The photovoltaic array is funded by IRS Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS) and a grant from the Mass Technology Collaborative.
The installation, which is being managed on behalf of the college by Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management (DCAM), should be completed by the end of May 2009. For this project, DCAM, in coordination with, the Department of Energy Resources, and Mass Development Financing Authority assisted the college to secure the CREBS, which are no interest bonds approved through the federal IRS. The solar panels are manufactured by Marlborough, Massachusetts-based Evergreen Solar.
The project is a continuation of the college’s commitment to sustainability efforts include purchase of a biodiesel processor which will begin converting waste cooking oil into fuel by fall of 2009.
Doubling college recycling rate by implementing single stream recycling in October 2006, eliminating the need for sorting cardboard, mixed paper, plastic and metals.
Conservation efforts in the dining area include the elimination of cafeteria trays and the installation of high efficiency valves, reducing hot water used in dishwashing by 166,000 gallons a year.
Every week since November 2008, GBP500 of food waste has been diverted from the college’s solid waste stream to feed pigs at Sayebrook Farms in Holden, Massachusetts.
College purchasing now requires recycled content in paper products, trash bags, paper clips and staples. The recycled content in paper office supplies (except photocopy paper) has been increased from 30% to 100% and toilet paper and paper towels are Green Seal certified.
