Colleges and universities across the nation are integrating renewable energy into their curricula and students are demanding that universities work to reduce global warming.  More than 600 colleges and universities have signed the American College & University Climate Commitment which provides a framework and support for colleges and universities to go climate neutral.  As a part of this educational philosophy and agreement to go carbon neutral, many universities are developing their own renewable energy projects-both on and off-site-to demonstrate their commitment to green energy. 

For example, George K. Baum & Company completed a tax-exempt bond financing for the University of Idaho which allowed the University to build a new renewable energy plant.  The plant takes wood chips from the forest floor and converts them into a source of energy for the University’s campus.

In 2007, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) entered into a hedge agreement with a wind developer.  The agreement enabled SNHU to fix its cost of energy for 15 years.  Additionally, as part of the hedge, the University receives Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from the wind developer, which are used to offset all of its carbon dioxide emissions and allows the University to invest in other carbon-offsetting technology.  The plan won SNHU a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2007-08 College & University Green Power Challenge Award.  To read more about this type of renewable energy hedge please click here. To learn more about the details of SNHU’s project please click here.

Student support for renewable energy is so great that student governments at more than 50 universities have opted to pay renewable energy fees on top of their tuition to fund renewable energy projects at their schools.  The Environmental Protection Agency has even established a program called the Green Power Partnership, which recognizes universities and other entities that purchase a certain proportion of renewable energy.

As a national leader in higher education finance, George K. Baum & Company has developed opportunities for universities to partner with renewable energy companies and investors to access powerful economic incentives that may be the key to making investments in renewable energy financially viable and profitable.  In this case, George K. Baum & Company will serve as an adviser to investigate potential renewable power projects as a part of a University’s endowment investments and/or as an educational and environmental asset.

George K. Baum & Company is prepared to help you explore the many opportunities available as a result of ARRA and other recent legislation.  Below are some of the options available to colleges & universities:
• Build America Bonds
• Clean Renewable Energy Bonds
• New Market Tax Credits
• Power Purchase Agreement
• Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds
• Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds
• Recovery Zone Facility Bonds

To learn more about these opportunities please click here. For questions on how George K. Baum & Company can help your college or university take advantage of these programs, please contact us.