Appalachian State University Professors Perform Energy Usage Survey at Grandfather Mountain

As reported in The Appalachian by Heather Sanders

To become green, Grandfather Mountain is giving Appalachian State University professors the green to study how the park can become more energy efficient.

H. Crae Morton, president of the park, is presenting a $25,000 grant to a team including technology professors Jeff S. Tiller and Dr. Dennis M. Scanlin.

Dr. Dennis O. Grady, a political science and criminal justice department professor, sat in on the planning stages of the proposal.

Grady said the study would include finding how much energy Grandfather Mountain uses and developing a set of options to decrease that usage.

Scanlin said the study would also include a site assessment to find if solar and wind energy are viable options.

“[Grandfather Mountain] is one of the windiest places in North Carolina, so that’s a potential energy source,” Scanlin said.

He said the study would also identify ways to use energy more efficiently and generate electricity with renewable energy.

Although the initial cost of energy efficiency is high, Scanlin said the investment is paid back in the long run.

“As energy prices get more expensive, business owners look to reduce their cost. One way is to become energy efficient,” Grady said.

Morton said he hopes the cost of energy usage is reduced as a result of this plan, but said becoming efficient is the right thing to do.

He said the park could use the study as a learning tool for visitors. Grandfather Mountain's museum already has exhibits on acid rain and endangered species.

"All elements of environmental responsibility are interlinked," Morton said.

Morton said he was inspired by Canyons Restaurant.

Canyons turns its used cooking oil into biodiesel to heat the restaurant. He said the park could also use biodiesel for its restaurant and buses.

Although Morton said he has a responsibility to be environmentally conscious, he also has a responsibility to keep the mountain beautiful.

However, he said beauty becomes a moot point if they don't use alternative energy sources because of pollution’s effect on the mountain.

Morton said he hopes to start implementing the study's recommendations around mid-2007.

Scanlin said he gets more and more calls from businesses that want to become energy efficient. He is working with Mast General Store on the same kind of project.

"Our reputation has ASU seen as being green and thoughtful across the state," Grady said.

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