The Future of Energy at College of Menominee Nation

On August 23, 2012, Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Corps Fellow Sarah Jeglum gave a presentation about “The Future of Energy on the CMN Campus.” Twenty four attendees heard Sarah’s recommendations, discussed future projects, shared ideas, and asked questions about her work over the summer of 2012. Jeglum worked with the College of Menominee Nation to identify energy efficiency projects and begin developing a long-term energy management plan for the Keshena campus. The Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps program places trained MBA and MPA fellows into companies, cities, and universities to identify and analyze energy efficiency investments that can both reduce costs and energy use in buildings.

SDI Interim Director Dean Fellman introduced Jeglum saying she has served as a strong asset in the Sustainable Development Institute. Jeglum gave an overview of the project and highlighted CMN’s commitment to be a climate-neutral campus. Jeglum cited dedication for carbon neutrality and energy independence in keeping with the more than 12,000-year-old tribal value of sustainability. “We are looking how to move forward with energy goals from today,” said Jegulm, “It’s important we have these far-reaching goals for the future.”

Jeglum stressed the importance of developing a plan and getting a CMN energy team together. “It’s very important to have the structure of the energy plan in place,” noted Jeglum. “I recommend you start with a team and plan and move forward with that.” Jegulm said that CMN has the resources available to do so and encouraged presentation attendees to be proactive about the energy team.

There are many ways in which CMN can cut down its energy use. Jeglum recommended monitoring successes or failures. “Set energy saving goals” said Jeglum. She also stated that although CMN may be a small campus, it is still important to focus on energy. “We can be successful even on a small-scale,” she said.

Jegulm went on to point out specific projects CMN can implement on campus to make the campus more efficient. Projects included installing motion sensors, switching out old light fixtures, and more energy-saving initiatives across all facets of campus energy. “No matter what kind of energy it is, we want to be putting that in an efficient energy machine” she stated.  Jeglum continued to explain that just as you wouldn’t put premium gasoline in an old vehicle, CMN needs to implement specific action items by paying most attention to projects that will produce resourceful results.

College of Menominee Nation is the first Tribal College to host a Climate Corps Fellow. CMN President Verna Fowler noted that this energy action illustrates our commitment to sustainability and commended Jeglum on her work for Climate Corps and CMN.

Both Sarah Jeglum and Dr. Fowler expressed enthusiasm for getting the information out and getting community members and students informed.  “It’s exciting for me to have it be a campus where you can get students involved” said Jeglum. Dr. Fowler recommended spreading the importance and benefits of energy saving out to the community, perhaps in the form of workshops.

College of Menominee Nation thanks Sarah Jeglum and the Climate Corps for the dedication over the summer of 2012. The Sustainable Development Institute plans to use Jeglum’s information to assist in planning future goals and directions.