The $100,000 promised by Summers is nearly double what would have been collected under the opt-out term-bill fee that undergraduates had approved in the referendum.

Summers also stated that along with the promised money, the University has created a special advisory group, made up of both students and staff, which will assist in determining how the money is spent.

In addition, a $3 million loan fund has been created to facilitate payment for the adaptation of buildings to make them more energy-efficient.

BABY STEPS AT THE COLLEGE

The College’s place in the wind energy effort is somewhat less sure. Gross has said that the College will make a contribution, but the amount has not been publicized.

Gross declined to comment on the contribution last week. In an e-mail, he wrote only that it would be made and that there would be a student-led effort to raise funds.

Both Rogers and Marks declined to state exact numbers when discussing the funds that would be dedicated to the effort by the College.

“Dean Gross showed responsiveness by showing commitment through initial funding, which was a clear sign that the administration knows that renewable energy is important and that student body thinks that it is important,” said Rogers, noting that Gross allocated money from his own budget.

However, Rogers also said that the amount of energy that could be purchased with Gross’ contribution would be only a “beginning step.”

Marks was somewhat more critical, characterizing the College’s contribution as “a minimal counter-offer [compared to the amount that would be raised by a term-bill fee]”.

Gross said that he regards wind energy as “an important campaign” whose details will be announced in the future.

Both Rogers and Marks agreed that the $100,000 promised by the University is a “sizeable” and “significant” step. They also agreed, however, that the University must do more.

Marks advocated that the University do more to be a “leader” and even recommended that the University not just purchase renewable wind energy, but also invest in its production.

Rogers also emphasized the importance of student involvement in groups like the Harvard Green Campus Initiative (HGCI) for raising funds and awareness.

Scot Miller, EAC co-chairman for this past year, was optimistic about the future of renewable energy at Harvard.

“Merely by purchasing wind power, you are also investing in it by increasing demand,” he says. “It will be interesting to see what kind of a plan the President’s office and the HGCI come up for the long-term future.”

—Staff writer Matthew S. Blumenthal can be reached at mblument@fas.harvard.edu.