| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.29 |
| Liaison | Geory Kurtzhals |
| Submission Date | Oct. 13, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Notre Dame
IN-26: Innovation C
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Mike
Seamon Vice President Campus Safety & University Operatis |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
In 2015, University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by more than half by 2030. Since then, the University has taken numerous steps to become more energy efficient.
One of the main initiatives is a new 144.72 kilowatt ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system, located at its Kenmore Warehouse on North Kenmore Street in South Bend. With 432 solar modules installed on a ground-based rack, the system is a first of this size for Notre Dame. The system, which was installed by Inovateus Solar of South Bend, is estimated to reduce the University’s carbon dioxide emissions by some 296,000 pounds the first year, and nearly 2,000 tons over its lifespan of some 20 years. Those avoided emissions are equivalent to removing 25 automobiles from the roads or planting more than 31 acres of trees.
The use of geothermal energy is being expanded as well. Currently, there are almost 2,700 collective tons in geothermal energy well fields already installed or being installed on campus. Installation of a further 4,300 tons of well fields is also being considered.
Finally, the University is currently working with the city of South Bend and state and federal agencies to permit and construct a hydroelectric facility on the St. Joseph River dam in downtown South Bend. It is expected to produce 7 percent of current campus electrical needs.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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.