Energy

Linfield takes a pragmatic approach to energy conservation and efficiency. Over the last ten years alone the College has saved over $2 million while significantly reducing our carbon footprint. More about the  History of Sustainability at Linfield.

"Light Up McMinnville" Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) Direct Install Campaign

In 2009, the student sustainability group Greenfield partnered with the local municipallity McMinnville Water & Light to develop the "Light Up McMinnville" campaign. The project raises $2 for each CFL bulb directly installed in the community. Students have installed over 3,000 light bulbs in the community raising over $6,000 for solar panels, saving McMinnville over 150,000 watts of power . See the news coverage of this program: FOX, KOIN. More about CFLs.

On Campus Energy Efficiency Projects

The Capital Planning & Development Office continues to develop Linfield's conservation effort. Over the 2009-10 academic year, Linfield increased building efficiency on campus by installing insulation in attic and crawl spaces in campus apartments and double pane energy efficiency windows in four on campus apartment complexes. The College also de-lamped and installed reflectors in campus light fixtures resulting in a reduction in energy consumption by half. More about Energy Projects.

Linfield is currently undergoing a study with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to assess the effectiveness of energy efficient exterior lighting options including LED, sodium and induction lighting.

Renewable Energy

The college currently receives electricity from McMinnville Water & Light and uses 94% generated from hydro power and 6% from wind power. Although these energy sources do not create carbon emissions, Linfield is committed to becoming a leader in sustainability by localizing energy generation with solar power technology. Linfield's first solar array was installed over the summer of 2011 with the completion of the renovations to Northup Hall. These solar panels were in part funded by the Sustainability Fund and the Light Up McMinnville CFL Direct Install Program: which were both initiated by students.