Construction is winding down on the carport phase of the solar project and by early next year, Albertus will have the capability to generate 30% of its own annual electrical consumption through solar power. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on November 15 to celebrate the near-completion at the Tiers parking lot. Project Partners Green Street Power Partners, LLC and Swinerton Renewable Energy were on hand for comments and photos.
“It’s evident that Albertus Magnus College has a forward-thinking mindset to create a sustainable future for their campus,” said Scott Kerner, chief executive officer, Green Street Power Partners, LLC. “We are proud to be Albertus Magnus’ chosen solar partner as they bring renewable energy to their school.”
“I am very excited to include solar power production as part of our campus energy and sustainability programs,” said Bill Hawkins, Albertus Magnus College vice president for Finance, Administration and Treasurer. “The solar carports are a great way for us to turn otherwise unproductive parking areas into environmentally friendly energy-producing sites. We will save on utility costs and help the environment. As a bonus, we think students will also appreciate parking under the canopies which may provide some protection from the elements.”
“This solar power sustainability initiative aligns with our mission centric values and also enables us to offset a significant portion of our annual electrical consumption,” added Dr. Marc M. Camille, president, Albertus Magnus College.
During the spring months, Albertus will begin phase 2 of the project which involves the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Athletic Center. This addition will offset an additional 10% of the campus’ electricity, bringing the collective impact to 40%. Construction on the rooftop solar array is currently in its planning stages.
The 770-kilowatt solar system is projected to produce ~923,940 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This is equivalent to removing the greenhouse gases produced by ~147 vehicles each year or preserving ~140 acres of forest over the lifetime of the system.
The addition of solar panels is the latest in an ongoing commitment to reduce the College’s environmental footprint while engaging the community. Working with various College departments, academics, student groups, and external partners, there is a conscious college-wide effort to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and tread lightly on the earth.
https://youtu.be/OP-aMBjaz4Y
William (Bill) Hawkins is responsible for the financial affairs of the College and oversees facilities operations, human resources and public safety. Bill joined Albertus in 2017 and has over 20 years of higher education financial management. Prior to joining Albertus, Bill served as the Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. Bill earned his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Delaware and M.B.A. from the University of Hartford.