Monday 29 June 2020

University of Pittsburgh closer to its 2037 carbon-neutral commitment with new solar power deal

A new solar power deal is moving the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania closer to its commitment to be a carbon-neutral campus by 2037 in time for its 250th anniversary.

Under a 20-year agreement, a planned 2oMW solar power facility will supply approximately 13% of the campus’ annual electricity usage.

Aurora Sharrard, the university's Director of Sustainability, said: "Electricity generation accounts for about half of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions, so our commitment to local, renewable solar power is an important part of Pitt’s ongoing effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

"At the same time, it benefits the entire community by reducing pollutants from electricity generation that harm the region’s air quality."

The university has also pledged to halve emissions from a 2008 baseline and source 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.