| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 68.18 |
| Liaison | Ezra Small |
| Submission Date | Feb. 5, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Massachusetts Amherst
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Ezra
Small Sustainability Manager Physical Plant |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
In September, 2013, the University of Massachusetts entered into a new partnership with the Net Excess Generation Credit program offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that could amount to nearly $50 million in energy savings for the system. Under the agreement, four UMass campuses serve as host communities to new Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) electric generating projects. In return, the campuses receive an energy credit on their monthly utility bill.
The UMass system has installed more than the total amount of Solar PV systems installed in 35 of the 50 U.S. states (40 MWs of new Solar PV made possible by the participation of the Amherst, Dartmouth, Lowell and Worcester campuses.) Specific to UMass Amherst, a solar project which came online at the Fairview Farm in Whately, MA in July, 2014, will save the University of Massachusetts between $60,000 and $75,000 a year in electric costs as well as help the farmer leasing his land and the town. The installation will produce 2.4 megawatts of solar energy a year, and provide enough solar energy annually to power what is the equivalent of the needs of nearly 300 homes. All the electricity produced is being sold to UMass. The project is also a tax benefit to Whately. Farmers here have three to four month periods of no income, and the regular income from this project will help even out the seasonal variability.
Statewide and system wide, a portion of the cost savings will be used to finance additional energy efficiency measures that will enable UMass to further reduce energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions and help control energy costs. Over the next 20 to 30 years, the net metering program will provide an estimated $47.7 million in savings for the University of Massachusetts.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | No |
| Research | No |
| Campus Engagement | No |
| Public Engagement | No |
| Air & Climate | Yes |
| Buildings | No |
| Dining Services | No |
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds | No |
| Purchasing | Yes |
| Transportation | No |
| Waste | No |
| Water | No |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | No |
| Diversity & Affordability | No |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | No |
| Investment | No |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.