In time for Earth Day on April 22, Northwestern announced on Thursday that it will purchase wind power for 20 percent of its electricity use in the next four years. This makes NU’s purchase of renewable energy the second highest amount for that of U.S. universities, after the University of Pennsylvania’s purchase.

We are proud that the school is leading a trend to use alternative energy sources. NU isn’t simply talking about environmental sustainability, but actually paying to make it happen.

Wind farms in the Midwest will produce 40,000 megawatt-hours of wind, replacing the energy on the power-grid. According to the university, this conservation is equivalent to taking 7,317 cars off the road or planting 9,586 acres of trees each year. While students often feel that NU only cares about money, this initiative provides no financial incentive for the University, and it will pay for the increased costs.

Vice President of Facilities Management Ron Nayler told The Daily on Friday that purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates is just the beginning of NU’s move towards “an environmentally-friendly campus.”

We hope this proves true and that NU can continue to move toward a greener campus.