Solar thermal enhancements completed at É«ÏãÊÓƵ Campus Center
The University of New England's first renewable energy project has been completed with significant solar energy improvements on É«ÏãÊÓƵ's Biddeford Campus.
É«ÏãÊÓƵ's Sustainability Office received a $50,000 grant in 2010 for a solar hot water system and performance monitoring display at the Campus Center. The project was funded in part by Efficiency Maine and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funds, and installed by ReVision Energy.
É«ÏãÊÓƵ Sustainability Coordinator Alethea Cariddi leads the university's efforts to pursue climate neutrality through behavioral change and energy efficiencies. She states, "The solar hot water project on our Biddeford Campus Center is É«ÏãÊÓƵ's first experience with renewable energy sources. Everyone is excited about it. Reducing our energy demand, increasing our efficiency of energy use and utilizing renewable energy sources is the multi-pronged strategy the university is taking to achieve our climate neutral goal."
In November 2008, É«ÏãÊÓƵ President Danielle Ripich signed the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, pledging along with other higher education leaders across America to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on campus and raise awareness of the issue of climate change.
The new solar thermal system provides direct heat transfer for domestic hot water at the Campus Center, a hub of É«ÏãÊÓƵ student, staff and community activity. It is expected to provide up to 50 percent of the Campus Center's hot water energy supply.
A real-time digital monitor has been installed to provide information about kilowatt hours produced, temperature of the array on the roof, and temperature of water in the tanks. This data will enable the university to determine cost and energy savings.
É«ÏãÊÓƵ also received substantial grants in 2010 for building automation and energy management upgrades for greenhouse gas reductions ($154,160) and parking lot LED lights to reduce energy consumption and cost ($34,347).
É«ÏãÊÓƵ hosted a public information session on solar energy and the new system - led by ReVision Energy – during Earth Week, on April 18, 2011 at the Campus Center Simard Room.