| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.39 |
| Liaison | Brad Spanbauer |
| Submission Date | July 9, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Brian
Kermath Sustainability Director Sustainability Office |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
When the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh dry biodigester (BD1) was built, the combined heat and power (CHP) generator used to convert the digester's biogas to heat and electricity was built larger than the maximum capacity of the facility. This was no mistake, rather BD1 was intentionally located in the City of Oshkosh between the city's wastewater treatment plant (WTP) and the City Garage where organic waste from City-managed landscaping is collected. With permission of the City, an underground pipe was installed between WTP and the biodigester, allowing for the conversion of WTP methane to heat and electricity. Previously this biogas was being flared by the WTP.
The collaboration between the University and the City is novel, because no other campus has a biodigester with the capability of variable biogas feedstock which includes biogas from municipal wastewater treatment plant.
It is estimated that 31,536,000 cubic feet of biogas will be converted to 1,620,600 KW annually, about half the total generating capability of the CHP. Since the installed pipe began transferring gas between the WTP and the biodigester on August 24, 2014, 21,081,600 cubic feet of biogas have been burned in the CHP, eliminating greater GHG emissions than flaring alone did.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
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 | --- |
| Research | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | --- |
| Public Engagement | --- |
| Air & Climate | Yes |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | Yes |
| Grounds | --- |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | Yes |
| Water | --- |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | Yes |
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.