Fort Hays State University: Pioneering Decarbonisation through Corporate Energy and Renewable Energy

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public university located in Hays, Kansas, United States. Established in 1902, FHSU has been providing quality education to students for over a century. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate majors, 20 graduate programs, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice program. FHSU is also home to the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, a program for high-achieving high school students.

As a leading educational institution, FHSU is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. The university recognizes the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change. FHSU has taken several initiatives to achieve this goal and has become a pioneer in the field of decarbonisation.

One of the most significant steps taken by FHSU towards decarbonisation is the adoption of renewable energy sources. The university has installed several solar panels on its campus, which generate clean energy and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. FHSU has also partnered with Westar Energy, a local utility company, to purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset its carbon emissions.

FHSU has also embraced corporate energy management practices to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint. The university has implemented energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems in its buildings. FHSU has also invested in energy-efficient equipment and appliances, such as computers, printers, and refrigerators. The university has also implemented a comprehensive energy management system to monitor and control its energy consumption.

In addition to these initiatives, FHSU has also entered into a corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) with a local wind farm. The PPA allows FHSU to purchase clean energy directly from the wind farm, which reduces its carbon footprint and supports the growth of renewable energy in the region. The PPA also provides FHSU with stable and predictable energy prices, which helps the university manage its energy costs effectively.

FHSU has also taken steps to promote sustainability and decarbonisation among its students, faculty, and staff. The university has established a sustainability committee, which is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability initiatives on campus. FHSU also offers courses and programs related to sustainability and renewable energy, which educate students about the importance of decarbonisation and equip them with the skills to contribute to the field.

FHSU's commitment to decarbonisation has not gone unnoticed. The university has received several awards and recognitions for its sustainability initiatives. In 2018, FHSU was named a "Green College" by The Princeton Review, which recognizes colleges and universities for their commitment to sustainability. FHSU was also ranked among the top 50 "Cool Schools" by Sierra magazine, which evaluates colleges and universities based on their sustainability practices.

In conclusion, Fort Hays State University is a leading educational institution that is committed to sustainability and decarbonisation. The university has taken several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. FHSU has embraced renewable energy sources, corporate energy management practices, and corporate power purchase agreements to achieve its sustainability goals. The university has also promoted sustainability among its students, faculty, and staff, and has received several awards and recognitions for its sustainability initiatives. FHSU is a pioneer in the field of decarbonisation and serves as a model for other educational institutions to follow.