1. EDUCATION:
Universities find it pays to go green

An often-heard complaint about renewable energy is that it's expensive, but the University of California, San Diego, is installing solar panels for free. Solar Power Partners Inc. will pay for the installation and maintenance of a multimillion-dollar photovoltaic project on the campus's rooftops, and in return, UC San Diego will buy electricity at a negotiated rate from the company. Spurred by students wanting climate-friendly environments, many colleges and universities are turning to innovative financing options and becoming renewable energy centers even in a time of tight budgets. The drive to be a green campus is sending greenbacks to businesses and altering the administrative and educational structures of campuses. Go to story #1