Energy

Solar Update

As of April 2016, our college has been accepted into Eversource’s ZREC program. The system office is currently finalizing the terms and conditions of the power purchase and license agreements to be signed with Green Bank before Sunlight Solar Energy can begin to install our grid. The grid will be 100’ x 150’ adjacent to the lower parking lot. It will produce approximately 135,000 kwh on average, resulting in an approximate $9,000 in energy cost savings in year one.

Energy

Specific short-term goals identified in MxCC’s Climate Action Plan, 2015-2016:

ActionMeasurementAchievabilityStatus
Keep updated benchmarking of every buildingTrack electricity, heating, and water usage through college’s energy bills throughout the fiscal yearAN Done.
Installation of time clocks on vending machinesReduction in electricity ANDone in Founders.
Turn off computers when not in useEnergy Dashboard AN Done.
Installation of occupancy sensorsEnergy DashboardANDone (everywhere it is feasible)
Develop an Energy Dashboard to create occupant awareness of building performance dataTracking electricity, water, heating AIIDone 12/15 – currently includes electricity and water – add heat?
Install a solar PV systemEnergy Dashboard will track PV system’s energy production ANRFP closes end of Jan. 2016
Upgrade insulation levels to R-38Reduced AC levelsAIIOn a replacement schedule – Pavillion has it.
Purchase Energy Star/EPEAT+ appliances/computers/products when available.Appliances/products are energy star.AN Done.
Look into what Terrapass** can do for our institution.Research and implementation of recommended changes, if appropriate.AN

* Achievable now (AN), achievable with additional resources (AAR), achievable through policy changes (APC), achievable through institutional investment (AII)