Researcher(s):
Nicole Godbout
ENVS course(s): 295 Initiated: September 2017 Completed: December 2017 Go to project site
|
In this engagement project, I explore the term sustainability as it relates to Lewis & Clark's Renewable Energy Fee Fund (REFF). Often, these projects involving renewable energy and sustainable practices are not designed to foster long-lasting sustained relationships between the impacted community and the Lewis & Clark community. This project broadly examines how the REFF could improve its guidelines and advertisement campaigns to encourage (or demand) students to build projects that reinforce sustained and collaborative relationships with communities across the globe for years to come.
Key Question
What type of sustainability does L&C promote through grant programs? How can we improve?
Background
The Lewis & Clark Renewable Energy Fee Fund provides undergraduates with the opportunity to pursue projects and internships related to renewable energy. Surplus funds from the Renewable Energy Fee have become available to students in the form of grants to fund research or implementation of small-scale renewable energy in communities lacking access to reliable energy grids. The process is not designed to foster or sustain relationships in the long term with affected communities.
Outcomes
Future plans for collaboration with study abroad office and REFF fund
Proposal provided for application improvements
Report accessible to students for future work on sustainability at L&C
Talked with students & faculty at poster session to provoke thought about students long-term commitment to sustainability