Partner Profile

Western Washington University
Location	Bellingham, WA
Organization Type	Education (Higher)
Percentage Green Power	100%
Organization-wide Purchase	Yes
Awards/Recognition	Green Power Leadership Award 2005
Environmental Web Page
Partner Profile Western Washington University's green power purchase is one of the largest renewable energy commitments made by a college or university to date. The Students for Renewable Energy campus group introduced the idea of purchasing green power in 2003. In the spring of 2004 the idea was placed before the student body and 85 percent voted in favor of the university purchasing green power. With support from the Board of Trustees, the purchase received final approval in 2005. Approximately 40 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) will be purchased annually. "The university is extremely pleased with the commitment the students have made to renewable energy. The vision and resolve they've demonstrated as they've researched green energy options and communicated their ideas to other students have been impressive, providing leadership that places Western at the forefront among higher education nationally in the area of sustainable energy," said Western President Karen W. Morse.