Energy

We shouldn't fuel the future with the polluting methods of the past... We have the technology to power our future in ways that don't threaten our health or poison our planet. Let's choose to use it.

Denis Hayes Keynote Speaker at the 2014 Just Sustainability Conference, Seattle University

Energy

Energy has become an integral part of day-to-day life, through the food we eat to how we move around to the homes we live in. Energy is also a large contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, electricity production alone accounts for 28% of greenhouse gases. In 2016, fossil fuels accounted for about 76% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. Alternative energy is on the rise and now accounts for about 17% of the nation's electricity generation, but barriers such as high cost of installation, misconceptions on renewable energy, and conflicting corporate interests continue to hinder the growth of clean energy. Despite the challenges, renewable energy would help to greatly reduce emissions. Renewable energy would improve both the health of the planet and the people living on it. Continued research on how to best develop and implement renewable energy is necessary in order to address the world's changing climate.  

Research Highlights:

  • Kilowatts for Humanity - KWH helps bring power to rural villages around the world through the installation of microgrids that power energy kiosks using solar panels.
  • Tiny Homes - SU students worked to explore how to determine the most efficient and effective insulation and ventilation systems to be used in the conversion of shipping crates into tiny homes.
  • EnviroWorks - SU students compared the effectiveness of energy efficient strategies used at two low income senior housing projects located in Salishan, WA.
  • CEJS Fellows 
    • Dr. Aditya Mishra (Faculty, 2016-2017) - GreenPeaks: Employing Renewables to Cut Load in Electric Grids
    • Dr. Patrick Murphy (Faculty, 2014-2015) - Implementing Environmentally Responsible Biomedical Laboratory Practices and Developing a Nonradioactive Alternative Pharmacological Research Technique (Final Report)
    • Dr. Henry Louie (Faculty, 2013-2014) - Development of Electric Vehicle Load Forecasting Techniques for A Sustainable Future (Final Report)
    • Patrick Berg (Student, 2013-2014) - Can Wind Power be Used to Provide Sustainable Energy to Electric Vehicles? (Final Report)
  • Faculty Experts
    • Dr. Aditya Milshra- Research on renewable energy integration
    • Dr. McLean Sloughter- Research on solar energy in Chalokwa, Zambia 
    • Dr. Teodora Shuman: Research on low energy dewatering of microalgae

Local Organizations1

  • NW Energy Coalition is an alliance of environmental, civic, and human service organizations, progressive utilities, and businesses in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. 
  • Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility Located in Ellensburg, WA, this is one of the largest solar-power installations in the Northwest, and is Puget Sound Energy’s largest wind turbine facility. 
  • Northwest Energy Efficiency Council is a business association that promotes policies and programs that enhance market opportunities for energy efficiency.  
  • Northwest SEED works to establish a clean, diverse, and affordable Northwest energy system based on efficient use of renewable resources, with maximum local control and ownership of energy assets.
  • Solar Washington is a nonprofit organization working to advance the solar industry in our state.

Disclaimer1:

The resources listed were compiled by CEJS as examples of local organizations working on environmental programs and sustainability initiatives. Seattle University is not affiliated with these organizations and expressly disclaims all responsibility for any content provided and all liability that may arise out of participation in any organization programs or activities.