Lynchburg College Installs Solar Array
Lynchburg College (VA) has installed a solar array as part of the college’s $4.56 million plan to reduce its energy consumption and associated costs. The solar array produces energy that is pumped into the building, reducing the amount of electricity required from the grid. The array produces enough energy to power 125 fluorescent lamps. The college is also renovating three buildings and installing low-flow toilets. The college expects to save $583,000 in annual energy costs.
Maharishi U Management to Open Sustainable Living Center
Maharishi University of Management (IA) has announced the use of renewable energy to power the construction of its Sustainable Living Center. Non-toxic materials from local sources will be used during construction, and all energy will be provided from solar panels on the building and an outside wind turbine. Rainwater catchment will be the complete source of the building's water, with a drinking water purification process through ultraviolet technology. Wastewater will be treated onsite using a constructed wetland. Slated for a late fall opening, the center will allow students in the sustainable living major to monitor energy performance and make adjustments.
Purdue U Installs Wind Turbines for Research
Purdue University (IN) has announced the installation of multiple wind turbines for research. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, 10 turbines standing at 30 feet will be installed as a simulation of 800-watt turbines. Two additional turbines will be installed on top of the engineering building. The turbine placement will be mobile in order to study how they interact with one another.
Springfield Technical CC Installs Solar Array
Springfield Technical Community College (MA) has installed an 82.9-kilowatt solar array, funded by a $7,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The solar array feeds into an online databank that students can access to monitor the system's performance, including ambient temperatures and power input. The college expects the system to pay for itself within 18 years.
U Iowa Installs Wind Turbine
The University of Iowa has installed a 37-foot wind turbine. The turbine, funded through a $40,000 grant from the Iowa Alliance for Wind Innovation and Novel Department, will generate 2.4 kilowatts of power and be used as a learning tool. When the power is not being used or tested by College of Engineering students, the energy will feed into the university grid.
U Maryland Receives $500,000 Thermoelastic Cooling Research Grant
The University of Maryland has received a $500,000 research grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The university's research proposal, titled "Thermoelastic Cooling," aspires to show the commercial potential of space cooling systems that are less dependent on fluids believed to contribute to global warming. University scientists believe the approach can increase air conditioner efficiency by 175 percent, reducing utility bills and carbon emissions.
Berkshire CC Kicks Off Energy Monitoring and Management Program
Berkshire Community College (MA) is part of a $55 million pilot project to monitor and better manage energy use in state buildings. Funded by federal stimulus money, the Department of Energy Resources and energy management company EnerNOC, will install energy meters, computer systems and web-based monitoring programs in 33 state-owned sites, including colleges. Berkshire will monitor electricity and natural gas use with the installation of 20 meters this fall. The monitors will reveal spot energy spikes and excessive use, providing building managers with specific data to reduce energy use. The information can also be accessed by college staff and students.
Carnegie Mellon U Installs Energy Management Application
Carnegie Mellon University (PA) has installed a data-driven energy efficiency application in two of its LEED Silver certified-buildings. The SiteSMART application, from energy management company EnerNOC, identifies energy inefficiencies by analyzing building management system data from thousands of energy-consuming devices across facilities. SiteSMART analysts also deliver monthly score cards that rank energy efficient measures by financial, energy and carbon savings.
Furman U Receives Grant for Solar Panel Project
Furman University (SC) has received a $340,000 grant to install 304 photovoltaic solar panels this fall. The installation at the Physical Activities Center is expected to quadruple the solar energy output on campus. The solar panels will have a peak production output of 92 kilowatts and are expected to save the university $9,300 per year based on current electric rates.
Bowling Green State U Receives $911,658 Energy Grant
Bowling Green State University (OH) has received $911,658 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The university plans to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in computer science and information technology building, Hayes Hall. Energy-efficient lighting and a computer-based building management system to control lights and temperature will also be installed.
College of Saint Rose 'Sustainability House' Reduces Energy Use
The College of Saint Rose (NY) has announced a significant decrease in energy use since the inception of its sustainability-themed campus housing. Last year, members of the college's Environmental Club proposed that a campus house be converted into a place where residents could live a more sustainable lifestyle by cutting back on water, electricity and waste. The house features water restrictors on the showers, compact fluorescent light bulbs and three composters for food waste. The Sustainability House residents' goal for the next school year is to bridge the sustainability gap between the campus and community with mandatory community service projects for those who live there.
Stanford U Initiates Freezer Retirement Program
Stanford University's (CA) Department of Sustainability and Energy Management is urging researchers to get rid of their old ultra-low temperature freezers. The freezer retirement initiative is offering cash incentives for researchers to upgrade to more energy-efficient models through August. Stanford has more than 2,000 freezers at an operational cost of $5.6 million each year. The freezers consume an estimated 40 million BTUs of energy and generate 3,600 tons of carbon dioxide.
U Minnesota Morris Plans to Install More Wind Turbines
The University of Minnesota, Morris has unveiled plans to install two 1.65-megawatt wind turbines near its existing turbine of the same size. The $7.4 million-project is expected to cut the university’s carbon footprint by more than 80 percent. The new turbines combined with the existing renewable energy facilities on campus are expected to generate 5 megawatts of power, enough to power the entire campus.
U Pennsylvania Powers Down
The University of Pennsylvania experienced a 21 percent reduction in its typical campus electrical load during a recent hour-long Power Down Challenge. Led by staff and faculty Eco-Reps, many departments participated in the challenge by turning off lights and powering down electrical devices. The challenge showcased opportunities for the university community to conserve energy and enact behavior changes on a regular basis. A portion of the financial savings from the energy test will be invested into the university’s Green Fund.
Vermont Law School Receives Energy Grant for Green Renovations
Vermont Law School has received a $250,000 energy efficiency grant as part of the Clean Energy Development Fund to help convert a historic building into a center for legal advocacy. The building will be historically preserved and upgraded to high standards of energy efficiency using green building practices.
California State U Bakersfield to Install 1MW Solar Energy System
California State University, Bakersfield has begun the installation of a $9.5 million solar energy project funded by SunEdison. The 1-megawatt solar photovoltaic collection system is expected to provide 25 to 30 percent of total university energy and provide shade for 500 parking spaces. The solar power energy will be sold back to the university at a cost of five percent less than it currently pays. The project is slated for a late summer 2010 completion.
Georgia Tech Students Evaluate Energy Saving Opportunities
After conducting energy assessments at five Beaulieu of America facilities, Georgia Institute of Technology students found that the carpet manufacturer could reduce its utility usage by almost 15 percent with an estimated annual savings of $2 million. Funded by the Georgia Environmental Partnership, the student site visits addressed energy issues important to the specific plants including energy management, boilers, steam systems and compressed air systems.
Oberlin College Awarded $925,000 Energy Efficiency Grant
Oberlin College (OH) has received a $925,000 grant to increase the energy efficiency of six of its residential halls. The award is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant: Local Governments and State Energy Program. The college will retrofit the dormitories with new windows, thermostatic radiator controls and more efficient steam traps. In related news, Oberlin's Williams Field House has achieved LEED Gold certification. Formerly an unused outdoor hockey rink, the renovated field house is now an enclosed winter practice space for sports teams.
U Alberta Augustana Unveils Solar Power Project
The University of Alberta, Augustana (BC) has completed the installation of 10 solar thermal panels on the roof of the Convocation Center. The panels will heat water for use in the cafeteria and gymnasium, relieving 20 to 30 percent of the heating requirements that formerly relied on non-renewable sources.
U California San Diego Wins EPA 2010 Award
University of California, San Diego has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2010 Energy Star CHP Award for its high efficiency, low-emission combined heat and power plant. The co-generation plant provides 85 percent of the campus’ annual electricity needs. The plant generates electricity to run lights and equipment and captures the waste heat to produce steam for heating, ventilation and air conditioning for most of the campus buildings. The university saves $670,000 per month in energy costs and uses 26 percent less fuel than a system composed of typical onsite thermal generation and purchased electricity.
U Louisville Plans to Phase Out Coal
The University of Louisville (KY) has announced plans to phase out coal burning on its Belknap Campus. The university is working with the Louisville Air Pollution Control District on a pollution reduction plan that will replace a coal furnace with a new natural gas boiler. The gas boiler will increase heating capacity by 64 percent. The university is scheduled to sign an agreement to phase out coal by the end of 2015.
Cochise College Introduces New Solar Facility
Cochise College (AZ) has introduced a new photovoltaic facility. Financed by solar energy company Externax, the $2 million solar facility is expected to generate 720,000 kilowatts of power annually and will help offset costs to power the campus. The College will purchase electricity at a nine percent discount. After 20 years, the College will have the option to own the facility and the energy it generates.
Ohio U Receives Grant for Compost Expansion and Solar Array
Ohio University has received a $1.5 million grant for energy efficiency projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. With the $1,088,571 award, the University will double its current compost initiative through the purchase of a new composting unit that will be capable of accepting four tons of waste per day. The compost facilities will yield a 200 percent increase in organics recycling. In addition, the facility will generate 100 percent of its energy needs through the on-site solar arrays.
U California Berkeley Boosts Energy Efficiency by 20%
The University of California, Berkeley has announced that it has increased energy efficiency in its 10,000-square-foot data center by 20 percent. A wireless, sensor-based monitoring system by San Francisco-based systems and software firm Arch Rock measures temperature, air flow and pressure throughout the data center. The monitoring system provides real-time, continuous visibility into power and thermal conditions, allowing for the expansion of server capacity without overloading the cooling system. The University plans to install the system throughout the entire production data center by 2011.
U Central Florida Joins LED University Program
University of Central Florida has joined the Cree LED University program with the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting in the student union. The Cree LED University Program is an international community of universities working to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient LEDs across their campuses. The University expects to save at least $10,000 a year in energy and maintenance costs. The LED lights consume 85 percent less energy than the old fixtures.
U Delaware Debuts 2 MW Coastal Wind Turbine
The University of Delaware has completed a 2-megawatt wind turbine. The turbine provides enough electricity to power approximately 500 homes and is expected to provide clean, carbon-free electricity for the entire campus. Excess power will be fed to the electric grid. The University worked alongside regional technology and energy corporations to complete the project, which is expected to enhance research in areas including turbine corrosion, avian impacts, and policy issues related to renewable energy.
Boise State U Announces LED Light Pole Installations
Boise State University (ID) has partnered with Inovus Solar, a local renewable outdoor lighting company, to set up grid-smart, solar-powered light poles with LED luminaries. The installation will enable real-time testing and development of new solar and power conservation technologies at the University. Students will have access to the installations to learn about integrating solar technologies into a smart grid.
Colby-Sawyer College Announces Green Utilities Contract
Colby-Sawyer College (NH) has announced a new, three-year electricity contract that will power the College with renewable energy sources and reduce its carbon emissions by 43 percent. The package will include the purchase of renewable energy certificates.
Harvard U Installs System to Measure Building Energy Use
The Harvard University (MA) Law School has partnered with Aircuity, a manufacturer of products that reduce building energy and improve indoor air quality, to install an energy measuring system in a three-building complex. The installations will help improve air efficiency and decrease the maintenance and energy costs associated with the structures. The system will collect data using sensors and provide information regarding adjustments that should be made for the best efficiency settings possible. The new system is expected to help the Wasserstein Hall, Caspersen Student Center, and Clinical Wing complex of the law school receive LEED Gold certification.
U Washington to Cut Carbon Emissions with New Heating System
The University of Washington has announced plans to install a new heating system during the renovation of its campus union building. The new water-to-water heat pumps will cut the building's carbon emissions by 90 percent. The pumps are designed to draw heat out of the central cooling water system, generating hot water that would be circulated to provide warm air for the ventilation systems and the radiators under the windows. Renovations will take place over the next two years with a budget of $82.7 million.
Western Kentucky U Television Studio Adds LED Lighting System
Western Kentucky University has replaced incandescent lighting equipment with an LED lighting system in its television studio. The new lighting system will reduce energy consumption by 97 percent. Broadcast production students will have an opportunity to use and study the new lights.
Elon U Receives Grant for Solar Thermal Systems
Elon University (NC) has received up to $200,000 in federal grant money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help with the installation of solar thermal systems. The solar thermal systems will heat water each day for a dining hall and a number of residence halls. The dining hall will receive a 30-panel solar thermal system. The campus project is among 18 initiatives funded throughout North Carolina using a total of $2.3 million in grants.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Launches Efficiency Forward
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston-based utility NSTAR have announced a new program, MIT Efficiency Forward, which aims to cut MIT’s electricity use by 15 percent over the next three years. The program is expected to save MIT $50 million in energy costs over the next decade. The energy reduction will result from behavior change programs and changes in lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
SUNY Canton Receives Grant to Store Power
The State University of New York at Canton has received $3 million worth of batteries that will be used to store power generated by a planned wind turbine on campus. The batteries will have the ability to store 2 megawatt hours of power which will allow around-the-clock use of the power generated by the turbine. The University will save money on electric bills even during peak hours.
U Maine Presque Isle Dedicates Wind Turbine
The University of Maine at Presque Isle has officially dedicated its first windmill on the one-year anniversary of its completion and commissioning. The 600-kilowatt, 90-meter-tall installation was financed by UMPI’s internal savings, together with a $50,000 grant from the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
California State U Northridge Installs Solar Panels
California State University, Northridge has initiated construction on a $1.97 million dual access tracking solar system. The installation allows the panels to rotate and follow the sun throughout the day. Energy collected will be distributed throughout the campus.
Eastern U Installs 56 kW Solar System
Eastern University (PA) has installed a 56-kilowatt solar system on top of a campus building. The system is expected to reduce emissions by 839 metric tons of carbon emissions within twenty years. Community Energy, a renewable energy developer that owns and operates the system, will sell Eastern University electricity produced by the solar panels at a locked-in rate for 20 years, protecting the University from rising energy costs.
NY State Schools Announce Winners of Green Business Competition
The University at Albany's (NY) College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering and School of Business, Rensselaer Polytechnic Insitute's Lally School of Management and Technology, and the Union Graduate College's School of Management have announced the winners of the Tech Valley Business Plan competition, the area's first business plan competition focusing on renewable energy and sustainable innovations.. Winners of the competition, all located at the three institutions, pitched next generation battery storage technology, recyclable teddy bears, and a year-round organic produce project.
Ohio Northern U Constructs 3 Wind Turbines
Ohio Northern University has constructed three wind turbines. Each turbine is 220 feet tall and generates 400 kilowatts of power. The University will distribute the collective 1.2 megawatts of power generated throughout the campus. The three turbines are expected to meet five to 10 percent of the University’s electricity needs.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical CC Provides Water Heated By Solar
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (NC) has entered an agreement to have 39 solar panels installed on four campus buildings. The thermal collectors will be used to provide 1,885 gallons of hot water a day. The College expects to save approximately $22,000 over the next ten years.
Luther College Implements Energy Conservation Program
Luther College (IA) has developed an Energy Conservation Program to help the institution meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent. The two major goals of the program include reducing energy consumption by three percent per year through investments in more energy efficient equipment and to reduce energy consumption by two percent per year through implementation of an energy awareness educational program. Short term goals include installing a system that allows the college to track real time energy use and communicate that information on campus to the college community, developing a team of students to foster the implementation of energy conserving measures on campus, and completing the installation of additional meters to monitor the consumption of electricity, steam heat, and water in all major campus buildings.
Middlebury College to Purchase Bio-Methane Gas
Middlebury College (VT) has agreed to purchase bio-methane gas from a Vermont farm energy company, with the agreement contingent on the College raising money to build storage facilities for the gas on campus and retrofit its current heating plant to burn the new fuel. The project would cost approximately $9 million. Middlebury hopes that their agreement will provide a boost to the farm-based methane industry, which uses cow manure and food waste to produce methane gas.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Starts Solar Educational Farm
Milwaukee Area Technical College (WI), in collaboration with Johnson Controls, has begun construction for its new Photovoltaic Educational Farm. The 32-acre, 510 kW facility will provide energy to operate the Milwaukee Public Television transmitter. The facility will serve as a training center for technicians, designers, site assessors, electricians, sales personnel, and other professionals in the field of renewable energy.
U Texas San Antonio Receives Funds for Solar Panels
University of Texas, San Antonio has received $1.08 million in Department of Energy stimulus funds to install solar panels. The panels are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions up to 273,661 pounds annually and save the University $64,000 per year. Students will be given the opportunity to work on the project.
American U Switches to 100% Green Power
American University (DC) has purchased wind-generated renewable energy credits (RECs) equivalent to 100 percent of the University’s annual electricity usage.
Duke U Converts Coal Steam Plant to Natural Gas
Duke University (NC) has completed a $25 million renovation of its East Campus Steam Plant. The University replaced the coal-fired boilers with gas-fired steam boilers, which will provide 35 percent more steam capacity to campus, while simultaneously helping to reduce the University's environmental footprint. The steam plant is part of Duke’s goal to become a climate-neutral campus.
Green Mountain College Debuts Biomass Plant
Green Mountain College (VT) has opened a wood-chip-burning plant. The plant will supply 85 percent of the College’s heat and generate 20 percent of its electricity. By next year the College expects to cut emissions by 56 percent. Green Mountain College hopes the biomass plant will assist the college in achieving carbon neutrality.
Kansas State U Implements Energy & Water Saving Plan
Kansas State University has begun a project with Johnson Controls to reduce the University’s impact on the environment. Projects include switching to more-efficient light bulbs, which is expected to save $61,000 per year; building campus wells from which non-potable water for irrigation and the campus' steam systems will be drawn, which will reduce KSU's water bill by around $367,000 annually; turning off computers, which is expected to save $4,400 annually; and expanding recycling facilities.
Kent State U Stark Receives Funding for Energy Plan
Kent State University, Stark (OH) has received $1.3 million in financing for its Energy and Conservation Master Plan. The funding will be used for lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and the installation of solar fountains. The University expects to save at least $182,000 within ten years and to reduce energy consumption and emissions by 37 percent.
