Long Island U Installs Solar Panels
Long Island University (NY) has installed a new 10-kilowatt solar generating system. Incentives from the Long Island Power Authority and National Grid lowered the cost of the solar panels by $28,000. The university also purchased renewable energy certificates amounting to three percent of its total energy consumption.
Pennsylvania State U Awarded $129 Mil for Energy Innovation Hub
Pennsylvania State University has been awarded up to $129 million in federal funding to develop an energy innovation hub at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The grant, to be paid over the next five years, will fund energy-efficient building design research with a focus on how to improve energy efficiency and cut pollution in the construction, maintenance and management of buildings. A particular emphasis will be placed on training workers to retrofit old buildings. The project is expected to create and retain 100,000 jobs over the next five to 10 years.
Pierce College Plans for 3 Solar Arrays
Pierce College (CA) will install three new photovoltaic arrays on campus. The $8.7 million project is part of a six-year lease of the new equipment, after which the Los Angeles Community College District will assume ownership of the lease.
Southern Texas U Begins Solar Installation
Southern Texas University has begun installing a new solar demonstration. Partnering with the university, Evolution Solar will install eight thin-film photovoltaic panels on the campus that are intended to serve as a cornerstone of the new Green Technology Center. Students will be included in the installation process.
West Virginia U Installs Energy Saving Virtual Desktop Devices
West Virginia University has installed virtual desktop devices called thin clients on 45 computer monitors in its law library and computer lab. Thin clients are small metal boxes that connect to a remote server and contain a processor and memory and video card like a desktop computer, but have no operating system, drivers, software or moving parts. This technology is expected to save the university energy, maintenance, licensing and software costs.
Creighton U Installs Solar Panels
Creighton University (NE) has installed solar panels as part of a $2.6 million project funded mostly by the federal government. The panels will produce approximately 110 kilowatts of power, enough to power about 30 average houses. The solar panels, along with four new wind turbines, will supply four percent of campus electricity. The alternative energy technology is expected to save the university $60,000 in annual utility costs.
U Arizona to Receive 1.6 MW Solar Power System
The University of Arizona will feature a 1.6-megawatt solar power system as Arizona electric utility Tuscan Electric Power installs 5,508 solar panels at the university’s solar development center. The center occupies 200 acres and serves as a test bed for new technologies and solar-energy projects. The energy will be used to supply participants in a solar program, which allows rate payers to buy solar power in 150-kilowatt blocks.
U Delaware to Install 2K Panel Solar Array
The University of Delaware has announced that it will receive a 2,000-panel solar array to be installed over three buildings throughout the main campus. The 850-kilowatt solar electric system will be funded in part by the university's 2009 senior class gift, which was earmarked for solar initiatives on campus. The installation is a joint venture of Standard Solar, Inc. and renewable energy financier Perpetual Energy Systems LLC. The university expects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 2 million pounds a year.
Butte College Has Grid Positive Plans for May 2011
With the upcoming addition of 15,000 solar photovoltaic panels, Butte College (CA) is on track to becoming grid positive, producing more clean energy from sustainable on-site solar power than it uses. The college's Board of Trustees recently approved the installation, which will add to its existing 10,000 solar panels for a system total of 4.5 solar megawatts. The $17 million project, funded in part by federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, is slated for a May 2011 completion.
U Iowa to Develop Model Green Power Initiative for Campuses
The University of Iowa has received a $951,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to increase the amount of green energy produced at the university’s Oakdale Renewable Energy Plant. The funding will also be used to develop a Green Power Initiative that can be used as a model program for other universities across the country. The overall project will involve the development of a biomass-fueled, university-scaled steam generation system based on biomass gasification technologies. Upon its completion, the system will serve as a research and educational facility.
U Oregon Unveils New Chiller Plant
The University of Oregon has upgraded its cooling system with a new, $37 million chiller plant. Using groups of chillers and cooling towers that pump water through underground pipes to the campus' more than 60 buildings, the plant is expected to cut energy consumption for cooling the university's buildings in half.
Alfred U to Install Solar Array
Alfred University (NY) has been awarded a $268,840 grant from the New York State Energy Research Development Authority to build a large solar panel array. The solar array will be installed on the Science Center roof and is expected to meet an average of eight percent of the annual electrical energy needs of the building. The project will bring the university closer to its goal of generating 100 kilowatts of solar power on campus within five years.
Ball State U Planning Campus-wide Geothermal System
Ball State University (IN) is working on the first phase of an $80 million project that will heat and cool the entire campus using geothermal energy. The geothermal project entails a ground source heating system that uses the earth’s below-surface temperature of 55 degrees to act as a heat source during the cooler months, and a heat sink during the warmer months. Geothermal pumps will push the water through an underground pipe system. By utilizing geothermal ground source technology throughout its 660-acre campus, the university expects to save $2 million annually on utility bills and eliminate 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide.
Bowling Green State U Receives Grant for Energy Upgrades
Bowling Green State University (OH) has received a $911,658 grant to upgrade the energy efficiency of 45 buildings and provide educational opportunities for students and staff in sustainability and energy-efficient design. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant will fund heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system upgrades. The fund will also assist with the installation of energy-efficient lighting and computer-based control of lights and temperature in buildings.
California State U Fullerton Receives Solar Panels
In an agreement between the State of California Department of General Services, the California State University system and solar service provider SunEdison, California State University, Fullerton has received photovoltaic panels. The panels are expected to produce 600 megawatts of power. The power-purchase agreement allows the university to purchase renewable power at or below current retail rates, while avoiding the cost of installing the system. Under the agreement, SunEdison will finance, build, operate and maintain the solar panels for 20 years.
Emory U's Oxford College Uses Solar Electricity for Irrigation
Emory University's Oxford College (GA) uses solar-produced electricity to irrigate its demonstration organic garden. Through the recent installation of solar panels on Haygood Residence Hall, the solar electricity powers a water pump that irrigates the garden with rainwater collected from the residence hall roof. When the pump is not in use, the electricity is sent to the grid. The amount of electricity produced is monitored online and, between January and June 2010, the panels produced enough electricity to power 32 homes for one day.
Monroe County CC to Build Solar Installation
Monroe County Community College (MI) has partnered with Detroit Edison to install a 500-kilowatt photovoltaic system as part of a 20-year renewable energy agreement. The solar system will be owned, installed, operated and maintained by Detroit Edison. The college will use the system for alternative energy demonstration, education and instruction.
North Carolina State U Centennial Campus to Feature Green Grid
North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus has completed construction on the 72,000-square-foot Keystone Science Center. Among its tenants is the National Science Foundation-sponsored FREEDM Center, which plans to create a one-megawatt green grid to showcase solar, wind, fuel cell, battery storage, flywheel storage and plug-in vehicles. Researchers will test and evaluate how the different components work together in a distributed electrical system.
U Illinois at Chicago Installs Green and White Roofs
The University of Illinois at Chicago has installed green and white roofs. Funded by federal stimulus grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, the green roofs' vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide and the heat in the summer to provide extra insulation year-round. The university is also applying white acrylic coating on several campus roofs. The lighter paneling absorbs less heat and reduces the amount of energy needed to cool the building.
U Texas Athletics Creates Renewable Energy Service
The University of Texas Men's & Women's Athletics program has formed a new partnership with Dallas-based Branded Retail Energy Co. to offer a 100 percent renewable energy service to alumni and those in deregulated regions of Texas. Texas Longhorns Energy will be powered by electricity provider Champion Energy Services, with each new customer account generating funds for sustainability efforts within the university's Athletics department. The service will launch in mid-August with rates comparable to current renewable energy market rates.
Wisconsin Lutheran College Installs Solar Panels
Wisconsin Lutheran College has installed 60 solar panels on the roof of the campus library. Students and the community can visit a kiosk in the library to learn more about the panels and track the amount of energy being produced on campus. The college received a $35,080 grant from renewable energy adviser Focus on Energy to help offset the cost of the system.
Curtin U Purchases Renewable Energy Credits
Curtin University (Australia) has purchased 15 percent of the electricity for its Bentley campus through an accredited Green Power product. The electricity will be culled from Australian wind, solar and biomass sources. Green Power is a federal government accreditation program for renewable energy.
Iceland Students Win Global Energy Student Competition
Two graduates of the School for Renewable Energy Science (Iceland) are the recent winners of the global student competition at the 18th World Hydrogen Energy Conference. The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy's (IPHE) contest was designed to increase student awareness and knowledge of hydrogen and fuel cells. The winning theses are titled "Wind Power-Fuel Cell Hybrid Systems: Optimization of Electricity Production" and "Fuel Cell Battery Hybrid System: Test of Ejectors for Anode Recirculation Loop."
Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman U Installs Bldg Control System
Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University (Saudi Arabia) has announced plans to implement a building control system from ABB engineering company that will allow automatic and remote control of lighting and shading through one single interface. This technology is expected to yield campus energy savings of up to 40 percent.
U Bristol, U Birmingham Students Tie in Energy Challenge
A team of students from the University of Bristol (UK) and the University of Birmingham (UK) tied for first place in a United Kingdom energy challenge. Sponsored by energy company RWE npower, the challenge asked students how a power generation and supply company should respond to climate change. Students were to consider affordability, sustainability, public perception, customer retention and supply security. The Bristol team's solution included developing more renewable energy and a fixed price green energy tariff. Birmingham students proposed hydropower to cope with peaks in demand.
U Queensland Installs Solar Facility
The University of Queensland (Australia) has partnered with solar company Ingenero to develop and install a flat panel solar facility. Projects will include rooftop installation and a ground-mounted solar array. The combination will provide clean energy to the university as well as a training and research platform. The 1.2-megawatt solar system will spread across four rooftops.
Duke U Implements Indoor Temperature Policy
Duke University (NC) has announced a policy to regulate indoor temperatures. Participating campus buildings at Duke will now be set to 76 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. The university expects to save as much as $600,000 in heating and cooling costs.
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.
