The lake keeps Cornell cool. (Alternatives/Efficiency).

In searching for cooling options for Cornell University, a team of New York engineers turned to the cold, deep water of Cayuga Lake. The use of lake source cooling eliminated the use of refrigerant based chillers, reducing energy use by 86 percent. It also saves more than 20 million kwh per year. "Use of lake source cooling provides a passive and technologically simple cooling option for Cornell University, using a natural, non-polluting and renewable resource," W.S. "Lanny" Joyce, the project manager, said. "It is designed and operated with great care to protect the lake."

The 20,000-ton capacity chilled water district cooling system project (see …