UH Maui College achieves net zero goal

The next campus of the University of Hawai'i virtually zero is operational. Through a combination of photovoltaic solar energy, distributed energy storage, and energy efficiency measures, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College has reduced the use of fossil fuels for energy on campus by an estimated 100%.

Photovoltaic panels at UH Maui College.

More than 3300 photovoltaic modules ( PV ) were installed, generating 1.58 MW of energy, enough to power more than 200 homes per year and offset the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 4,400 barrels of oil per year. The project also includes 13.93 MWh of battery storage.

“This project speaks of the innovation of our university, of our responsibility with our community. It provides a deeper experience for our students and shows what we can do to protect our values ​​and our environment, "said Chancellor Lui Hokoana," It also offers a living laboratory for one of the most exciting and dynamic career paths through our sustainable scientific management. program. ”

UH Maui College is among the first campuses in the nation to generate 100% of its power from on-site solar photovoltaic systems along with battery storage. The project is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Mauō, a subsidiary of Pacific Current, and also includes four community college campuses UH in Oʻahu .

UH Maui College follows successful energy reduction efforts at Leeward CC which became the first net zero campus UH in July 2020, and Windward CC that reduced its carbon footprint by approximately 70% in September 2020. Honolulu CC Kapiʻolani CC and Kauaʻi CC are also on track to reduce their carbon footprints.

“We celebrate UH Maui College and look forward to Kapiʻolani CC and Honolulu CC and Kaua12i ] CC joins the Community College UH campuses that are making great strides towards the UH goal of becoming net zero by 2035, ”said Erika Lacro, UH vice president of community colleges.

Hawaiʻi became the first state in the country to make an unprecedented commitment to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045. In 2015, UH and Hawaiʻi The legislature set a collective goal for the university system to be "net zero" by January 1, 2035, which means that the system would produce as much renewable energy as it consumes on its 10 campuses.