The University of Portland has once again been recognized for its environmental impact commitment by virtue of participation in the Portland General Electric Clean Wind program, according to André Hutchinson, physical plant. A certificate was presented to UP representatives on Wednesday, February 28. Every year, UP self-directs the maximum percentage of public purpose charge toward renewable power in the form of clean wind, thus offsetting carbon production with clean wind production. The University’s 2017 participation included more than 1.6 million kWh of renewable power purchased, significantly reducing our carbon footprint by avoiding the emittance of more than 2.5 million pounds of CO2 into the environment. That amount is the equivalent of more than 2.8 million vehicle miles not driven, or planting more than 300 trees. The PGE Electric Clean Wind program is just one of many sustainability and strategic energy management initiatives undertaken within the physical plant throughout the course of any given year.
For more information contact Hutchinson at hutchina@up.edu.