Brunswick CC Students Convert Algae Oil to Biodiesel
A group of Brunswick Community College (NC) students from the Aquaculture and Biotechnology programs have begun working on a project to extract oil from algae and convert it into biodiesel. BCC hopes that the new fuel will soon be used to power campus tractors.
Colorado College Installs 25 kW Solar Array
Colorado College has installed a 25 kW solar array on campus. The new array, which is situated on the south-facing roof of a college-owned apartment building, produces enough energy to power the equivalent of one of the campus' language-theme residential houses. The College has created a webpage to view and track the amount of power produced by the panels.
U New Mexico Receives EPA Energy Award
The University of New Mexico has won the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for reducing its energy use by 20 percent. EPA recognized the University for its natural gas-fired CHP system at the Ford Utilities Center. Part of a major energy infrastructure upgrade project, the CHP system supplies the campus with roughly one-third of its total electricity demand and produces steam to help meet the space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot water production needs of more than 25,000 students, staff, and faculty. The CHP system runs with an operating efficiency of almost 65 percent and requires 20 percent less fuel than typical alternatives.
SUNY-Ulster Begins Energy Conservation Project
The State University of New York at Ulster recently began an upgrade to its campus facilities which will be funded through expected energy savings. This project will simultaneously reduce utility, operating and maintenance costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. Upgrade activities will include retrofitting older, less energy efficient equipment on campus with state-of-the-art energy using equipment. The project will also address water conservation and a renewable energy system in the form of a solar hot water heating system. SUNY Ulster is partnering with Johnson Controls to assist in the energy conservation upgrade to its campus.
U British Columbia Launches Energy Monitoring Project
The University of British Columbia has launched an initiative to track energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions in five campus buildings. The project will track electricity, steam, and water consumption in the buildings using software and power meters, and the results can be seen in real-time at website hosted by Small Energy Group, UBC's partner in the project. In a related project, a UBC Ph.D. candidate will investigate how occupants in two of the five buildings can use this real-time energy data to reduce energy consumption and increase comfort.
Florida Gulf Coast U to be 100% Solar
Legislatures in Florida have allocated $8.5 million to fund the installation of a solar farm on 16 acres of the Florida Gulf Coast University campus. The project, which awaits approval by the Governor, has an expected completion date of summer 2009. If successful, the solar farm, including the panels purchased with private donations, would generate 2 megawatts per day, enough to provide 100 percent of FGCU's energy needs. Governor Charlie Crist is expected to approve the plan.
Northland College Students Install Solar Panels on Campus
The Northland College (WI) Photovoltaic Installation class recently installed a solar electric system at the home of the Northland College President. The students installed twelve 175 watt solar panels mounted on a pole. The array of panels is attached to a sun-watt tracking system, a mechanism that automatically rotates the panels from east to west as well as tilts them up and down to follow the sun through the course of the day. Together, the panels will produce about 3,300 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The President is funding the project with her personal finances with help from renewable energy grants provided by the State of Wisconsin.
U Illinois to Cut Energy Use by 10%
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recently established a goal to cut energy use in existing buildings by 10 percent in three years and reach 1990 levels within five years. The reduction is expected to save the equivalent of 300 million kilowatt-hours of energy, and would be achieved by controlling growth, developing incentives to reduce usage, encouraging the campus community to be more energy conscious and stimulating investment in energy-saving measures.
Western Washington U to Install Rooftop Solar Panels
Western Washington University recently announced plans to install 12 solar panels on the roof of the Viking Student Union. The panels will generate an estimated 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. Along with the panels, WWU plans to install an educational kiosk to explain the project and show the amount of power the solar panels are generating. The project is an initiative of the WWU Students for Renewable Energy, an Associated Student club that began organizing and planning for the solar panels in 2006.
Notre Dame Computer Processors to Heat City Greenhouse
University of Notre Dame’s (IN) Center for Research Computing and the City of South Bend have announced plans to relocate a cluster of high performance computer servers to the city's desert plant greenhouse. The relocation of the servers will substantially lower the cooling expenditures associated with high performance computing on the University’s campus. In turn, the heat associated with the computer cluster now provides a heating infrastructure for the Greenhouses at a cost much lower than the city would pay for natural gas.
1.2 MW Solar Project Completed at East Los Angeles College
The Los Angeles Community College District (CA) recently completed a 1.2 MW solar power project at East Los Angeles College. The $9 million project, which will provide almost half of the college’s daytime power needs, is part of the District’s Renewable Energy Plan, which aims to take all nine of its colleges "off the grid.". The solar panels are located atop a seven large-scale carports.
SUNY Ulster to Launch Energy Conservation Project
The State University of New York at Ulster recently announced that it will undergo a $2.6 million energy conservation upgrade. The upgrade is expected to reduce the college’s energy use by almost 1.3 million kWh per year. Upgrades include retrofitting older, less energy efficient equipment with state-of-the-art energy using equipment. The project will also address water conservation and a renewable energy system in the form of a solar water heating system. The cost of the project is expected to be funded through energy savings over a 15 year period.
Caltech Installs 230kW Solar Facility
California Institute of Technology recently began installing a 230 kW solar array on top of one of its parking structures. Caltech officials believe that the new array will be the largest solar-energy facility in the city of Pasadena. The project will be financed and operated through a Power Purchase Agreement between the campus and Solar Power Partners. The City of Pasadena and Pasadena Water and Power have worked closely with Caltech to create the facility, and construction is expected to finish in August 2008.
Columbia U Trades Incandescent Bulbs for CFLs
The Columbia University (NY) Environmental Law Society recently launched the Student Lightbulb Brigade Project, an initiative that aims to reduce the collective carbon footprint of the Columbia University community by offering compact fluorescent light bulbs for the less efficient incandescent bulbs for free. The students hope to exchange 50,000 bulbs.
Point Loma Nazarene U to Build 450 KW Solar Array
Point Loma Nazarene University (CA) recently announced its plans to build a 450 kW solar energy system on its campus. The photovoltaic system is projected to produce 80 percent of the peak energy for six major PLNU buildings. Construction is set to begin in July of 2008. PLNU was able to finance the system through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) provided by Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP). Under the PPA, SPP will own the solar system for 20 years and sell the clean energy generated by the system to PLNU at a cost below present utility rates. PLNU has no upfront capital costs for the system and will have fixed electricity rates for 20 years.
U Utah Unveils New Cogeneration Steam System
The University of Utah recently unveiled a new cogeneration steam system, which will supply 5 to 10 percent of the University's electricity needs and produce heat for part of the campus. The new system is estimated to save 63,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from going into the atmosphere per year.
Purdue U to Green 3 Buildings, Purchases Green Vehicles
Three Purdue University (IN) buildings have recently been selected for Qualified Energy Savings upgrades as part of an Indiana legislative program. The upgrades will improve the energy efficiency on campus by replacing air handling units, installing more efficient toilets and urinals, and retrofitting kitchen and lavatory faucets with aerators to reduce water consumption. Purdue officials say that the energy savings from the upgrades will translate into a 3.3 percent annual reduction in overall carbon dioxide emissions from the campus utility plant. Additionally, Purdue recently purchased two hybrid vehicles and a mid-sized travel bus that can run on B20 fuel. With the addition of the two new cars, Purdue increased its hybrid fleet to four vehicles.
St. Cloud State U Unveils Biofuels Bus
St. Cloud State University (MN) recently unveiled a bus powered by 80 percent recycled vegetable oil and 20 percent diesel fuel. The Husky Fried Ride uses approximately 150 gallons of vegetable oil per week while classes are in session, and is operated by the city bus system on the university park-and-ride routes. The vegetable oil used in the Husky Fried Ride is obtained from the university deep fryers.
U Mary Washington Campaign Saves Energy
A University of Mary Washington (VA) student-led environmental campaign has saved an estimated 197 metric tons of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere as a result of a shift in energy-saving attitudes and behaviors on campus. Results of a survey showed that students wasted the most energy when taking long showers, leaving computer equipment on when not in use, and running fans and air conditioning units when no one was in the room. The University's energy services company, NORESCO, then designed and provided training for resident assistants to educate others about changing these three specific behaviors. Resident assistants then launched a campaign to change attitudes and behaviors by talking with their residents, modeling the behaviors, and posting flyers to remind students to conserve energy, among other activities. NORESCO plans to expand the program to other colleges and universities.
U Texas Austin Requires Students to Use Fluorescent Bulbs in Dorms
University of Texas at Austin recently announced that starting Fall semester 2008, students will be required to use fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. As part of this effort, the Division of Housing and Food Services has been in the process of replacing light fixtures with more energy efficient fluorescent models, replacing incandescent bulbs with more efficient fluorescent bulbs, and installing motion detector light switches where applicable. The University will also provide recycling boxes at center desks for students to dispose of burnt out fluorescent bulbs.
MIT Buildings To Undergo Energy Conservation Improvements
Several Massachusetts Institute of Technology buildings will undergo a variety of basic energy conservation improvements in the next few months. Pilot projects include retrofitting light bulbs and fixtures, adding and adjusting motion sensors, monitoring buildings to gauge energy use, and automating fume hood controls. The projects have been made possible by $500,000 in seed funding from the Executive Vice President, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Facilities. Additionally, students in a recent Sloan School of Management course partnered with the Department of Facilities to identify an additional $14 million of potential investments with a three-year return. These include a major revamping of the heating system in one building to include heat recovery; continuous building commissioning that assesses and optimizes building energy systems in real time; and strategic maintenance to improve energy efficiency in existing ventilation systems.
U British Columbia Students Market Energy Conservation
A University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business team of students recently won a competition to create a marketing plan using new technologies and other innovative practices to help universities and colleges reduce energy consumption. The group of students surveyed nearly 100 students and found that 70 percent of students are unaware that leaving an appliance such as an unused cell phone charger plugged into the wall consumes energy, and 60 percent of students were unaware of the benefits of energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs. The team's marketing plan included developing an application that posts daily conservation tips on Facebook and on UBC’s Web Course Tools website, where students download assignments and other class content. They also recommended selling CFLs and other energy-efficient household items in booths in UBC’s Student Union Building, and hosting an energy conservation competition in the residence halls.
Borough of Manhattan CC Increases Energy Efficiency
The Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York and the Green Buildings Collaborative of state agencies recently announced a joint effort to help increase green and energy efficiency measures at a BMCC’s building in Lower Manhattan. The effort includes a feasibility assessment for potential green and energy efficiency upgrades to the 450,000-square foot, eight-story building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as its facade. It also provides assistance in exploring potential alternative energy generation such as solar panel arrays and wind turbines.
UC San Diego To Install 7.4 MW of Renewable Energy
The University of California, San Diego recently announced plans to build a 1 MW photovoltaic array on campus, to purchase up to 3 MW of electric power produced by Southern California wind farms, and to produce 2.4 MW from fuel cells powered by methane captured from a sewage treatment plant. The University also hopes to install an additional 1 MW photovoltaic array within the next year. The arrays will be built atop campus buildings and parking structures. Once complete, the 7.4 MW of renewable energy are expected to meet 10 - 15 percent of the campus's annual electrical needs. The projects are part of UCSD's effort to become the "Greenest University in the Nation.","1
Burlington College Joins Energy Efficiency Project
Burlington College (VT) recently joined an energy-efficiency project composed of the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges. The goals of the Burlington College part of the project are to retrofit existing older buildings on campus to significantly improve energy efficiency, and to carry out a site analysis and design of a new LEED-certified building. The college also plans to replace its four boilers with two Energy Star-rated boilers, three 50-gallon hot water tanks with a 200-gallon gas hot water tank, 104 fluorescent light fixtures with more energy-efficient models, and 70 of the 102 windows on campus buildings. The school said it will also carry out an architectural study on constructing a LEED-certified, climate-specific and site-specific building using energy-efficient construction materials. The study will explore incorporating passive solar and wind energy, as well as natural day-lighting.
Campuses Participate in Fossil Fools Day
Campuses from the U.S. and Canada participated in Fossil Fools Day events on April 1. Fossil Fools Day, organized by the Energy Action Coalition, brings together thousands of young people from around the world for a global day of action demonstrating the youth commitment to stop climate change. The University of Kentucky, Wilfrid Laurier University (ON), Clark University (MA), and others participated in the day of action through events such as raising a mock wind turbine on top of a pile of coal, blockading a Shell Gas Station, and hosting a wind turbine versus coal plant boxing match.
Humboldt State U to Install 2 Solar Projects
Humboldt State University’s (CA) student-initiated Humboldt Energy Independence Fund Committee has granted $100,000 for two pilot projects: a photovoltaic system for the roof of the Old Music Building and new equipment to complete a Solar Radiation Monitoring Station. The photovoltaic system was awarded $95,000 and will include two student contests in the fall to create an art display and interpretive signage explaining the installation’s benefits. The second project was awarded $5,000 toward completion of the SoRMS. Students have been working with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to create a database for the solar radiation energy of California’s North Coast. Data collected by the project will be useful for determining solar array sizes, battery storage requirements and carbon dioxide emission offsets. The information will be accessible to anyone via the laboratory’s website. Both projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of the fall 2008 semester. The fund is financed by a self-imposed fee of $10 per student per semester.
Louisiana State U Converts Local Cooking Oil to Biodiesel
Louisiana State University recently started converting its cafeteria cooking oil into biodiesel. The campus will use cooking oil from an on-campus dining facility to make 50-gallon batches of biodiesel two times per week. The product will be used in tractors, heavy equipment, compost grinders, and trucks at one of the LSU AgCenter's Central Research Station. LSU plans to organize community workshops for those who want to learn how to make biodiesel using the same process.
Turtle Mountain CC Installs Wind Turbine
Turtle Mountain Community College (ND) has begun the installation of a 600 kilowatt on-campus wind turbine. When the wind turbine runs at full capacity, it will provide 90 percent of TMCC's electricity usage. The turbine is scheduled to be complete and on the grid by late April 2008.
Medical U of South Carolina Installs Geothermal System
The Medical University of South Carolina recently installed a geothermal system into the Anderson House, a campus administration building that houses the South Carolina College of Pharmacy's administration. The building is the first on campus to utilize a closed loop geothermal heat pump.
Auburn U Partners with City to Produce Biodiesel
Auburn University (AL) recently partnered with the city of Gadsden and Gadsden Waterworks and Sewer Board to convert cooking oil into biodiesel fuel. Auburn University plans to document the cost and the conversion process in order to provide other cities with the information.
Cape Cod CC Awarded Wind Turbine Grant
Cape Cod Community College (MA) has received a $2.4 million grant to install a 600 kW wind turbine. The grant will also allow CCCC to pay a fixed price per kilowatt hour for turbine-generated electricity that will be paid to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the grant provider. The savings CCCC sees will be shared with MTC’s Low Income Energy Assistance Network. The LEAN program works with other energy programs and provides benefits to low-income populations in the area including on-site housing improvements for energy efficiency.
Eastern Kentucky U to Reduce Energy Consumption
Eastern Kentucky University recently announced their goal to reduce annual utility costs by 30 percent. EKU plans to reach the goal through energy-efficient lighting, water-conserving technologies and methods, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system retrofits. These and other initiatives will result in an estimated reduction of more than 76 million pounds of carbon dioxide, more than 120,000 pounds of nitrogen oxides and more than 400,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide. The project is the result of funding provided by an agreement with Siemens Building Technologies.
Mount Vernon Nazarene U Uses Biodiesel
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (OH) recently purchased a machine that converts waste vegetable oil into biodiesel. Since the purchase, MVNU has switched to using 100 percent biodiesel in university maintenance equipment and in a few buses.
U Minnesota Morris to Install 2 Wind Turbines & a Steam Turbine
The University of Minnesota, Morris has received three Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, a special type of tax credit bond providing the equivalent of an interest-free loan for financing qualified energy projects. Authorized by the Internal Revenue Service, the bonds will allow UMM to construct two more wind turbines and to add a steam turbine that will convert steam from the biomass facility, which is currently under construction, into electricity. One of the wind turbines will be located on-campus, while the other will be located in western Minnesota and is to be shared with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Combined with a previously constructed wind turbine, the new campus turbine will allow UMM to be powered almost exclusively with wind.
Babson C to Install Wind Turbine
Babson College (MA) plans to install a residential-scale wind turbine on the school's campus as a demonstration project. The 1.8 kW turbine is expected to be operational before the close of the spring 2008 semester. It is estimated that the turbine will produce enough energy to supply roughly 60% of the annual energy needs at the school’s entrepreneurship gallery after planned lighting renovations are completed within the space. The project is a result of a proposal by a team of three graduate students. Officials say that Babson will be the first college in the greater Boston area to utilize wind power through an on-campus installation.
Lewis & Clark College to Install Solar Panels
Lewis & Clark College (OR) recently reached an agreement with Honeywell International to supply the campus sports facility with solar power. Under the agreement, Honeywell will install solar panels on the roof of the Pamplin Sports Center and sell to the college the electricity produced by the panels. Lewis and Clark officials say that the power purchase agreement is the first of its kind for a college or university in Oregon. The panels are expected to generate more than 97,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, produce enough power to meet approximately 15% of the electricity needs for the sports center, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 1.8 million pounds over the course of the 20-year agreement. Lewis and Clark expects the solar installation to be completed by August 2008.
U Washington Expands Biofuel Program
The University of Washington Motor Pool is switching from B5 to B20 fuel, which includes 20 percent biodiesel. The University plans to use B90 fuel in the future. The change is part of the Green Fleet Initiative, a program which aims to reduce the institution's environmental footprint.
Ball State U Awarded for Use of Biofuels on Campus
Ball State University (IN) recently received the Stakeholder Achievement Award for its use of biodiesel and ethanol in campus shuttles, trucks, and cars, which began in 2003. BSU's 78 diesel-powered shuttles and trucks run on soybean-based biodiesel, while 57 flex-fuel cars run on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The award was presented by the Central Indiana Clean Cities Alliance.
Stanford U Reduces Computer Energy Consumption
Stanford University's (CA) Information Technology Services Department recently released the Stanford Power Management Tool, a supplement to software that provides security updates for Windows computers called BigFix. The tool is free downloadable mechanism that reduces energy use through hibernation, sleep, and inactivity settings. BigFix offers four different levels of green settings and is available to students, faculty, and staff. The institution predicts that the device could save up to $400,000 of electricity. Users of the download could receive a $15 rebate from Pacific Gas & Electric.
Birmingham U Installs Solar-Powered Parking Meter
Binghamton University (NY) recently installed a solar-powered multi-space parking meter system. The system is made up of a single meter that serves 33 spaces and features solar panels and a rechargeable battery.
Contra Costa CC District Installs Largest Campus Solar Array
The Contra Costa Community College District (CA) recently announced the completion of the first phase of its solar power project. The project includes a 3.2 megawatt solar photovoltaic system, high-efficiency lighting and energy management systems, high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, and high-voltage electrical system replacements at 2 of the 3 colleges. The development is said to be the largest solar power installation ever constructed for an institution of higher learning in North America.
UC Irvine Contracts for 1.2MW Solar Array
The University of California, Irvine recently contracted with UPC Solar to install a 1.2 megawatt solar panel array on campus. Under the 20-year contract, UPC Solar will design, install, own and maintain 6,500 solar panels to be placed on 11 campus buildings. UCI will then purchase the power from UPC, especially during peak demand periods when the cost of electricity is high. Kiosks located strategically around the campus will monitor the system and provide ready information to passersby about how much energy is being generated.
Andover Newton Trustees Vote to Cut Energy Consumption by 20%
The Andover Newton Theological School's (MA) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to reduce energy consumption by 20% over 5 years. The Board promised to publish annual progress reports and is hoping that entire community will take part in the effort.
Laramie County CC Named Energy Innovator of the Year
Laramie County Community College (WY) has been named the Energy Innovator of the Year, an award presented by the Renewable Energy Coalition of Wyoming. The award is result of LCCC's leadership in the state regarding renewable energy. This leadership includes the installation of its own 100 foot wind turbine, energy-efficient construction practices, and the new Wind Technician Program.
UC San Diego Joins The Green Grid
The University of California, San Diego recently joined The Green Grid, a global consortium of companies that aims to reduce energy consumption in data centers and computing ecosystems. Through this membership, UCSD plans to green the on-campus San Diego Supercomputer Center, which will re-open next year.
SUNY ESF Installs 23 kW Solar Array
The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry recently turned on a 23 kW photovoltaic array built on the south wall of ESF's Baker Laboratory. Combined with another photovoltaic array installed earlier this year and the carbonate fuel cell that went to full power this past spring, the new system means 20 percent of the college's electricity needs now come from alternative energy resources.
U Rhode Island Enters Into $18M Energy Performance Contract
The University of Rhode Island has entered into an $18 million energy performance contract designed to reduce its energy usage through the replacement of lighting fixtures, windows, heating/air conditioning systems and other equipment, as well as improvements to building energy management control systems. The upgrades are expected to save over 7 million kWhs of electricity and 42 million pounds of steam per year. The cost of the two-year contract will be paid over 12 years from the savings on the University's utility bills.
West Virginia U to Invest $12.5M in Energy Conservation
The West Virginia University Board of Governors have approved a $12.5 million plan of capital improvements designed to significantly reduce the amount of energy and water consumed at three of the University's campuses. The effort, which is phase two of an energy savings performance contract, is expected to lead to savings of $1.48 million annually over the next 15 years. Planned changes include: replacing thousands of traditional fluorescent light bulbs with newer bulbs that use less energy and produce more light; installing low flow toilets, urinals and shower heads to reduce water usage; installing computer controlled monitoring systems that can more effectively control temperatures by utilizing outside/fresh air for heating and cooling; and updating motors on fans, blowers and air handlers with variable speed that can reduce speed and energy usage when full speed is not needed. Additional improvements include the installation of chiller units in several buildings that will replace less efficient natural gas absorbers, replacement of old boiler units with more energy efficient units and improvement of power factor capacitance to reduce the amount of power the University needs to purchase.
