Schools hope piles of coal inspire energy conservation

The coal exhibits are part of Focus the Nation, a National Teach-In designed to find solutions to global warming. About 1,500 schools across the country are participating today.

At Drury, 7 tons of coal are at the corner of Brower Street and Drury Lane through today, representing three hours of electricity use for the campus.

“I hope this exhibit raises awareness of the responsibility each one of us has to use energy efficiently, thereby helping our community become more sustainable,” said Drury interim President Todd Parnell in a news release.

City Utilities provided the coal for Drury, and Missouri Insulation and Supply helped facilitate the delivery and cleanup by Springfield Striping and Sealing. EroCo is providing a containment system for the coal, which was necessary for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to approve the exhibit.

Drury is spending $2.24 million to upgrade mechanical and lighting efficiency in 11 campus buildings, and the heating and cooling system at Stone Chapel is being converted to a geothermal system.

MSU’s 7-ton coal exhibit is also on display today until 4:30, at the Madison Street cul-de-sac. The volume of coal would provide 91.5 minutes of average electrical power for the school, according to Director of Facilities Management Bob Eckels, who noted that MSU has reduced central campus energy consumption by more than 27 percent since 2002.

MSU's exhibit includes 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in solid form to show how burning coal produces emissions.[[In-content Ad]]