.

“Individually, we all have a responsibility to act, and to let our elected leaders know that strong policies are needed to transform how we use energy and the types of energy that we use,” stated Leary.

Leary further described Dickinson’s history of sustainable development and the college’s commitment to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. He stated that the college is currently a Charter Signatory and member of the Leadership Circle of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment. The charter, which was formally adopted in 2009, requires that colleges report and implement a plan to reduce their GHG emissions.

“Since signing the charter, Dickinson College has seen an annual reduction in its emissions every year, except between 2012 and 2014 due to major campus renovations,” explained Leary. He also stated that Dickinson plans to be carbon neutral by 2020, a goal which Leary hopes the class of 2020 will “adopt as their own.”

Shultes further explained how Dickinson plans to mitigate its CO2 emissions. He outlined three major plans: the conservation of natural gas (about 25% of Dickinson’s GHG emissions) and purchased electricity (about 50% of Dickinson’s GHG emissions), the use of renewable energies, and increased efficiency in college facilities.

Shultes acknowledged that emitting zero GHG as an institution is not feasible, but he explained that to attain carbon neutrality, the college will offset its emissions by investing in the reduction of emissions offshore, a process that Dickinson will complete by purchasing wind energy in the Midwest.

Cassel explained that Dickinson considered several options before settling on the solar project, such as the use of a Tri-Gen Installation system, which would have used natural gas or biofuel to generate electricity. Cassel said that the project was less financially efficient than expected, with the net capital cost totaling $3.2 million. According to him, the option is “not dead, but tabled for now,” with allocated funds transferred for use in deferred maintenance projects of campus facilities and the construction of a solar array adjacent to campus.

Dickinson will contract Solar City to build a 3 megawatt solar system on Rittner Highway that will extend for 8-10 acres. According to Cassel, the project will be affordable thanks to government implemented financial incentives such as the Green Revolving Loan fund and tax credits, which allow Solar City to install the system at a lowered cost. The remaining funds will come from the college’s $75,000 annual investment in its operational budget and utility budget cost allowance, says Cassel.

Says Leary, “The planet’s climate is changing as a result of greenhouse gases that are put into the atmosphere by burning coal, oil and natural gas. Dickinson has a responsibility to do all that it can to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases, as well as to educate our students about why this is important.”

Following the presentation, students and faculty fielded questions to the panelists, leading to a discussion of conservation efforts at the college, the potential for increased fundraising for sustainability projects, and the challenges of measuring Dickinson’s overall environmental footprint.