news
December, 2008
Affiliated Engineers, Inc. and Energy Strategies developing Cornell University Climate Action Plan
Madison, WI – Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI) and Energy Strategies have been engaged by Cornell University to lead the development of a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). The plan will define a course to eliminate roughly 320 kilo-tons of greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. On October 22, representatives of AEI and Energy Strategies will join Cornell faculty, staff, and students in Ithaca for “Getting to Zero” events, in observance of national Campus Sustainability Day.
“Cornell has always been a national leader in sustainability,” said project leader and AEI sustainability practice leader Mike Walters, noting both the university’s 1904 hydroelectric power station and its 2000 lake source cooling loop. Cornell is a founding signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.
“We join Cornell in envisioning the CAP as a model for other campuses and institutions seeking direct, measurable improvements in efficient energy use and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and as a means to advance education for sustainability in all sectors of society.”
Focusing on direct, on-campus reduction of energy use and fossil fuel combustion, the CAP will reduce the environmental impacts of the campus – particularly CO2 emissions. Coordinating the participation of Cornell experts, focus groups, and campus and community stakeholders, AEI and Energy Strategies are generating and technically evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of carbon reduction ideas in five major categories:
- Energy Conservation (existing buildings)
- Green Development (new buildings)
- Fuel Mix (fossil alternatives and renewables),
- Transportation
- Energy Offsets
The year-long project will culminate in recommendations for approval and implementation of
capital improvements and practical policy options, on short, intermediate, and long timetables.
The plan is being drafted with the flexibility to allow for future updates and revisions as new
developments in technology, impact, risk, and cost emerge.
AEI is a technical consulting firm working nationally and internationally on complex and largescale
projects in a host of market sectors. The firm specializes in the integrated design of
mechanical, electrical, piping, technology, instrumentation and controls, process, and fire
protection systems, and offers systems integration, architectural lighting, sustainable design,
energy analysis, cost estimating, commissioning, and construction field services. AEI creates
lasting value for clients by providing the highest levels of leadership, innovation, and technical
knowledge to deliver collaborative solutions driven by client vision and goals. The firm has
offices in Madison, Wisconsin; Phoenix, Arizona; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Gainesville and
Tampa, Florida; Houston, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Metro Washington, DC; Seattle, Washington;
and, Walnut Creek, California.
Energy Strategies provides strategic and tactical support with respect to the purchase and sale
of electricity and gas, investment in energy infrastructure and technology, energy project
development, and energy regulation and policy. Providing consulting services to energy
consumers and independent energy producers, Energy Strategies enables its clients to
successfully navigate the complexities of regulated and deregulated energy markets, and to
make confident decisions and create new opportunities as energy markets evolve. The firm has
offices in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Phoenix, Arizona.
