| Overall Rating | Platinum |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 86.35 |
| Liaison | Lisa Kilgore |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2022 |
Cornell University
IN-48: Innovation B
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Sarah
Carson Director, Campus Sustainability Office FS - Energy & Sustainability |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
Cornell researchers at Cornell Cooperative Extension are currently studying the opportunities and risks of solar energy production on New York agricultural lands. Since New York state has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050, this three-year project is currently informing the solar energy contracts that are necessary to meet this goal. Cornell received funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to investigate the social, economic, and environmental implications of rural solar development. The Cornell team is providing guidance to rural farmers and landowners by developing and providing educational materials to provide practical tips for solar energy contracts and to provide guidance on economic and legal issues involved in resource availability and solar energy leases. This project will empower and build capacity within rural communities by helping them to make informed decisions about land conversions. Since executive decisions are often made without the informed consent of rural communities, this project is essential to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the New York agricultural industry, while helping the communities to understand they have incentives in joining fair solar energy contracts.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.