Background
Energy consumption at our national parks is a growing concern. Faced with tighter budgets, national parks must address methods for reducing energy consumption at their facilities. This is not an easy task. With some exceptions, energy managers at national parks are occupied with day to day crises and have little time or resources available to analyze energy consumption data or develop strategic plans for implementing cost saving, energy conservation measures.
One currently unused resource that could provide assistance to park energy managers is local university students. Many universities throughout the country have energy or environmental programs where large cadres of students are interested in obtaining 'real world experience.' These universities are often in close proximity to national parks.
This web page offers the public, universities, national parks, and other interested parties information regarding the University-National Park Energy Partnership concept. Documents are available below that will assist a university or a national park develop a partnership on their own. Other resources are also included that will provide analytical or technical assistance to these partners.