Energy

Catholic University is powered by clean energy. Catholic U hosts the largest solar installation in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and 100% of the electricity used on campus is purchased with Green e-Certifications.

How do we achieve our target? Do your part! Read our blog post on how to reduce your energy consumption on campus.

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  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 DMV. The 6 MW array provides locally generated, renewable energy in support of the District's renewable energy goals, as well as creates learning and research opportunities for students and creates a healthy, local ecosystem. 

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  Solar Power: Main and North Campus

  Catholic University has a total of 2,600 solar panels 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. The solar panels have a combined 677 kW of installed capacity.
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  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.
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  Energy Efficiency

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

  The Energy Project was the most significant energy conservation effort on campus in recent years. The project removed the old campus-wide steam system and replaced it with an energy efficient, heating water system served from the campus central plant. The project helped the University centralize and modernize the cooling infrastructure of many buildings by providing chilled water distribution systems also served from the campus central plant.

To learn more about these projects, check out the Catholic University of America Interactive Tour Map and our blog post about the Energy Project.