So a new college year begins, and as I am told, this is a new CURES - Cornell University for Renewable Energy Sources - blog. Well, I think it’s fitting for our first blog to talk about our goal. We are an organization dedicated to promoting and spreading renewable energy sources, and teaching people about renewable energy sources. Well, why is renewable better? There are many answers to the question, such as saving nature, promoting cleaner air, conserving natural resources, etc. Those are wonderful reasons for renewable energy, but the one reason that probably convinces legislators the most is: it is economically smart to use renewable energy. So, the aim of this first blog entry is to explain the basic process of “making” energy, and why renewable energy sources are beneficial.
Making Energy
As most people who have taken any chemistry or physics class know, energy cannot be created nor destroyed. So, how do we “make” energy? Well, we never really make energy; we simply convert one energy from one form to another. The general outline of this mechanism has not changed very much in the past few hundred years. It started with the basic idea of a water mill. A water mill converts the rivers flowing energy into rotational energy, thus powering a rotating device. Then steam engines were invented much along the same principle. Moving water creates rotational energy, which then can be used for a multitude of purposes. By using a combustible such as wood or coal, you burn it to heat up a chamber of water. The water turns to steam, and the steam is the driving force behind a turbine. A turbine is essentially a rotating device that is designed so the steam can only escape by pushing the turbine, thus causing it to rotate. This was used on steam boats, much like the ones Mark Twain was so fond about in his youth on the Mississippi. Then, how do we make electricity? Same idea as a steam engine, except the turbine doesn’t turn a giant ferry wheel on a steam boat, it turns a magnet surrounded by wires that, in a sense, forces the electrons in the wire to move in a certain direction, which physics calls an electric current. The exact physics is rather complicated, and it’s not always a magnet being rotated, but the general idea of creating rotation using a turbine of any sort to create electricity has not changed for the past hundred years.
Why is Renewable Sources Better?
Well, renewable energy sources, by definition, are sources of energy that do not disappear over time, or rather, our usage of this energy does not decrease its overall supply in the world. Common examples are wind, solar and water energy sources, where, no matter how much wind we use to generate power, the overall wind in the world will not decrease by any noticeable amount. But, the more oil and coal we use, the less and less we have left in the world. Well, any economist can see a problem here: as the supply of oil and coal is constantly decreasing, the demand continues to increase. The price of oil and coal will trend towards infinity, or rather, some really unaffordable number. You think 3-4 dollars a gallon is bad? People in Europe are already paying more, and there is no way the price is going to go down in the long run. By some estimates, all of the petroleum we have left on Earth will be depleted within 50 years. So, even ignoring the environmental benefits of a cleaner air or a greener world, it is still a very good idea to begin investing in renewable energy sources. For example, a simple Wikipedia search on “renewable energy” yields a page, with a chart from the “World Energy Assessment, 2004 Update.” Here are the main points shown below:
Note: all costs are in 2001 American cents per a kilowatt-hour (cents/kWh). The data is for a general overview of current status, and predicted future costs of large-scale implementation. Note, coal is given here as a comparison, but in some G8 nations, such as America, the cost of coal could be as high as 15 cents/kWh. The First set of numbers refer to the 2001 energy costs, while the second set of numbers refer to the predicted future energy cost
2001 Energy Costs (cents/kWh)---> Future Energy Cost (cents/kWh)
Wind 4-8, 3-10
Solar Photovoltaic 25-160, 5-25
Solar Thermal 12-34, 4-20
Large Hydropower 2-10, 2-10
Small Hydropower 2-12, 2-10
Geothermal 2-10, 1-8
Biomass 3-12, 4-10
Coal (comparison) 4
http://www.undp.org/energy/weaover2004.htm - The place to go for more information on this chart.
The reason a range of energy exists is because in some cases, it’s a little cheaper to produce energy in some places than others. For example, it’s cheaper to produce solar power where there’s more sun year round, usually near the equator, than places with comparatively lower amounts of sunlight year round, such as Canada or Alaska. Also note how much cheaper some of these sources of energy will be once the proper infrastructure is developed.
So What do we Do?
Well, there is a considerable amount of research and development that needs to be done, not to mention the initial investment for such power plants to be developed, in order for large-scale energy production using purely renewable sources to be economically feasible. So, what can we do? Well, you could enter the field of renewable energy research, but for those of us who have other plans in mind, we can simply be aware of the growing need for renewable energy, and continue educating ourselves and others about this growing need, and the benefits of renewable energy. We can promote the idea of renewable energy to our legislators, and push for increase funding and investment into the research. Or, we can simply keep this in mind as an issue we want to consider when we vote, or just spread the word. No one is expecting change overnight, but we can start working towards a better tomorrow with renewable energy. Renewable energy is a real possibility. With enough research funding and investment, it won’t just be a far off dream.
Any comments or questions can be directed to jc867@cornell.edu with the subject heading of, “Renewable Energy Blog Comments,” or something to that extent.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Zeus Serves as Sustainable Sanctuary
Adopted from the Cornell Daily Sun:
of Zeus café, located in Goldwin Smith Hall, cultivates a loyal customer base through emphasis on vegetarian foods and a friendly atmosphere.
The origins of Temple of Zeus, an independently run eatery affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences, can be traced back roughly 45 years to its first location in what is now Kaufmann Auditorium. Zeus, named for the statues of the West Pediment of the Temple of Zeus in Greece that shared the space in Kaufmann, “grew up from an empty room in a basement,” said Thomas Walls, manager of the eatery. Zeus “was nothing more than some tables, chairs and coffee.” That was the way the café ran for 30 years until the College of Arts and Sciences hired Walls 13 years ago in an attempt to turn Zeus into a viable business.
Continue reading.
of Zeus café, located in Goldwin Smith Hall, cultivates a loyal customer base through emphasis on vegetarian foods and a friendly atmosphere.
The origins of Temple of Zeus, an independently run eatery affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences, can be traced back roughly 45 years to its first location in what is now Kaufmann Auditorium. Zeus, named for the statues of the West Pediment of the Temple of Zeus in Greece that shared the space in Kaufmann, “grew up from an empty room in a basement,” said Thomas Walls, manager of the eatery. Zeus “was nothing more than some tables, chairs and coffee.” That was the way the café ran for 30 years until the College of Arts and Sciences hired Walls 13 years ago in an attempt to turn Zeus into a viable business.
Continue reading.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
University Maintains Climate Commitment
Adopted from Cornell Daily Sun:
Recent news of shipping routes cutting through Alaska and dwindling polar bear populations may cause us to lose hope in our fight against global warming. Cornell, however, is joining other universities across America to do its part in reducing its carbon output.
On Feb. 22, President David J. Skorton signed the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. He was prompted to sign this commitment by a petition organized by KyotoNOW!, a student environmentalist organization.
“I think KyotoNOW!’s involvement was instrumental in President Skorton’s signing,” said Katherine McEachern ’09, president of KyotoNOW!.
Continue reading.Thursday, September 20, 2007
Student Interst Spawns Sustainable Dining Eateries
Adopted from the Cornell Daily Sun:
Two new eateries, Manndibles in Mann Library and Moosewood in Anabel Taylor Hall, have opened this semester to answer the demands of Cornell students for increased sustainability on campus.
Moosewood Restaurant, a longstanding Ithaca landmark for vegetarian eating, opened their lunchtime café this semester.
Anthony Kveragas, senior executive chef of Cornell Dining, said that he has “been working with students to get more local and sustainable practices on campus” and that bringing in Moosewood to implement this plan brought in name recognition and helped Moosewood to test pilot the organic interest on college campuses.
Continue reading.
Two new eateries, Manndibles in Mann Library and Moosewood in Anabel Taylor Hall, have opened this semester to answer the demands of Cornell students for increased sustainability on campus.
Moosewood Restaurant, a longstanding Ithaca landmark for vegetarian eating, opened their lunchtime café this semester.
Anthony Kveragas, senior executive chef of Cornell Dining, said that he has “been working with students to get more local and sustainable practices on campus” and that bringing in Moosewood to implement this plan brought in name recognition and helped Moosewood to test pilot the organic interest on college campuses.
Continue reading.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Center for Progressive Leadership Training Program
The Center for Progressive Leadership (CPL) is looking for diverse college students and other young leaders from across the country to apply for our New Leaders Program. CPL’s New Leaders Program works to change the face of tomorrow’s political leadership by connecting young people of color and women to paid internship opportunities with progressive organizations in Washington, DC.
To learn more, click here.
To learn more, click here.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Redbud II?
It’s been two-and-a-half years since Cornell “paved paradise and put up a parking lot” on University Ave. Flash forward to the present day and we are at a similar crossroads. Only this time, there’s a 270-day building moratorium before the fate of Sapsucker Woods is decided.
During the Redbud Woods debacle, environmentalists and activists found a clear adversary in Cornell. It was almost too perfect. Big Red Bureaucracy vs. heroic students. This time, Cornell has chosen to remain a silent third party in the ongoing debate between developer Rocco Lucente and Ithaca residents.
In a sense, Cornell’s silence is prudent. After all, inaction prevents students from chaining themselves to President Skorton’s desk. Lucente has wisely pledged 25 acres of Sapsucker Woods to Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology to counter the construction of his new housing development project, Briarwood II, thus providing the University with a material incentive to keep her Big Red Lips shut.
Continue reading.
During the Redbud Woods debacle, environmentalists and activists found a clear adversary in Cornell. It was almost too perfect. Big Red Bureaucracy vs. heroic students. This time, Cornell has chosen to remain a silent third party in the ongoing debate between developer Rocco Lucente and Ithaca residents.
In a sense, Cornell’s silence is prudent. After all, inaction prevents students from chaining themselves to President Skorton’s desk. Lucente has wisely pledged 25 acres of Sapsucker Woods to Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology to counter the construction of his new housing development project, Briarwood II, thus providing the University with a material incentive to keep her Big Red Lips shut.
Continue reading.
CU Farm Promotes Local Organic Food
Adopted from the Cornell Daily Sun:
As interest in agricultural sciences increases at Cornell, Dilmun Hill, the University’s student-run farm is offering student farmers and those studying agricultural science the opportunity to learn about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.
Located on a 12-acre plot of land on Rt. 366 and next to the Cornell Orchards, Dilmun Hill is one of the largest student-run farms in the country. About 30 students, spanning several colleges and majors, operate the farm independently and participate in all aspects of farming — from planning to harvesting to transporting the crops.
The farm presents “an unmatched opportunity for students seeking a hands-on learning experience and wanting to be more involved in their food system,” said Ben Scott-Killian ’09, one of the farm’s managers. Students use the farm for both informal agricultural training as well as an outdoor classroom for academic work.
Continue reading.
As interest in agricultural sciences increases at Cornell, Dilmun Hill, the University’s student-run farm is offering student farmers and those studying agricultural science the opportunity to learn about the benefits of sustainable agriculture.
Located on a 12-acre plot of land on Rt. 366 and next to the Cornell Orchards, Dilmun Hill is one of the largest student-run farms in the country. About 30 students, spanning several colleges and majors, operate the farm independently and participate in all aspects of farming — from planning to harvesting to transporting the crops.
The farm presents “an unmatched opportunity for students seeking a hands-on learning experience and wanting to be more involved in their food system,” said Ben Scott-Killian ’09, one of the farm’s managers. Students use the farm for both informal agricultural training as well as an outdoor classroom for academic work.
Continue reading.
Sustainable Enterprise Association Fall Work
The following includes a brief summary of each SEA Project Committee with the committee leader's e- mail information:
SustaInvest/Finance Initiatives:
Launch of SustaInvest: The Sustainable Investment Challenge, co-sponsorship of The Cornell Sustainable Investment Coalition. Leading other finance-related events like the Sustainability-Driven Financial Management Panel Discussion.
- Allison Silverstein (als232@cornell.edu)
- Addison Raap (awr22@cornell.edu)
- Richard Weidel (raw49@cornell.edu)
SEA Event Planning: Development and Marketing: Collaborating with other sustainable clubs like Sustainability Hub to host sustainable- related events like "Sustain Your Appetite" where local food companies will display their products. If you're interested in meeting people on-campus and off-campus with similar sustainability interests, join this committee.
- Melissa Kim (msk57@cornell.edu)
- Emily Isaacs (eri2@cornell.edu)
Net Impact Undergrad: All programming related to the Net Impact Sustainable Business network with which SEA is affiliated (www.netimpact.org). Opportunities to get involved with The Johnson School's Net Impact MBA Group projects.
- Allison Silverstein (als232@cornell.edu)S
EA Salons: Educational/social events, which will be hosted approximately twice each month on-campus or at a SEA member's home in close vicinity to campus with special guests (i.e., professors, advisors, etc.)
- Leah Feygin (lbf32@cornell.edu)
- Marina Goland (mg345@cornell.edu)
Thank you your interest in in SEA. Please e-mail committee leaders if you are interested in being included on their assigned committee. Feel free to sign-up for more than one! Each project committee will receive regular e-mails from committee leaders regarding related opportunities and meetings.
will meet as an entire group during SEA Salons (approximately bi- monthly) and major SEA programming/event. Of course, all information regarding major SEA programming/events and relevant on-campus initiatives will be sent to the listserve, so keep your eye out for those; your level of involvement is up to you. Looking forward to a great year!
SustaInvest/Finance Initiatives:
Launch of SustaInvest: The Sustainable Investment Challenge, co-sponsorship of The Cornell Sustainable Investment Coalition. Leading other finance-related events like the Sustainability-Driven Financial Management Panel Discussion.
- Allison Silverstein (als232@cornell.edu)
- Addison Raap (awr22@cornell.edu)
- Richard Weidel (raw49@cornell.edu)
SEA Event Planning: Development and Marketing: Collaborating with other sustainable clubs like Sustainability Hub to host sustainable- related events like "Sustain Your Appetite" where local food companies will display their products. If you're interested in meeting people on-campus and off-campus with similar sustainability interests, join this committee.
- Melissa Kim (msk57@cornell.edu)
- Emily Isaacs (eri2@cornell.edu)
Net Impact Undergrad: All programming related to the Net Impact Sustainable Business network with which SEA is affiliated (www.netimpact.org). Opportunities to get involved with The Johnson School's Net Impact MBA Group projects.
- Allison Silverstein (als232@cornell.edu)S
EA Salons: Educational/social events, which will be hosted approximately twice each month on-campus or at a SEA member's home in close vicinity to campus with special guests (i.e., professors, advisors, etc.)
- Leah Feygin (lbf32@cornell.edu)
- Marina Goland (mg345@cornell.edu)
Thank you your interest in in SEA. Please e-mail committee leaders if you are interested in being included on their assigned committee. Feel free to sign-up for more than one! Each project committee will receive regular e-mails from committee leaders regarding related opportunities and meetings.
will meet as an entire group during SEA Salons (approximately bi- monthly) and major SEA programming/event. Of course, all information regarding major SEA programming/events and relevant on-campus initiatives will be sent to the listserve, so keep your eye out for those; your level of involvement is up to you. Looking forward to a great year!
Cornell Carpooling on Facebook Competition
***PLEASE SPREAD FAR AND WIDE***
The Cornell Carpool on Facebook Competition
The Problem: Driving our personal cars contributes 20% of US CO2 emissions, the single most significant source from individuals. CO2 emissions levels need to be curbed to avoid potentially catastrophic effects of climate change.
Solution: You and Carpool on Facebook!
Carpool on Facebook was built to provide a safe and hassle free way to find a ride, wherever you are going. Carpool on Facebook will make life easier for those without a car, provide company and money for those with a car and help those who want to share a cab. The application is built upon Facebook’s social network of 30,000,000+ users. Carpool on Facebook uses geo-coding technology to make rides easily searchable, and calculates your CO2 emissions saved.
For more information about Carpool on Facebook go to: www.zimride.com.
Your Mission: To market Carpool on Facebook to the Cornell community bydeveloping and executing a marketing plan that could easily be replicated at other universities. The best statement of interest we receive prior to October 15th, will be chosen to participate in the Carpool marketing campaign. The winning team will be supplied with a marketing budget to cover all associated expenses.
For years, there have been carpool-matching sites on the internet. Never has there been a community (campus or city) that has achieved large-scale use of carpooling as a means of transportation over single occupancy travel. Social networking, the strength of the Cornell community and your help can make history towards a more sustainable planet.
Statements of interest should describe your team (please include resumes if easily attained) and your plan. Statements should be approximately 2 pages in length. Judging submissions will be the founder of Carpool on Facebook, New York City Senior Project Manager for Congestion Pricing, and a Professor in the field of Sustainable Business.
PLEASE EMAIL QUESTIONS AND YOUR SUBMISSION TO LOGAN@ZIMRIDE.COMDEADLINE: OCTOBER 15TH
The Cornell Carpool on Facebook Competition
The Problem: Driving our personal cars contributes 20% of US CO2 emissions, the single most significant source from individuals. CO2 emissions levels need to be curbed to avoid potentially catastrophic effects of climate change.
Solution: You and Carpool on Facebook!
Carpool on Facebook was built to provide a safe and hassle free way to find a ride, wherever you are going. Carpool on Facebook will make life easier for those without a car, provide company and money for those with a car and help those who want to share a cab. The application is built upon Facebook’s social network of 30,000,000+ users. Carpool on Facebook uses geo-coding technology to make rides easily searchable, and calculates your CO2 emissions saved.
For more information about Carpool on Facebook go to: www.zimride.com.
Your Mission: To market Carpool on Facebook to the Cornell community bydeveloping and executing a marketing plan that could easily be replicated at other universities. The best statement of interest we receive prior to October 15th, will be chosen to participate in the Carpool marketing campaign. The winning team will be supplied with a marketing budget to cover all associated expenses.
For years, there have been carpool-matching sites on the internet. Never has there been a community (campus or city) that has achieved large-scale use of carpooling as a means of transportation over single occupancy travel. Social networking, the strength of the Cornell community and your help can make history towards a more sustainable planet.
Statements of interest should describe your team (please include resumes if easily attained) and your plan. Statements should be approximately 2 pages in length. Judging submissions will be the founder of Carpool on Facebook, New York City Senior Project Manager for Congestion Pricing, and a Professor in the field of Sustainable Business.
PLEASE EMAIL QUESTIONS AND YOUR SUBMISSION TO LOGAN@ZIMRIDE.COMDEADLINE: OCTOBER 15TH
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Mark Orlowski from Sustainable Endowments Institute
Just wanted to let everyone know about an amazing upcoming speaker- Mark Orlowski from the Sustainable Endowments Institute, the group that puts out the College Sustainablity Report Card. Check out how Cornell did last time here- http://www.endowmentinstitute.org/sustainability/profile29.pdf. Pretty good, excepts for those couple of F's. Luckily, Mark will be talking about that in particular- how our investments stack up against all the work towards being a more sustainable university. Mark's a great speaker and a really fun guy so I encourage all of you to come out, hear him speak and chat with him afterwards.
Monday, Sept 24 in Goldwin Smith's Lewis Auditorium!
More info on Mark: http://www.endowmentinstitute.org/staff.html
Monday, Sept 24 in Goldwin Smith's Lewis Auditorium!
More info on Mark: http://www.endowmentinstitute.org/staff.html
Sustainability Center Aims to Unite CU Researchers
Adopted from the Cornell Daily Sun:
The City of Ithaca has a history of being passionate about living sustainably, as evidenced by the presence of various environmental groups and rallying around issues such as Redbud Woods and recently, the Cayuga Lake Cooling Project.
Cornell is adding to the efforts by creating the Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future to integrate research efforts dealing with sustainability across and beyond the Cornell community. The need for the center arose in part as a response to President David Skorton’s signing of the President’s Climate Commitment to a climate-neutral campus last year.
Continue reading.
The City of Ithaca has a history of being passionate about living sustainably, as evidenced by the presence of various environmental groups and rallying around issues such as Redbud Woods and recently, the Cayuga Lake Cooling Project.
Cornell is adding to the efforts by creating the Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future to integrate research efforts dealing with sustainability across and beyond the Cornell community. The need for the center arose in part as a response to President David Skorton’s signing of the President’s Climate Commitment to a climate-neutral campus last year.
Continue reading.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)