EPA Recognizes NYU for Green Power Purchases

By Kelly Frankline

NYU received a 2007 Green Power Leadership award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at an Oct. 22 ceremony. The annual awards recognize leading national green power purchasers for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s green power market. NYU, which is the largest academic purchaser of green power within the United States, was recognized for purchasing more than 118 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power for 2007.

EPA presented the Green Power Purchase Award to Cecil Scheib, NYU’s director of energy and sustainability, at the October event.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from EPA in recognition of our commitment to sustainability and the environment,” said Scheib. “We are proud of the work that we have been able to do thus far and look forward to continuing to ‘green’ NYU.”

In October, EPA updated each of its top partner lists, highlighting the largest purchasers in the Green Power Partnership. NYU was ranked No. 1 on EPA’s National Top 10 College and University List and No. 19 on its National Top 25 List. EPA updates its top partner lists quarterly, which are available at www. epa.gov/greenpower/partners/index.htm.

“America is shifting to a ‘green culture,’ with more and more businesses understanding that environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility,” said Marcus Peacock, EPA’s deputy administrator. “EPA commends the Green Power Leadership Award winners for making a long-term commitment to protecting the environment by purchasing green power.”