Reducing the University's dependence on petroleum-based fuels (natural gas and heating oil) has been a goal for over 25 years. Beginning in 1982, choice of fuels incrementally shifted to alternative materials-wood chips (1982), pelletized paper (1992) and animal waste blended with dry feedstocks (2001)-from sources found in Missouri and adjacent states. After 25 years of operation, approximately $12,500,000 in savings has resulted from the use of alternatives fuel sources as compared to purchasing natural gas and oil. These savings have been reallocated into the University's instructional programs and provided a portion of the funding needed to bring faculty, administrative, professional and support staff salaries to market-based levels.
