UConn Successfully Pursues Energy Efficiency, Even As Campus Grows – UConn Today
UConn Successfully Pursues Energy Efficiency, Even As Campus Grows - UConn Today University of Connecticut
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The University of Connecticut’s Efforts to Reduce Carbon Footprint
The University of Connecticut has made significant progress in reducing its carbon footprint over the past 20 years. Through long-term investments and the establishment of its own power plant, the university has managed to decrease its peak power consumption despite adding more buildings to its campus. However, with the campus continuing to grow, the university is now exploring additional ways to meet its heat and power needs in a more sustainable manner.
Facilities Operations Proposals
Facilities Operations has put forward two proposals to address the university’s increasing electric demand. The first proposal involves adding two hydrogen-capable turbines to the existing cogeneration system that provides electricity and steam heat on the Storrs campus. This would increase the total rating to 50MW, with the existing turbines being retrofitted to handle up to 30% hydrogen. While this expansion would still rely on natural gas, it presents an opportunity for future integration of hydrogen. The second proposal suggests connecting to the grid via Eversource’s East-West line, which primarily sources electricity from the Killingly natural gas plant and the Millstone nuclear plant.
Student Competition Proposals
In addition to Facilities Operations’ proposals, students participated in a competition organized by the Eversource Energy Center. The winning project, submitted by undergraduate students Pranavi Rebala and Austin Gelinas, involves the installation of solar panel-covered carports over existing parking lots. These solar panels would be paired with batteries to store energy for high-demand periods on campus. The project would benefit from net metering, reducing costs, and minimizing transmission losses by placing the solar panels close to UConn’s substation.
Other student proposals included:
- Hydrogen fuel cells on the roofs of buildings to provide baseload energy and reduce reliance on the cogeneration plant
- An anaerobic digester to convert animal waste and wastewater sludge into biogas and electricity, along with a cross-campus competition to reduce energy usage
- The development of a tool to improve solar maps and predict solar generation capacity in specific locations
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals
These proposals align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. The reduction of carbon footprint and the integration of renewable energy sources contribute to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Additionally, the focus on energy efficiency and waste management supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. By pursuing these initiatives, the University of Connecticut is actively working towards a more sustainable future.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs Addressed in the Article:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Targets Identified Based on the Article:
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
- Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships
Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Peak power consumption (MW)
- Electric demand
- Carbon footprint
- Solar panel-covered carports
- Net metering
- Solar generation capacity
- Grid voltage
- Energy consumption of UConn buildings
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Peak power consumption (MW) |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Electric demand |
| Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable | Carbon footprint | |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities | Solar panel-covered carports |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Net metering |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships | Solar generation capacity, Grid voltage, Energy consumption of UConn buildings |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: today.uconn.edu
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