The shift could put the university four years ahead of schedule.
Ohio University President Roderick McDavis announced Tuesday that starting in December, the university will purchase 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, according to a news release.
“Transitioning to 50 percent renewable electricity will enable Ohio University to exceed the goals of our 2011 Sustainability Plan and significantly reduce our carbon footprint,” McDavis said in a news release. “The shift is reflective of Ohio University’s deep and continued commitment to environmental stewardship.”
OU’s Sustainability Plan calls for 20 percent of energy sources for the Athens campus to come from renewable energy by 2020. The shift could put the university four years ahead of schedule.
“The University’s energy infrastructure is quite complex and it’s important to understand what 50 percent purchased electricity from renewable resources really means,” Joel Baetens, director of utilities, said in a news release.
Baetens said the university purchases electricity from a "grid," though it generates the electricity that powers heating and cooling systems on campus.
"By ensuring that our overall energy portfolio includes 50 percent of our purchased electric energy from renewable sources, we will have at least 20 percent of our overall campus energy use be made up of renewable sources,” Baetens said in the release.
Chris Chmiel, an Athens County commissioner, said Athens residents have voiced support for OU's shift to being more energy efficient.
"I think there are a lot of people from our community who want to see us head in that direction environmentally,” Chmiel said.
Some students are also in favor of the university’s decision to use renewable sources. Kate Malone, a freshman studying pre-nursing, is happy about it, especially “with how big our campus is.”
"It could save money, and it is better for the environment," Eva Bugg, an undecided sophomore, said.
However, some students raise questions about the university's decision.
"I'm surprised they haven't done it sooner," Sarah Reardon, a freshman studying pre-nursing, said.
— William T. Perkins contributed to this report.
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