Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

Southwestern University signed an agreement with the City of Georgetown that will enable it to meet all its electric needs from wind power. Wind-generated power is provided by the City of Georgetown through an agreement with AEP Energy Partners, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States. The electricity will come from the Southwest Mesa and South Trent Wind Farms in West Texas. These two wind farms have a total of 151 wind turbines, each of which can generate between 0.7 to 2.3 megawatts of electricity. Southwestern was the first university in Texas to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to meet 100% of its electricity usage with renewable energy.

Energy Conservation

Since 2001, Southwestern has reduced its electrical consumption per square foot by 39%. Through student involvement, SU has replaced the traditional light fixtures in Heather Hall, the Cove, and the Walzel Court with LED fixtures; installed a solar water heater on the roof of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house; and installed fast drying hand dryers in public bathrooms around campus. These energy conservation efforts have helped Southwestern save money and reduce its carbon footprint.

On-Campus Renewables

As part of a Theater Sustainability project initiated by Dr. John Ore, four solar panels were installed on Heather Hall of the Fines Arts Building for educational purposes.