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
| Apr 10, 2012
Structured Development & Bucksbaum close on new retail site in Chicago
The site is the location of New City, a mixed-use development that will feature 370,000-sf of retail space and 280 residential rental units.
| Apr 6, 2012
Rooftop solar energy program wins critical approval from L.A. city council
Los Angeles Business Council applauds decision allowing LADWP to create new national model for rooftop solar energy
| Apr 6, 2012
Batson-Cook breaks ground on hotel adjacent to Infantry Museum & Fort Benning
The four-story, 65,000-ft property will feature 102 hotel rooms, including 14 studio suites.
| Apr 5, 2012
5 tips for a successful door and window retrofit
An exclusive tip sheet to help the Building Team manage door and window retrofits successfully.
| Apr 4, 2012
HDS designs Mount Auburn Hospital’s new healthcare center in Waltham, Mass.
HDS Architecture provided design services for all the Mount Auburn Healthcare suites including coordination of HVAC and FP engineering.
| Apr 4, 2012
JCJ Architecture designs New York City's first casino
Aqueduct Racetrack complex transformed into modern entertainment destination.
| Apr 4, 2012
San Antonio animal hospital earns LEED Platinum certification
Middleman Construction Company builds the city?s first commercial building to earn certification.
| Apr 3, 2012
Product Solutions
Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.
| Apr 3, 2012
Blaine Brownell on innovative materials applications in architecture
Brownell, who was named a BD+C 40 Under 40 in 2006, provides insight regarding emerging material trends and the creative implementation of materials.
