Washington, DC, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — During a “Powering On” ceremony yesterday, The Catholic University of America unveiled its newest development towards environmental sustainability – the profitable completion of the 7.5 megawatt (MW) West Campus Solar Array.
Developed in collaboration with Standard Solar, a number one business and group photo voltaic developer and asset proprietor based mostly in Rockville, MD, this initiative marks a big step towards an eco-friendly future for the college and extra broadly. district group. The photo voltaic array contributes considerably to the district’s purpose of attaining 100% renewable power by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Speakers on the celebration occasion included Peter Kilpatrick, Catholic University President; Scott Wiater, President and CEO, Standard Solar; Nicole Steele, Senior Advisor for Equity and Workforce on the US Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office; Jack McDougle, President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade; and Steve Farole, President of the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association (BNCA).
Located within the coronary heart of Washington, DC, the West Campus Solar Array will likely be totally purposeful this summer season. Part of the little-used 40-acre parcel of land had been deliberate for a parking zone, however as a substitute, it is going to now host a discipline of 42 rows of photo voltaic panels that may present 10,000 megawatt (MWh) hours of electrical energy within the college and the group.
This groundbreaking venture underscores the college’s continued dedication to modern and sustainable power options, positioning it as a pacesetter in renewable power throughout the district, the broader DC-Maryland-Virginia area and internationally. .
“This West Campus photo voltaic farm venture is not only a renewable power enterprise; it’s a testomony to the dedication of The Catholic University of America to making a sustainable future for our nation and the world,” mentioned President Peter Kilpatrick, Catholic University. “As we gentle up our campus with clear power, we additionally enlighten minds by way of schooling and invite the group to affix us on this transformative journey towards a greener and extra sustainable world.”
Key options of the venture embrace:
- Largest Urban Ground Solar Array: The West Campus Solar Array is the most important city ground-mount photo voltaic array within the area, highlighting the college’s dedication to pioneering sustainable power options.
- Environmental Savings: The venture is estimated to save lots of 7.115 metric tons of greenhouse fuel emissions per 12 months, equal to eradicating 1,547 autos from the street per 12 months or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from almost 800,630 gallons of gasoline.
- Renewable Energy Generation: With the capability to provide 10,000 MWh of renewable power per 12 months, the photo voltaic facility advantages the campus and the area people.
- Energy Equity: The array may also present clear power financial savings to over 1,200 subscribers throughout the group, benefiting District residents.
- Economic Impact: The 20-year projected financial savings to the district’s subscribers is estimated at $3.5 million, creating financial advantages together with environmental advantages.
“Undertaking a venture of this magnitude in an city setting presents its challenges, however the potential rewards for the area are monumental,” mentioned Scott Wiater, President & CEO, Standard Solar. “The West Campus Solar Array will present energy to the college sustainably and profit the area people. This is a real win-win state of affairs for everybody concerned.”
“Because of our college’s location within the coronary heart of Washington, DC, we faithfully function accountable stewards of the Earth,” mentioned Robert Specter, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & University Treasurer. “Our purpose is to passionately assist the clear power and power effectivity objectives promoted by our elected officers.”
This initiative is a part of the University’s complete sustainability plan, as said on this current CatholicU journal. article. This plan consists of LEED-certified buildings, electric-vehicle charging stations, trendy power infrastructure, and different ecological efforts.
Recognized worldwide for its sustainability efforts, Catholic University was one of many first universities to signal the Laudato Si Action Platform and has been featured within the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges for 4 consecutive years.
About Catholic University
The Catholic University of America is the nationwide college of the Catholic Church and the one increased schooling establishment based by US bishops. Founded in 1887 as a papally chartered graduate and analysis heart, the University consists of 12 faculties and 31 analysis amenities and is residence to greater than 5,400 undergraduate and graduate college students.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar strengthens the nation’s power transformation – brings venture improvement capabilities, monetary energy and technical experience to ship the advantages of photo voltaic and photo voltaic + storage to companies and establishments, farms , authorities, group, and utilities. Building on 20 years of sustainable development and in-house and tax fairness funding capital, Standard Solar is a nationwide chief within the improvement, financing and long-term possession and operation of business and group photo voltaic property. Recognized as a longtime monetary associate with instant, deep sources, the corporate owns and operates greater than 350 megawatts of photo voltaic throughout the United States. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Standard Solar is a portfolio firm of Brookfield, one of many largest homeowners and operators of renewable energy and local weather change property. Learn extra at standardsolar.com, LinkedIn and on X (previously often known as Twitter): @StandardSolar.
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The Catholic University of America – West Campus Solar Array Project
