URI Recognized for State’s Only College Solar Garage, More at Statewide Clean Energy Awards – Rhody Today

KINGSTON, RI – July 16, 2024 – The sunflowers and abundance of vegetables at the University of Rhode Island Agronomy Farm are clear evidence of the abundance of sunshine that shines on this part of Kingston. For good reason, the farm has been on this part of campus since 1888.

Across the street, URI faculty working in non-agriculture departments were also eyeing the area’s sunlight, but for a different reason—they wanted to create an on-campus solar parking garage, one of the largest in Rhode Island and the only one of its kind on a college campus in the state.

A solar carport, built in partnership with Kearsarge Energy at the university’s commuter parking lot on Plains Road South (No. 31), now provides electricity and plays an important role in the university’s sustainability initiatives.

The university was recently recognized for its unique carport and other campus-wide efforts by Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources at the seventh annual Lead by Example Energy Awards Gala. The Lead by Example program encourages state agencies, cities and towns, and public schools throughout Rhode Island to work together to achieve the state’s goal of achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

URI was recognized along with other state entities, municipalities and public schools for its advances in renewable energy and energy efficiency achievements, including its carport, the long-standing Energy Fellows program, now in its 17th year, and energy efficiency projects at the Narragansett Bay campus.

Seth Pilotte (MESM ’20), URI NBC Bay Campus construction projects manager, describes much of the existing infrastructure on campus as “energy guzzlers” and says the necessary changes are having an impact.

Bay Campus projects have reduced annual campus carbon dioxide emissions by 665 metric tons, equivalent to the annual gas consumption of 158 cars or the energy consumption of 87 single-family homes. These include replacing the entire Bay Campus maintenance vehicle fleet with electric low-speed vehicles (LSVs). The campus has also replaced high-efficiency metal halide and fluorescent lighting in its buildings with LEDs and replaced old boilers with new, more efficient models.

Look up

Kenneth Burke ’93 ’10, deputy director of capital projects, said URI’s Facilities Group took the governor’s order seriously and wanted to make changes that would have a big impact and help achieve the state’s goal.

One of their biggest projects was a solar shelter at the foot of campus.

While the new lot provides a more attractive environment for guests and Rhody Softball fans, the impact of the shelter extends beyond the diamond to the surrounding communities. According to Ryan Carrillo, URI’s director of real estate planning and development, the solar shelter provides 1.8 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 255 homes.

URI received a net payment based on the savings that could be realized over 25 years, for a total of $906,000 in one-time payments to help cover the costs of the parking lot project. The solar panels also “offset” emissions for 308 vehicles that can be parked in the lot year-round.

Even though URI is a leader in this area, some students parking under the shelter last school year in their rush to get to classes may not be aware of the additional amenities.

Senior Sanah Feroz is the vice president of the Student Senate and a URI commuter. A regular user of Commuter Lot 31, she said she enjoys the covered parking, especially on snowy and rainy days, with easy access to the Rhody Shuttle. She was pleased to learn that the new lot also serves a larger purpose.

“I’m glad this nice parking shelter also serves long-term sustainability goals,” he says, “and saves energy. Let’s spread the word! I think it’s great.”

Powering Rhode Island’s Energy Future

URI also received recognition at the Lead by Example ceremony for a program that is building the clean energy workforce of the future. The University’s Energy Fellowship Program received its first “Special Recognition” in its unique category to recognize its contributions to building the clean energy workforce in Rhode Island. (New mentors for the program are always welcome.)

Program Administrator Kate Venturini-Hardesty ’06 ’10 was joined by several Energy Fellows alumni who are now working in the industry.

Bryan Evans (Class of 2019), a program manager at Rhode Island’s Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, was awarded an Energy Fellow in 2018 and says he was thrilled to be recognized by URI.

Now working in the field, he considers his time as a URI Energy Fellow invaluable. Evans says the program allowed him to take the knowledge he learned in the classroom and translate it into real-world solutions to further develop energy and business solutions.

“I credit URI with laying the groundwork for my success in this field,” he says. “The hands-on experience and specialized education have been an incredible opportunity for me to hone my skills and pursue what I love. I am proud to have been a part of URI’s commitment to energy and sustainability, and I look forward to seeing how URI continues to lead by example.”

Rhode Island Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns (Class of 2008) is pleased that his alma mater is leading this change.

“The Office of Energy Resources has had a great partnership with URI and the Energy Fellows Program for a decade,” said Kearns. “This year’s Lead by Example Awards gala recognized the program’s valuable contributions to providing students with career opportunities in the energy field. We also highlighted energy efficiency projects on campus, including one of the state’s first large-scale solar panels. This partnership demonstrates how we are working together to drive innovation and sustainability in Rhode Island.”