The College of William & Mary
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The College of William & Mary is a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America. Founded in 1693, it is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the country, after Harvard University. The college has a long and rich history, with notable alumni including three U.S. presidents, numerous governors, and many other influential figures in politics, business, and academia.
In recent years, the College of William & Mary has taken a proactive approach to decarbonisation and the transition to renewable energy. The college has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and increase its use of renewable energy sources.
One of the key strategies the college has employed is the use of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to procure renewable energy. In 2019, the college signed a 20-year PPA with Dominion Energy for a 20-megawatt solar facility in Virginia. The facility, which is expected to come online in 2022, will provide approximately 50% of the college's electricity needs and help the college achieve its carbon neutrality goal.
The college has also implemented a number of energy efficiency measures to reduce its energy consumption and carbon emissions. These include upgrading lighting systems, installing occupancy sensors, and implementing a building automation system to optimize heating and cooling. The college has also implemented a green building policy that requires all new construction and major renovations to meet LEED Silver certification standards or higher.
In addition to these initiatives, the college has also established a Green Fee program, which allows students to propose and fund sustainability projects on campus. The program has funded a variety of projects, including the installation of bike repair stations, the implementation of a campus-wide composting program, and the installation of water bottle filling stations.
The college has also taken a leadership role in promoting sustainability and renewable energy in the wider community. In 2019, the college hosted the Virginia Renewable Energy Summit, which brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss the state's transition to renewable energy. The college has also partnered with local utilities and organizations to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in the community.
Overall, the College of William & Mary is a leader in the decarbonisation and transition to renewable energy in the United States. Through its use of corporate PPAs, energy efficiency measures, and community outreach, the college is making significant progress towards its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. As a respected institution of higher education, the college is also helping to raise awareness and promote sustainability in the wider community.