ASU REI Mission Statement:

Reduce the environmental impact of Appalachian State University by replacing the University's existing sources of energy with cleaner forms of renewable energy technology on campus and serve as a resource for students and faculty by identifying and investing in the most appropriate energy projects.

What is the ASU Renewable Energy Initiative?

The ASUREI is a committee of seven students, with faculty and staff advisors that are responsible for allocating money towards the implementation of renewable energy on campus.  The committee's annual operating budget comes from a self-imposed student fee of $5 per student per semester.  The student body, by 83% approval, voted in 2004 to tax themselves to pay for renewable energy projects on campus!!!  In 2007, the students voted again in favor at 92% approval!!!

The Epic Conception of the ASU REI:

The original concept for the Renewable Energy Initiative came during February 2004 from Ernie Hodgson, a former President of ASU Sustainable Energy Society. His idea was based on a similar concept that was initiated at UNC Chapel Hill. With the help of other students interested in pursuing the initiative, he brought the idea before the Student Government Association which then approved the senate bill to present the referendum to the student body. Miriam Makhyoun and SGA Senator Justin Pittman aided Ernie Hodgson, Cole McVey and Jeff Lauckhart in writing the enabling act for the referendum.

The referendum asked if students would approve a $5 per student per semester increase in fees three year period, beginning with the 2005-2006 school year and ending at the close of the 2007-2008 school year. The Chancellor approved the students’ decision over the summer of 2004 at which point the referendum was passed on to the Board of Trustees and board of Governors, which both approved the fee increase. The first funds into the Renewable Energy Initiative were collected from student fees during the Fall 2005 semester.

Interested in donating to the ASUREI fund?

If you are an alumni of Appalachian State University, you can donate to the ASUREI fund!

We are extremely grateful to the students of Appalachian State University for deciding to take action and contribute $5 each semester in order to bring renewable energy projects to our campus.

With the momentum of the ASUREI continually growing, your contribution can assist the university in educating our students on the benefits of energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy production.

While the ASUREI is charged with bringing renewable energy projects to the campus of Appalachian State University, our goal is to advocate for a sustainable approach to global climate change and energy independence. Your contribution will help our committee not only bring more renewable energy systems to the campus but will also help to educate students about the importance of energy conservation, our greatest and most effective renewable energy.

Please follow the link through Appalachian State University's Alumni Donating Center to donate to our fund:

Donate to the

Select the drop down menu from "Annual Giving" and select OTHER FUND.  Then in the comments box under "additional information" put the REI fund #: 992894.

Thanks for your continued support!