The need to do more with less is driving the trend towards proactive utility improvement programs, but other factors come into play as well. Environmental concerns are causing every sector to rethink energy and resources, and a good deal of the more forward-thinking action in this regard is happening on college campuses.
The generation of students that are matriculating to universities today have been raised during a time when climate change awareness has been at the forefront of public consciousness. Studies have shown that these young people place a high priority on taking actions to protect the environment, and, at many schools, this has resulted in campaigns to encourage school leaders to adapt to green energy solutions.
Renewable sources of energy and other sustainable utility solutions provide their own intrinsic benefit of attracting students that should be weighed heavily when university leaders and utility experts are determining how to move forward with implementing design improvements. They also have the added benefit of demonstrating the institute’s commitment to contributing to the health of the planet, which can play an important role in recruiting and retaining students.
Non-profit universities, both public and private, that make the move towards renewable energy can take advantage of tax incentives. The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is included as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act legislation. These credits can be applied to qualified improvements for such things as solar, fuel cells, wind, energy storage, and combined heat and power properties. A utility program factoring in ITC-related issues can assist in getting the full benefit of these incentives to make the transformation more affordable.
Getting the right people involved to design and maintain an adequate utility system is a necessary function of every university. But it should no longer be thought of in conventional terms. The same innovative thinking, study, and quest for improvement that drives the development of curriculums can be applied to how best to provide a reliable source of water to residence halls or to ensure that a school-run hospital is never without power. And the best way to arrive at solutions optimal to the physical conditions, needs, and resources of a particular campus is to partner with a knowledgeable project team to successfully implement a comprehensive utility improvement program. It will be an enriching pursuit of knowledge and understanding that will have a positive impact on resources for decades to come.
Kristi A. Vilminot, P.E., is Director of Engineering – Power Generation & Energy with Commonwealth Associates, Inc., and can be reached at Kristi.Vilminot@cai-engr.com. Michael Hitchingham is Associate Director of Engineering - Power Generation & Energy at Commonwealth Associates, Inc., and can be reached at Michael.Hitchingham@cai-engr.com.
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