St. John Fisher College Joins REV Campus Challenge

This fall, St. John Fisher College will undergo a robust assessment of its energy consumption and explore new ways to reduce its environmental footprint, thanks to a grant from NYSERDA.

In joining NYSERDA’s REV Campus Challenge, a program that encourages colleges and universities in New York State to implement clean energy solutions on campus, Fisher became eligible for its Technical Assistance for Roadmaps program. The $153,988 grant provides funding for colleges to work with energy consultants to assess its energy use and develop action plans for clean energy opportunities.

“Colleges are big institutions that have sizable energy needs, like any large company. This will help us identify energy conservation measures and analyze the costs and benefits of specific projects that we can implement,” said Dr. Mike Boller, director of the Center for Sustainability at Fisher.

The grant was secured in collaboration with the Center, Facilities Services, and Office of Sponsored Programs. Once complete, the consultation will result in a comprehensive energy master plan for Fisher that will include usage and efficiency recommendations for systems and buildings on campus.

“Identifying ways to be good stewards of the environment is an ongoing focus as we construct new buildings and renovate existing ones,” said Ken Widanka, director of facilities services. “In addition to pinpointing projects that reduce our energy footprint, we know that the culture of campus is the most important piece to driving positive change. To that end, facilities staff members can serve as resources for how Fisher students and employees can think and act more sustainably in their daily habits.”

The grant will also help the College complete the Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS) through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. STARS sets the international standard in higher education sustainability, and includes a self-report and peer-review. During the summer and fall, Boller will work with undergraduate students majoring in sustainability to build the application.