Energy conservation does not come cheaply, at least at the initial stage. For example, investment in the development alternative energy, be it biofuel or solar energy, is notoriously costly. However, it is definitely worth the investment, should we wish to have an earth that continues to sustain human development. Such an investment usually should come from the public sector and educational institutes, according to Dr. Chang Cheng-liang, the Director of Energy and Optoelectric Materials Research Center of TKU. Therefore, with Lanyang Campus having won the Green Building certificate, TKU is proud to have made contributions to combating global warming. He believes the concepts of green buildings should be widely practiced in all universities, as universities have close ties with their local communities. By being green, they can benefit the communities they are in and thus spread the important concepts of sustainable living to the general public.

Dr. Chang points out that his center has been working on the viability of solar energy in recent years by installing panels on the roof of the Main Engineering Building on Tamusi Campus. However, due to the huge cost involved, the progress is slow and far from completion. Despite this, he is optimistic of the future of alternative energy. In the long run, he says, it will pay off to have expensive solar cells installed in university buildings. “Technology advancement can help save our warming earth,” he insisted. Solar energy, being an abundant energy resource in Taiwan, has to be invested in for it to be readily available, should we wish to conserve energy, Dr. Chang added.

Dr. Chang further emphasizes that ecological issues are urgent and require long-term thinking and strategies. Technological development aside, educating students to have correct ecological concepts is also one of the long-term investments. There are simple bottom-up measures to train students to be aware of sustainable living such as switching off light and air-conditioning when leaving the classroom. In other words, to entrust the responsibility of maintaining a better environment into their hand is a major step towards establishing an ecological sound society. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )