The University of Arizona will shrink its carbon footprint over time, and today is an important step in that direction, said UA President Robert Shelton. From research to student activity to the manner in which we manage our physical plant, the UA is creating a culture of conservation and sustainability that this century demands of us.
The goals of the solar project are to add 500 kilowatts (kW) of solar generating power to campus rooftops, heat the UA’s large swimming pools with solar energy, and generally advance the cause of renewable energy on campus.
By converting 500 kW of UA power to solar sources, UA expects to shrink its carbon footprint by about 2,209 metric tons of CO2. This reduction is the equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 405 passenger vehicles or the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of 306 homes for one year.
The environmental benefits of green and renewable energy technologies are widely known, said APS services managing director Bob Georgeoff. We are proud to be a partner with the University in achieving its campus sustainability goals.
The solar project is the latest partnership between the UA and APS. The two have successfully partnered on energy efficiency projects across campus since 1999.
Officials expect to begin installing solar panels in early summer and complete the work before the winter holiday break. Each building’s roof will be nearly covered in solar devices. For the 2nd Street Garage, this includes adding shade to the top deck of the heavily-used parking structure.
The cranes that will hoist the panels and equipment onto the building roofs are expected to cause only minimal interruptions to car traffic on and near campus. Vehicle access to Second Street near Mountain Avenue, and Seventh Street near Cherry Avenue will be impacted during installation. The community will receive prior notification of these interruptions.
APS Energy Services will own, operate and maintain the solar generating equipment on campus and the UA will purchase the energy produced. This unique approach of simultaneously utilizing both photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies provides the University with an efficient means of advancing its renewable energy commitment while doing it in a cost effective and sustainable manner.
The solar thermal technologies that will be installed for use at the Hillenbrand and Student Recreation Center pools are an example of the partnership’s sustainability and cost effectiveness. The Hillenbrand pool holds about 1.1 million gallons of water. The Student Recreation Center pool has 600,000 gallons. The Center’s expansion also will give the UA its first silver LEED-certified building.
At 500 kW of power generation capacity, this project may seem small compared to the UA’s overall power needs. However this partnership is intended to be an initial step in what is anticipated to become a significantly larger solar program at the UA, officials said.
