Location

Lovejoy 215

Start Date

1-5-2014 9:00 AM

End Date

1-5-2014 10:30 AM

Project Type

Presentation

Description

Colby opened the doors to its biomass plant in 2012, declaring carbon neutrality shortly after in 2013. This was not just a victory for the colleges environmental efforts, but it was also the beginning of a new energy chapter. This chapter gave Colby more opportunities to continue as a pioneer in the sustainability movement. This paper analyzes the chemical and economic feasibility of using land endowments to fuel the biomass operations. The scientific approach starts by looking at the fuel source and its specific context in Maine in order to determine the properties that it offers. Knowing more about the fuel source and the consequences resulting from it, such as carbon emissions, these can then be modeled and analyzed. In creating carbon dioxide feedback loops and improving forest management, Colby can build a system that saves both environmentally and economically. On top of this, it opens opportunities for curriculum advancement and decreased energy dependence in an otherwise volatile market.

Faculty Sponsor

Suzi Cole

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Economics Dept.

CLAS Field of Study

Social Sciences

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

267

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May 1st, 9:00 AM May 1st, 10:30 AM

LEAP: Land Endowment Action Plan for Sustainable Colby

Lovejoy 215

Colby opened the doors to its biomass plant in 2012, declaring carbon neutrality shortly after in 2013. This was not just a victory for the colleges environmental efforts, but it was also the beginning of a new energy chapter. This chapter gave Colby more opportunities to continue as a pioneer in the sustainability movement. This paper analyzes the chemical and economic feasibility of using land endowments to fuel the biomass operations. The scientific approach starts by looking at the fuel source and its specific context in Maine in order to determine the properties that it offers. Knowing more about the fuel source and the consequences resulting from it, such as carbon emissions, these can then be modeled and analyzed. In creating carbon dioxide feedback loops and improving forest management, Colby can build a system that saves both environmentally and economically. On top of this, it opens opportunities for curriculum advancement and decreased energy dependence in an otherwise volatile market.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/429