Calvin Energy Recovery Fund

The purpose of the Calvin Energy Recovery Fund (CERF) is to pursue our calling to be stewards of God’s creation by implementing a process through which Calvin’s Campus can promote and realize a goal of energy stewardship and accommodate renewable and sustainable energy- and cost-saving projects.

What is CERF?

This revolving fund is used to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions on campus while decreasing campus costs. The monetary savings generated from CERF projects are routed back into the fund for five years, growing the fund to support future sustainable initiatives.

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CERF began as a student-proposed effort in September 2009. Six months later, Calvin’s Environmental and Energy Sustainability Committee (EESC) approved policies governing CERF. The first project reduced electricity usage on campus by automatically putting computers to sleep when not in use. With thousands of computers on campus, this added up to significant savings.

Propose your ideas

We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to propose innovative ideas to reduce energy use and generate cost savings. Proposals are considered by the Environmental and Energy Sustainability Committee (EESC) and should align with Calvin’s sustainability goals while aiming to make a measurable impact. 

Have an idea? Reach out to Brett Hoogewind (brett.hoogewind@calvin.edu) to get started!

Who governs CERF?

Students are involved in project analysis, providing an opportunity for supplemental learning on energy stewardship and fiscal responsibility, and the faculty Environmental and Energy Sustainability Committee (EESC) reviews all projects and approves those that meet CERF requirements, including sufficient return on investment.

Current positions include:

• Director of Facilities, Sustainability, and Planning
• EESC Chair
• CERF Energy Interns
• CERF Data Collection Interns

CERF in the news