In 2015, the University of Hawaii (UH) and the Hawaii Legislature established a goal for the UH university system to be net-zero by Jan. 1, 2035. Of all the campuses in the UH system, the University of Hawaii Maui College is on target to be the first to supply 100% of its energy needs through on-site photovoltaic systems coupled with battery storage, and it will do so 16 years ahead of schedule.
When it becomes operational in 2019, the UH Maui College PV plus storage system will be able to eliminate the campus’s fossil fuel-based energy use. The project is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Pacific Current and is currently in its second phase. Phase one saw the implementation of energy efficiency measures at UH Maui College and across all of the UH campuses. Phase two includes additional energy efficiency upgrades and the installation of the on-site solar PV coupled with battery storage.
UH Maui College Physical Plant Manager Robert Burton looks at battery array. Photo courtesy University of Hawaii.
Phase two will bring the total on-site capacity to 2.8 MW of solar PV and 13.2 MWh of battery distributed energy storage at UH Maui College. Phase two will reduce the fossil fuel energy consumption across all of the five UH campuses by ~14 GWh annually (45%) and add ~13 GWh renewable energy generation.
By the end of phase two, the UH Oahu campuses will reduce their use of fossil fuel for energy by 98% (Leeward Community College), 97% (Honolulu Community College), 74% (Kapi’olani Community College), and 70% (Windward Community College).
Photo courtesy University of Hawaii.
Related Stories
| May 8, 2012
Gensler & J.C. Anderson team for pro bono high school project in Chicago
City Year representatives came to Gensler for their assistance in the transformation of the organization’s offices within Orr Academy High School, which also serve as an academic and social gathering space for students and corps members.
| May 7, 2012
4 more trends in higher-education facilities
Our series on college buildings continues with a look at new classroom designs, flexible space, collaboration areas, and the evolving role of the university library.
| May 7, 2012
2012 BUILDING TEAM AWARDS: Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital
How a Building Team created a high-tech rehabilitation center for wounded veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
| May 3, 2012
2012 BUILDING TEAM AWARDS: Rush University Medical Center
This fully integrated Building Team opted for a multi-prime contracting strategy to keep construction going on Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center, despite the economic meltdown.
| May 3, 2012
Best commercial modular buildings and marketing programs recognized
Judges scored entries on architectural excellence, technical innovation, cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, and calendar days to complete.
| May 3, 2012
Zero Energy Research Lab opens at North Texas
The living lab—the only one of its kind in Texas—is designed to test various technologies and systems in order to achieve a net-zero consumption of energy.
| May 3, 2012
NSF publishes ANSI standard evaluating the sustainability of single ply roofing membranes
New NSF Standard provides manufacturers, specifiers and building industry with verifiable, objective criteria to identify sustainable roofing products.
| May 3, 2012
Gilbane to provide CM services for North Reading’s integrated middle/high school
The project scope includes a wastewater treatment plant, demolition of the existing high school and extensive athletic fieldwork.
| May 2, 2012
Trimble acquires SketchUp 3D modeling platform
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.
| May 2, 2012
Building Team completes two additions at UCLA
New student housing buildings are part of UCLA’s Northwest Campus Student Housing In-Fill Project.
