The student-led push to close the University of Cincinnati coal-fired power plant is gaining momentum, leading to some important questions. Namely, how exactly could we wean ourselves from coal while preserving jobs and high academic profile?

As a professor with a research laboratory at UC (where my group and I measure changes in the global carbon cycle and greenhouse gas emissions), I understand very well the need for a stable power supply on campus. The hospitals certainly rely on this stable source of power.

There are, however, steps that UC should take to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel energy, while maintaining, and even enhancing, the research facilities on campus. The university should also be a resource to the community by invitation and demonstration of sustainable energy policies.

Current and future fund-raising efforts by the university should focus on enhancing research on renewable energy. My alma mater, the University of Texas at Austin, has recently opened a large, state-of-the-art facility for studying and growing algae for on-site biofuel production.

This facility will provide research opportunities for students and faculty and helps to cement the university’s reputation as a global leader in studies of energy resources. Here at UC, we have a great opportunity to be pioneers in studies of sustainable, renewable energy.

Algae are one of the most promising energy resources of the future. These species need water and nutrients to grow, and here in the Ohio Valley, we have very rich resources of both, nearly unparalleled in the United States. We also have growing research programs on campus focused on harnessing the power of photosynthesis for fuel.

Another promising alternative energy source is biogas, or natural gas produced by living organisms. Other states, such as California, have made great advances in powering infrastructure with biofuels.

Here in Cincinnati, we have large landfills producing copious amounts of methane, a portion of which is burned or released into the atmosphere. Another potential source of biogas is municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Currently, most wastewater treatment plants harness the power of microbes to convert organic carbon in waste to carbon dioxide, but other microbial processes could produce methane to supplement our campus’ power supply.

Increased efficiency in campus buildings will also reduce our reliance on fossil fuel power sources. As just one, small example, an investment in more efficient fume hoods in laboratories on other university campuses has cut energy consumption in those facilities by up to 50 percent.

UC has a world-renowned campus in terms of diversity of architecture. The installation of solar panels on campus buildings would further raise our profile as innovators.

While these panels would only partially offset our carbon footprint, it would make a bold statement to the regional community that we are willing to take steps to reduce our reliance on coal. Plus, alumni and community members, making for a fun fund raising campaign, could individually sponsor solar panels.

Finally, UC should take steps to reduce the number of cars driven to campus every day. Many campuses have large, free shuttles that serve every portion of the city, whereas here in Cincinnati, our shuttles mainly serve commuters that would likely walk to campus anyway.

Many of us live in far-flung regions of the metropolitan area and spend considerable time and money commuting. An enhanced shuttle service would prove our campus’ commitment to sustainability in Cincinnati through expanded public transportation.

Amy Townsend-Small is an assistant professor of geology and physics at the University of Cincinnati.