The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has achieved a new milestone in sustainability: It is the first university in the state to have 100 percent of its electricity come from renewable sources.

 

About 30 colleges and universities in the country are at this point, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership.

 

UW-Stevens Point attained the 100 percent renewable mark through energy conservation, reduced consumption and purchasing renewable energy credits through Renewable Choice Energy.  These credits represent the environmental benefits associated with generating electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and biogas.

 

“By purchasing renewable energy credits, we are taking responsibility for the environmental impact of our electricity use and promoting the development of clean energy sources,” said Shelly Janowski, sustainability program and policy analyst at UW-Stevens Point.

 

Electricity costs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, are projected to be about $2 million at UW-Stevens Point. The university will pay about $136,400 for the environmental attributes of green electricity.

 

Numerous energy conservation measures are under way in academic and administrative buildings on

campus, part of an overall plan to reduce energy use and minimize energy costs. The resulting energy savings will pay for system and equipment upgrades, including lighting, mechanical, steam trap and building envelope improvements. The state of Wisconsin and UW System collaborated on several energy conservation projects for state facilities.

 

These energy conservation measures on campus will result in  anticipated annual energy cost savings of $607,000. Nearly two-thirds of the estimated savings – $397,600 – will be in reduced electricity consumption. The balance is from reduced water use and steam production.

 

UW-Stevens Point’s total energy consumption includes purchased electricity plus on-campus sources consumed at the heating plant, which provides steam to university buildings. Natural gas is the primary fuel source, but coal, oil and wood pellets are used as backup fuels and to maintain equipment. Solar panels used to preheat domestic hot water in the residence halls reduce the need for steam generation. 

 

Many students are interested in sustainability and reducing their footprint on the Earth’s resources, noted Dave Barbier, sustainability coordinator at UW-Stevens Point. “Having 100 percent of electricity from renewable sources is a sustainability benchmark that sets UW-Stevens Point apart from other campuses.”

 

The university’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050. UW-Stevens Point has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a net of zero by then, attaining 25 percent of the goal each decade.  Achieving 100 percent renewable electricity helps the university surpass the first target date of 2020 and be well on its way to achieving the goals set for 2030, he said.

 

Managing energy use through improved efficiency and reduced consumption are keys to meeting these goals. Purchasing renewable energy credits, managing forests at several UW-Stevens Point locations and composting are considered carbon offsets and help reduce the total emissions from campus operations.

 

“The long-term goal is to reduce our emissions through conservation, efficiency and using renewable energy sources that do not produce carbon emissions, so we don’t have to rely as much on carbon offsets. For the time being, offsets help meet the carbon reduction goals,” Barbier said.