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"They don't have a single solar panel at Bowdoin," he said. "If you look at all the institutions in the state of Maine, who has the money to really change? The (one that) could really change the paradigm is Bowdoin."
A Bowdoin administrator who is on the receiving end of many of Padula's e-mails did not return a telephone call for this story. But a spokesman for the school said the criticism is misplaced.
"We've been recognized as a leader in sustainability," said Scott Hood. "We are doing a lot and will continue to do more."
The school's efforts include programs that promote recycling, energy efficiency, alternative transportation and earth-friendly purchasing. "I don't think there's anybody who knows what we're doing who would say we're not taking things seriously," Hood said.
Bowdoin is in good company when it comes to facing Padula's ire. Most of Portland's large private and public institutions are not taking the problem seriously enough, in his view.
Portland city officials are frequent targets of his e-mails because Padula believes that his hometown, like much of the state, is still in denial about the problem.
"Thirty-six towns and cities in Massachusetts have energy plans. Not a single city or town in Maine has one," Padula says.
The city's hospitals, bus service, airport and water district also are resisting changes that would reduce wasted energy, he says. Padula sees the need for change almost everywhere he goes.
A visit to the Portland International Jetport, for example, led to a series of e-mails to the airport manager about excessive lighting and wasted energy. The airport has reduced energy use, although the manager doesn't credit Padula with the idea. It flat- out rejected Padula's suggestion to install solar panels.
A stroll through his Portland neighborhood led to an e-mail to Portland's public works director complaining that a sidewalk widening project was eliminating the potential to plant trees. The subject line read "Asphalt frenzy."
"These are the kinds of small things where you multiply them by thousands of habits, and they add up to significant costs," Padula said.
"Everybody has their arguments about why they shouldn't change," he said. "If we keep doing this, there's going to be a price to be paid."
'CEASELESSLY GENEROUS'
Padula's persistence and sense of urgency aren't always appreciated.
"Change agents are annoying. That kind of goes with the territory," said Dudley Greeley, the sustainability director at the University of Southern Maine and a friend of Padula. "It's a difficult role to play in a society where all the checks and balances are to maintain the status quo."
Padula's frustration is carefully aimed at those with wealth and power, Greeley said.
"The other side is, he has been unflaggingly, ceaselessly generous at the other side of the spectrum, with people who have no power and few resources."
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