NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Jan Fiderio at 603.283.2107

October 14, 2009 for Immediate Release

Electricity Usage down 19 percent at Antioch University New England

Implementing simple energy-saving measures reduces electricity use by 152,400 kilowatt hours

(Keene, New Hampshire) October 14, 2009 - Since setting its 2020 carbon neutrality target in 2007, Antioch University New England has reduced campus electricity use by a cumulative 19 percent. Specifically, Antioch University New England (AUNE) reduced electricity consumption by 152,400 kilowatt hours over the past three years, which saved 188.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂ emissions) from entering the atmosphere. AUNE estimates it has saved $19,995 on its electricity bills during this period.

AUNE accomplished this achievement by applying numerous simple conservation measures and making efficiency improvements. Abigail Abrash Walton, AUNE's assistant to the president for sustainability and social justice, said, "I am thrilled that we have achieved such a significant reduction in electricity use on campus using only low-cost and low-tech measures. The pay-off for such measures is great."

Some of the low-cost, low-tech measures that Antioch University New England employed included a turn-off-the-light campaign, energy-saving e-alerts to all campus community members, and the Carbon Counts: You Can Too lunch-time speaker series. The speaker series features faculty, staff, student, and alumni expertise and provides both tips and encouragement for those interested in working towards carbon neutrality.

Other energy conservation measures implemented at AUNE in the past several years include installing restroom light occupancy sensors and removing unnecessary, high-energy consumption machinery from the campus. In addition, AUNE is implementing a program of transitioning out CRT computers to energy-efficient LCDs and established the Green Guru Office Energy-Efficiency Audit program.

AUNE's Green Guru is a work-study student, based with AUNE's Sustainability and Social Justice Committee, who helps AUNE employees reduce emissions through computer-setting adjustments, installation and use of power strips, and other low-tech solutions. To date, 60 percent of AUNE employees have participated in the Green Guru energy-use audit. The Sustainability and Social Justice Committee anticipates 100 percent participation by May 2010.

AUNE's has a four-fold approach to achieving carbon neutrality by 2020. The institution's four action areas are: conservation, efficiency, purchasing carbon offsets, and accessing renewable energy. To learn more about AUNE's sustainability achievements visit: http://www.antiochne.edu/ssj/achievements.cfm

About Antioch University New England
This is Antioch University New England's forty-fifth year as an institution of higher education. Based in Keene, New Hampshire, AUNE offers rigorous, practice-oriented, values-based master's, doctoral, and certificate programs to more than one thousand students. Degrees in education, leadership and management, environmental studies, and psychology reflect a dedication to activism, social justice, community service, and sustainability. Antioch University New England is the oldest and largest of Antioch University's graduate campuses.

About Antioch University
Antioch University is a five-campus university located in four states. Each campus has its own distinct academic programs, community life, and regional or national identity. Antioch University is founded on principles of rigorous liberal arts education, innovative experiential learning and socially engaged citizenship. The multiple campuses of the University nurture in their students the knowledge, skills and habits of reflection to excel as lifelong learners, democratic leaders and global citizens who live lives of meaning and purpose. For more information visit: www.antioch.edu.

Last Updated: 3/4/10