GEOS 206(S) Renewable Energy and the Sustainable Campus (Same as Environmental Studies 206)
Rising oil and electricity costs disrupt the economy and help fuel global insecurity. Clearer understanding of how fossil-fuel consumption contributes to global climate change is increasing demand for renewable sources of energy and for more sustainable campus environments. What sources of energy will supply Williams College and nearby areas in the twenty-first century? How will campus buildings, old and new, continue to be attractive spaces while making far more efficient use of heat and light? This course is a practical introduction to renewable sources of energy, including conservation, and to their application to the campus environment. Topics covered include: biological sources of energy (biomass, biogas, liquid fuels), wind energy, geothermal and solar energy, energy efficiency and the environmental impacts of using renewable energy. Lectures, field trips and individual projects emphasize examples from the campus and nearby area.
Format: seminar, three hours per week. Evaluation will be based on an hour exam, class participation that includes a seminar presentation, and a research project that investigates some aspect of campus energy use and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Enrollment limit 20 (expected: 20). Preference given to sophomores.
This course satisfies "The Natural World" requirement for the Environmental Studies concentration.
Hour: ART and DETHIER