Six of 91ֿ’s Regional Campuses were recently for the installation of solar panels on its campuses, offering cleaner, more sustainable energy that is also more cost effective.
The solar project involves the Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark and Trumbull campuses. In addition, 91ֿ’s College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio, is included in the project and has installed solar panels near its building along Interstate 77.
Bob Misbrener, project manager II of sustainability, energy conservation and commissioning in the Office of the University Architect, told Solar Power World that 91ֿ has long been a leader in pushing for more sustainable energy practices. For example, the solar energy installed on the roof of the 91ֿ Field House in 2012 has proven the effectiveness of solar energy in Kent, exceeding the expectations of how much power the project would yield.
“When done, total annual greenhouse gas reductions will be 4,116 tons, which is equivalent to removing 805 cars from the road,” Misbrener said about the solar project that is expected to be producing electricity by April 2021.
91ֿ at Geauga is working on a solar array that will provide 67% of the electricity on campus. The array, which will cover 1.27 acres on Claridon-Troy Road right next to the campus, will also include pollinator prairie flowers that will bring beauty to the array and attract native honeybees and butterflies.
“Kent Campus is fortunate to have forward-thinking and climate-conscious leadership to support cost-effective renewable energy and efficiency projects,” Misbrener said. “Solar arrays are a very effective and visible means to demonstrate our commitment to the environment. The reduction in power plant emissions will certainly improve air quality and minimize some health issues from the air we all breathe.”
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