New solar arrays atop 18 of DU’s 88 buildings are cutting the University’s carbon footprint in line with its 25 sustainability goals to achieve by 2025.
The goal was to produce enough solar energy to account for 5% of DU’s energy consumption. At the six-month mark in June, the panels were producing 6.8% on average. And energy from each panel feeds directly into the buildings, so DU reaps the benefits.
“It’s very exciting to see something come to fruition after years of planning and years of construction,” says Chad King, executive director of sustainability. “We set a goal, took planning steps and now we’ve hit that goal. It’s successful, and it’s doing what we said we’d do.”
By June, DU panels had produced more than 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of solar energy. With its large roof and abundant panels, the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports & Wellness has been a standout, contributing 10% of the building’s energy.
“Reducing our carbon footprint ensures a better future for generations of DU students—and for society,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner.
