When it comes to carbon emissions, energy is the most important challenge we face in moving towards a sustainable future.
UMass Amherst is continually working to convert to efficient and sustainable energy options as we move towards our ultimate goal of carbon zero.
Sustainability in the Sun
The university has installed 10 MW of solar capacity across campus on five rooftops and over five parking lots. The solar power generated is fed into the electric grid or can be stored in two electric battery systems, which improves resilience and energy management.
Agrivoltaics and Hot Water
Agrivoltaics
Solar energy at UMass Amherst isn't limited to parking lots. Since 2010, the UMass Amherst Crop and Animal Research and Education Farm in South Deerfield, Massachusetts, has been home to a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array (agrivoltaics). The 100-plus panels are mounted high enough off the ground to allow sunlight penetration for farming and animal grazing.
View the UMass Center for Agriculture PV dashboard
Hot Water
Additionally, in 2016, the Central Heating Plant (CHP) added a solar hot water system. It uses energy from the sun to cut down on fossil fuel usage by preheating condensate water used to make steam.
Emissions Report
That's just the beginning. The campus continues to explore ways to reduce energy consumption and building energy intensity, and we're supporting the clean energy economy as we continue converting to clean energy systems.
UMass now uses the SIMAP emissions accounting platform to track, analyze, and improve its campuswide carbon footprint.
Green Grounds, Green Campus
Our Gold-level Green Grounds Certification from Re:wild Your Campus (RYC) means UMass Amherst is one of a limited number of colleges and universities where at least 90 percent of managed areas are maintained without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
According to RYC, it also signifies that UMass Amherst is working to make sure native plants thrive on campus, reducing water use through landscape management, and reducing the use of synthetics on sports fields.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities & Campus Services