Wind turbine survey
Chad Southwick
Issue date: 11/24/08 Section: News
The wind turbine project survey distributed in an announcement email on October 22 produced nearly 600 responses. The survey was conducted to evaluate the campus-wide opinion of utilizing a commercial-size wind turbine to power a portion of the campus. The results of the survey showed overwhelming support for the pursuit of renewable energy and, more specifically, wind energy to power Clarkson's campus.
Of the sample, 95% agree that the University should pursue renewable energy. Congruently, the same portion of the sample feels a commercial size wind turbine that would substitute approximately 10% of Clarkson's electrical consumption should be seriously considered by the University.
The greatest non-budgetary deterrent to any wind turbine project is the aesthetical effect on the surrounding scenery. However, only 9% believe that such a turbine would detract from the appearance of our campus and the surrounding area.
A critical selling point is being able to convey to the board of trustees that this project would generate interest among both current and prospective students. The survey showed that 88% of the sample thinks that a wind turbine would draw prospective students interested in renewable energy and education. Similarly, 85% believe that the turbine would generate interest in renewable energy education and research among current Clarkson students. These two statistics will be invaluable when proposing this project to University board members for approval.
The final question on the survey was the most controversial of the six. This question proposed dividing the cost of the wind turbine (estimated at $5 million) across the student body (estimated at 3,000) over eight semesters. This put the cost of the project at roughly $200 per semester, per student. Almost 60% of the sample said they would be willing to pay the additional cost. However, the backlash from the 40% of students who disagreed with the tuition increase was prominent. Over 300 students left comments and ideas relating to the project, half of which were negatively related to the tuition hike. The intent of the question was never meant to show that the student body should pay for the project. It was meant as a gauge to see how much students valued the idea. If a student is willing to pay an increased tuition in order to fund this project then they clearly value the idea of this project.
The survey as a whole has provided a bank of feedback for the development of the project. The creators of the survey would personally like to thank everyone who took the time to take the survey and provide such valuable input.
Of the sample, 95% agree that the University should pursue renewable energy. Congruently, the same portion of the sample feels a commercial size wind turbine that would substitute approximately 10% of Clarkson's electrical consumption should be seriously considered by the University.
The greatest non-budgetary deterrent to any wind turbine project is the aesthetical effect on the surrounding scenery. However, only 9% believe that such a turbine would detract from the appearance of our campus and the surrounding area.
A critical selling point is being able to convey to the board of trustees that this project would generate interest among both current and prospective students. The survey showed that 88% of the sample thinks that a wind turbine would draw prospective students interested in renewable energy and education. Similarly, 85% believe that the turbine would generate interest in renewable energy education and research among current Clarkson students. These two statistics will be invaluable when proposing this project to University board members for approval.
The final question on the survey was the most controversial of the six. This question proposed dividing the cost of the wind turbine (estimated at $5 million) across the student body (estimated at 3,000) over eight semesters. This put the cost of the project at roughly $200 per semester, per student. Almost 60% of the sample said they would be willing to pay the additional cost. However, the backlash from the 40% of students who disagreed with the tuition increase was prominent. Over 300 students left comments and ideas relating to the project, half of which were negatively related to the tuition hike. The intent of the question was never meant to show that the student body should pay for the project. It was meant as a gauge to see how much students valued the idea. If a student is willing to pay an increased tuition in order to fund this project then they clearly value the idea of this project.
The survey as a whole has provided a bank of feedback for the development of the project. The creators of the survey would personally like to thank everyone who took the time to take the survey and provide such valuable input.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Tom ("Doc") Bentsen '79
posted 11/24/08 @ 7:32 PM EST
Frankly, I am surprised it has taken this long to address this issue. As for the opponents to the wind turbine for the visual/environmental effects, there are other designs that are far less visually obtrusive and yet more efficient (see: ). (Continued…)
Huck
posted 12/08/08 @ 1:01 AM EST
In response to the pompous comment above, I would suggest instead that Chad do more research on Clarkson's actual energy usage, and provide real and interesting figures; also he might consider checking the math presented in his powerpoint presentation to the trustees. (Continued…)
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