Energy and Water

Catholic University's commitment to sustainability includes a focus on energy and water use. Catholic University has been committed to renewable energy since 2009, when the University installed the first solar arrays on Main and North Campus. The University's commitment has deepened in recent years with the longstanding purchase of renewable energy credits for campus electricity and the installation of the West Campus Solar Array in 2024, which is the largest array in the District of Columbia and greater region. Catholic U also pursues efficiency in energy and water consumption through high-efficiency fixtures and minimizing consumption in our grounds and our heating and cooling infrastructure. 

Read more about the University's goals and efforts related to energy and water below.

• Solar Power: West Campus

  Catholic University's West Campus Solar Array is a unique public and private partnership to build the largest community solar facility in the District of Columbia and greater region.

  To learn more about the West Campus Solar Array, visit our blog post on the topic. 

• Solar Power: Main and North Campus

  Catholic University has a total of 2,600 solar panels with a combined 677 kW capacity on Main & North Campus. Solar panels are installed on Aquinas Hall, Flather Hall, Gibbons Hall, Pangborn Hall, the DuFour Center, the Grounds and Maintenance Building, and the O’Boyle Parking Lot.

• Renewable Energy Credits

  Catholic University offsets 100% of its electricity usage through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs). RECs are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour of electricity was generated from a renewable energy source such as solar or wind.

• The Energy Project

  The Energy Project was the most significant energy and water conservation effort on campus in recent years. The project removed the old campus-wide heating and cooling systems and replaced them with an energy efficient, heating water system and chilled water system served from the campus central plant.

  To learn more about the Energy Project, visit our blog post on the topic. 

• Energy Efficiency

  Catholic University focuses on energy efficiency by installing energy efficient appliances such as ENERGY STAR certified lighting, IT equipment, and kitchen equipment. Catholic U regularly upgrades buildings to more efficient equipment when undergoing renovations and uses a building automation system to increase control over all campus building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

• Water Efficiency

  Catholic University focuses on water efficiency by installing water efficient plumbing fixtures such as faucet aerators, flushometers, and low-flow shower heads. Catholic U regularly upgrades buildings to more efficient fixtures when undergoing renovations.

• Landscaping Irrigation

  Over the last decade, the University has moved away from permanent irrigation for capital improvements and installed a new irrigation control system with an improved rainwater sensor to reduce the need for constant irrigation during rain events. Catholic also focuses on water-efficient landscaping practices by selecting native and adaptive plants.

  To learn more about our landscaping practices, visit the Grounds webpage.

• Stormwater Management

  Flash flooding and waterway quality are major concerns in Washington, DC. To manage stormwater on campus, the University has more than 120 stormwater management devices designed to reduce the volume of water that reaches the sewer system as well as the number of pollutants carried in it. 

  To learn more about our stormwater management practices, visit the Grounds webpage.

Do your part to help us achieve our goals! Read our blog post on how to reduce your energy and water consumption on campus.