Wind Feasability Study (Now)

The College has taken the first step to determine the feasibility of erecting a wind turbine on campus that would generate electric power. In Phase 1 of the project, which began Sept. 18, GEC will determine the amount of wind available on campus and indicate what size turbine, if any, is practical. Phase 2 will examine the regulatory, economic, engineering, environmental and aesthetic issues associated with such a project. Read More

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) (2002-2005):

In 2005, Connecticut College purchased Green-e ® certified Renewable Energy Certificates from 3 Phases Energy to offset 50% of the total electricity use on campus for one year. This purchase of 7.5 million kWh of RECs was funded by the annual student fee surcharge for renewable energy. The wind generation source is Mountain View Wind (CA) where the wind farm is comprised of 111 turbines. Before this, we purchased REC's from another firm.

Park Solar Aray (1999)

When Park residence hall was renovated in 1999, a 10 kW array of solar panels was installed on the roof. The electricity generated by these solar panels is used to offset the power required by a boiler plant that was installed that same year. Savings from the combined reduction of having a new smaller, more efficient boiler plant and from the solar array amounts to 90,769 kWh per year. The amount saved is approximately what one dorm would use in an academic year.