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Catholic University has taken a serious step in its sustainability journey by finishing its 7.5 MW West Campus Solar Array. This initiative, developed in partnership with Standard Solar, a number one business and neighborhood photo voltaic developer, highlights the University’s dedication to renewable vitality and its imaginative and prescient for an eco-friendly future.
A Historic Commitment to Continuity
Catholic University, positioned within the coronary heart of Washington, DC, has lengthy been a pioneer in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Known worldwide for its sustainability efforts, the University was one of many first to signal the Laudato Si Action Platform. The University has been featured within the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges for 4 consecutive years. The West Campus Solar Array is the most recent in a collection of initiatives to scale back the University’s carbon footprint and promote renewable vitality.
“This West Campus photo voltaic farm mission isn’t just a renewable vitality 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,” stated Peter Kilpatrick, President of Catholic University. “As we gentle up our campus with clear vitality, we additionally enlighten minds by way of training and invite the neighborhood to hitch us on this transformative journey towards a greener and extra sustainable world.”
Celebrating a Milestone
Monday’s “Powering On” ceremony marked the official activation of the West Campus Solar Array. In addition to the University President, the occasion featured notable audio system: Scott Wiater, President & CEO of Standard Solar; Nicole Steele, Senior Advisor for Equity and Workforce on the US Department of Energy’s 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).
Project Overview
The photo voltaic array is on a 40-acre parcel of land that was initially meant for use as a car parking zone. However, it now hosts 42 rows of photo voltaic panels that generate 10,000 MWh of electrical energy yearly. This makes it the most important city ground-mount photo voltaic array within the area, demonstrating the University’s revolutionary strategy to land use and sustainable vitality options.
The West Campus Solar Array will contribute considerably to the district’s renewable vitality objectives, together with reaching 100% renewable vitality by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050. The mission is predicted to scale back greenhouse fuel emissions by 7,115 metric tons per 12 months, equal to eradicating 1,547 automobiles from the street or chopping carbon dioxide emissions from practically 800,630 gallons of gasoline.
“Undertaking a mission of this magnitude in an city setting presents its challenges, however the potential rewards for the area are monumental,” stated Scott Wiater, President & CEO of Standard Solar. “The West Campus Solar Array will present energy to the University sustainably and profit the area people. This is a real win-win state of affairs for everybody concerned.”
Community Benefits
In addition to its environmental advantages, the photo voltaic array will present clear vitality financial savings to greater than 1,200 neighborhood subscribers, leading to an estimated $3.5 million in financial savings over the following 20 years. This initiative advances the University’s sustainability objectives and delivers many financial advantages to residents.
The West Campus Solar Array is a part of Catholic University’s complete sustainability plan, which incorporates LEED-certified buildings, electrical automobile charging stations, and fashionable vitality infrastructure.
“Because of our college’s location within the coronary heart of Washington, DC, we faithfully function accountable stewards of the Earth,” stated Robert Specter, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & University Treasurer. “Our purpose is to passionately assist the clear vitality and vitality effectivity objectives promoted by our elected officers.”