Student Assembly

R.23 Lights Off, Cornell

Whereas, Cornell University is committed to reducing expenditures on campus both financially and environmentally through the Cornell Climate Action Plan supported by the Concurrent Assemblies Resolution; and

Whereas, the University Assembly recently resolved to “Promote Energy Efficiency at Cornell by Establishing a Revolving Loan Fund for Energy Efficiency and a Small Energy Project Fund” sponsored by the University Sustainability Committee; and

Whereas, while some lighting on campus is necessary as a night time security measure, lighting in unused classrooms, bathrooms, and hallways at night can be both inefficient and unnecessary; and

Whereas, in a pilot study on Rockefeller Hall for the month of September, the energy usage was reduced by $800 dollars compared to the average from the 4 previous years; and

Whereas, savings of up to $300 per month per building can be made by eliminating excess lighting, corresponding to 250 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. This adds up to an estimated $60,000 of gross annual savings ;

Be it therefore resolved, that the University investigate the use of lights on campus and look into ways to reduce lighting usage when and where appropriate.

Be it further resolved, that the SA endorse the creation of a task force that be jointly run by the SA Environmental Committee and GPSA Ad-hoc Sustainability Committee to assist in carrying out the goals of this resolution, and that this task force present a proposal to the SA and the GPSA by the end of January 2010.

Be it further resolved, that the SA endorse the attached letter to be sent to President Skorton on behalf of the SA Environmental Committee and GPSA Ad-hoc Sustainability Committee.

Be it finally resolved that this resolution be sent to David Skorton, President of Cornell University; Daniel Roth, Campus Sustainability Coordinator for the Office of Environmental Compliance; Tim Fahey and Kyu-Jung Whang, Co-Chairs of the Climate Commitment Implementation Committee; Kent Hubbell, Dean of Students; and Alison Power, Dean of the Graduate School.

Respectfully submitted,

Adam Raveret
Chair, SA Environmental Committee
Arts and Sciences Representative, SA

Jolyon Bloomfield
SA Environmental Committee
GPSA Ad-hoc Sustainability Committee
Field Representative, GPSA, Physics

Erica Gutierrez
Chair, Ad-hoc Sustainability Committee
Executive Vice President, GPSA, City and Regional Planning