During the June 3 “Powering On” ceremony, 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, believed to be the most important city ground-mount group photo voltaic array. within the United States.
Developed in collaboration with Standard Solar, a business and group photo voltaic developer and asset proprietor based mostly in Rockville, Maryland, this initiative takes a step towards an eco-friendly future for the college and past. vast group of the district. The photo voltaic array will significantly contribute to the District’s aim of reaching 100% renewable power by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Speakers on the celebration occasion included Peter Kilpatrick, president of Catholic University; Scott Wiater, president and CEO of Standard Solar; Nicole Steele, senior advisor for fairness 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).
Located within the coronary heart of Washington, DC, the West Campus Solar Array will likely be totally useful this summer season. Part of the little-used 40-acre parcel of land had been deliberate for a parking zone, however as an alternative, it is going to now host a area of 42 rows of photo voltaic panels that may present 10,000 megawatt (MWh) hours of electrical energy within the college and the group.
CUA officers level out that this groundbreaking challenge underscores the college’s continued dedication to revolutionary and sustainable power options and positions it as a pacesetter in renewable power throughout the District and past. broad Washington metropolitan area and internationally.
“This West Campus photo voltaic farm challenge is not only a renewable power enterprise; it’s a testomony to the dedication of The Catholic University of America to create a sustainable future for our nation and the world,” mentioned Kilpatrick. “As we mild 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 challenge embody:
• 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 challenge is estimated to save lots of 7.115 metric tons of greenhouse fuel emissions per yr, equal to eradicating 1,547 automobiles from the streets per yr 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 yr, the photo voltaic facility advantages the campus and the local 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 benefits.
“Undertaking a challenge of this magnitude in an city setting presents its challenges, however the potential rewards for the area are monumental,” Wiater mentioned. “The West Campus Solar Array will present energy to the college sustainably and profit the local people. This is a real win-win situation 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, CUA’s government vp, chief working officer and treasurer. “Our aim is to passionately help the clear power and power effectivity objectives promoted by our elected officers.”
This initiative is a part of the University’s complete sustainability plan that features 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 featured in Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges for 4 consecutive years.