The plan will help Carolina reduce its dependence on petroleum by introducing alternative fuels to power the buses, cars, trucks, motorcycles and maintenance vehicles needed in the everyday life of the university.
Harris Pastides, president of the University of South Carolina, said: “Today, we are making a commitment that will drive Carolina into a new era of environmental responsibility. This is another important initiative supported by our faculty, staff and students to create a campus that will be climate neutral.”
Within five years, all vehicles on the Columbia campus will be powered by ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity or hydrogen fuel cells. A hydrogen hybrid bus will become part of the university’s shuttle service in January.
Michael Koman, director of sustainability at the University of South Carolina, said: “This is a major initiative to have cleaner air and to develop a clean fuel-supply system. Farmers could plant crops to meet fuel and food demands. Sustainability is part of the fabric of life here at the university, and Genesis 2015 will move our transportation efforts forward.”
