The University of Guelph's Central Students' Association (CSA) held a referendum, and students voted to contribute 15 cents per semester to purchase enough wind energy to power the building.

Selectwind to Power Campus Coffee House

For University of Guelph students, back to school means heading back to the Bullring.

As they walk in to the popular campus coffee house, they'll recognize the familiar round brick building, the vintage furniture, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee. But, this year, there will be something different in the air - the Bullring will be powered by wind energy.

The University's Central Students' Association (CSA) held a referendum where students voted to contribute 15 cents per semester to purchase enough Selectwind to power the building.

The Guelph Students for Environmental Change (GSEC) is one of the campus clubs recognized by the CSA. GSEC campaigned for weeks encouraging students to participate in the referendum and to say "yes" to wind energy.

"73% of the students who voted said yes to using wind energy for the Bullring," said GSEC representative Jennie McDowell. "We'll even have some money left over to improve the energy-efficiency in the building."

The Bullring uses about 86,400 kWh of electricity each year. And, as most University students who kill time at the 'Ring between classes could tell you, burning coal to generate electricity causes greenhouse gas emissions and other smog pollutants.

Selectwind displaces coal-generated electricity in Ontario's power grid. So, by using Selectwind, U of G students are preventing 76.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from entering the air each year.

"To remove that much CO2, we'd have to take over 14 cars off the road each year," says Selectpower energy manager Shehzad Qureshi. "These students have gone beyond their studies and are taking some real initiative. It's great to see these groups in action and they should be proud of their accomplishment."

To celebrate the University's first wind-powered building, GSEC is hosting the Bullring Bash on September 21, from 5pm to 7pm. During the celebration GSEC is hoping to raise awareness about renewable energy in Ontario, and educate students about how they are using wind energy on campus.

Come and enjoy live music, enter to win great prizes, and of course sit and have a coffee. You won't see a wind mill outside the building, but you may notice a difference in the air.

To find out more about using Selectwind for your home or business contact Selectpower at 1-866-780-7880 or visit www.selectpower.ca