Staff editorial
Solar power has a bright future as a renewable resource.
St. Bonaventure University will reap the benefits of the renewable energy as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative comes to Olean, on the Olean Gateway Site site near Route 86. According to a release on Bonaventure’s website, an estimated $100,000 will be saved as a result.
This is fortunate for Bonaventure. As all universities, public and private alike, look to trim costs, having one of the most efficient forms of renewable energy come to the area is good luck.
Bonaventure officials announced the partnership with BQ Energy LLC, based out of Poughkeepsie, on Jan. 15. The Olean project is one of eight projects throughout Western New York (WNY), according to the official NY-Sun website.
Colleges across the country have been adding renewable resources, such as solar and wind energy to help keep their campuses green and cut costs. According to an article on University Business’ website, “as part of their sustainability programs, many driven by pressure from socially and environmentally-conscious students and faculty, colleges and universities have made efforts to limit or control energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprints. Many have conducted, or are planning to conduct, audits that identify energy-saving measures.”
Elsewhere in New York, the State University of New York system has set the goal of reducing “system-wide non-renewable energy consumption by 30 percent” across all SUNY campuses by the year 2020.
St. Bonaventure has been named a Tree Campus USA school by the Arbor Day Foundation four consecutive years, which is a testament to the school’s environmental conscious. Now we can add beneficiaries of solar energy,
Solar energy has been popping up all over WNY lately. As Elon Musk’s SolarCity is underway at Buffalo’s RiverBend facility, this is a good move to help Bona’s remain relevant in the WNY region, as public higher education becomes more popular.
Right now, Bonaventure should focus on this solar energy, but should keep other possible renewable energy resources in mind. Wind power has been topic of much debate throughout the Southern Teir lately. If Bona’s can find themselves in a position to cut more costs as a result, they should not hesitate to do so.
This editorial represents the opinion of The Bona Venture staff.
