<\/p>\n
Fossil fuels are the largest contributor<\/a> to global climate change. The increasing use of coal, oil and gas results in greater greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and ultimately warm the planet. These fossil fuels are extensively used to supply a current high<\/a> energy demand, in the U.S. and the rest of the world<\/a>. This demand stems from<\/a> several sources, notably including the development of data centers, overall manufacturing and the electrification of transportation and buildings.\u00a0<\/p>\n Universities are a huge<\/a> part of this energy demand and therefore are significant contributors to the energy crisis. They relentlessly use<\/a> fossil fuels to power their campuses. But universities are starting to recognize their negative effects on the environment and turn toward renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels.<\/p>\n The presence of one type of renewable resource in particular, geothermal, is growing. Geoexchange technology, powered<\/a> by geothermal energy, is a looped pipe system that draws from natural heat underground to generate power, electricity, heating and cooling. Colleges are beginning<\/a> to implement geothermal\u00a0 technology on a wider scale because of its positive<\/a> impact on the environment. Geoexchange produces<\/a> 99% less carbon dioxide and 97% less sulfur compounds than fossil fuel plants.\u00a0 The renewable source\u2019s efficiency and economic viability will allow campuses like the University of Michigan\u2019s to get closer to reaching<\/a> their sustainability goals.\u00a0<\/p>\n The University is already utilizing geoexchange technology on North Campus with their Hayward Street system<\/a>. The new Hadley Family Recreation & Well-Being Center<\/a>, Edward and Rosalie Ginsberg Building<\/a> and Wolverine Village<\/a> will also be geoexchange sites \u2014 an aspect of their construction that\u2019s not largely advertised. The newly empty Palmer Field is in consideration<\/a> for geoexchange as well. For a college trying to commit to a sustainable future, this is a good start.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n