October 24, 2013
Bowdoin proposes solar power complex
Continuing the NESCAC’s growing trend of environmental sustainability, Bowdoin aims to build the largest solar power complex in Maine. According to the College, the complex would be nearly eight times larger than any existing complex in the state. The 1,300-kilowat system would be partially built on the former Brunswick Naval Air Station that Bowdoin recently acquired. Additional solar panels would be installed on the roofs of two of Bowdoin’s athletic facilities.
“Our college is proud to propose this significant investment in clean and renewable solar energy,” said Bowdoin President Barry Mills. “Our partnership with SolarCity reduces Bowdoin’s dependence on fossil fuels and makes sense for the College economically. It also provides meaningful educational opportunities for students and faculty focused on alternative energy and sustainability, and underscores Bowdoin’s continuing commitment to the responsible stewardship of our environment.”
SolarCity, headquartered in San Mateo, CA would own and maintain the solar facilities on Bowdoin’s campus and Bowdoin would purchase the generated power. The school estimates the project will offset about 8 percent of its electric output. This project is part of Bowdoin’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2020. Recently, Bowdoin has installed a cogeneration steam turbine in the central heating plant and installed thermal panels on the roof of a dining hall and the Outdoor Leadership Center.
Williams will host TEDx event
Williams College announced last week that it would host TEDxWilliamsCollege on Jan. 25, 2014. The event will feature talks from six Williams faculty members and three students. The talks will address topics ranging from galaxy collisions, the philosophy of the mind and pop Orientalism. Many of the talks came from ideas explored in tutorials at Williams. In these tutorials, based on a model from Oxford University, a professor guides two students through an in-depth study for a semester. The goal of these courses is to enhance critical thinking skills as students gain a thorough understanding of a topic.
A TEDx event is an independently organized adaptation of the TED program, which is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas. The audience for the event will be capped at around 100 people in order to promote discussion. Williams will seek to find a cross-section of students, faculty, alumni, staff and other passionate individuals.
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