The University, being a large institution, has an enormous energy demand. According to the 2011 Integrated Assessment report, the University intends to reduce emissions by 25 percent compared to 2005 standards and is certainly taking steps to incorporate energy from greener sources. For instance, the 33 kW PV solar array on the Dana Building's roof and the University's collaboration with DTE Energy to acquire output from two 2.5 MW wind turbines at Cadillac, Mich are proof that greening efforts are underway.

However, a cultural shift in the student body has still not occurred. Even though efforts to promote sustainability are prominent, a large number of people still do not seem aware of environmental initiatives. One way to increase awareness of energy usage is through the generation of electricity from exercise equipment, which is a relatively new idea. This would involve connecting a convertor to the exercise machine, which would convert the person's physical activity into electricity and put it into a grid. This not only generates electricity in a manner that is clean, but also promotes a greater awareness of the issue during the activity.

The biggest drawback to this is the cost of installing a convertor, which could easily be $1,000. Installing one for every machine in the recreation facilities on campus might not be feasible. One possible way to get around this might be to allocate part of the fee required for the use of recreation facilities toward this purpose or alternatively levying a small additional fee on machines that have these converters installed.

There will probably be opposition from students protesting the fee hike, but the educational gains will serve as an effective way to promote this initiative. By actively engaging in electricity generation, community members not only offset a portion of their footprints, but also gain awareness as to just how costly it is to live in an energy-reliant society.

Sreya Vempatti
LSA senior