Energy

The guiding sustainability goal for Clemson University is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, but there are important elements of sustainability that are not covered explicitly by this goal. The most important aspect of sustainability that has a direct correlation to Clemson's Net-Zero Goal is energy consumption.

The overarching concept is that energy and carbon emissions are directly related. As detailed in the Sustainability Action Plan, energy reduction and energy efficiency are of the utmost importance in achieving the goals of the President's Commission on Sustainability.

Learn more about energy at Clemson at the Clemson Facilities website.

Clean Energy

It is essential that Clemson University's energy demands are met in a clean and sustainable way. As outlined by the Net-Zero Goal, the driving force behind most sustainability-related initiatives will be limiting carbon emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions result directly or indirectly from a multitude of actions in daily living. Clean energy usage will become more prevalent in Clemson through the reduction of nonrenewable energies and an increase in energy efficiency and the use of alternative energies. Snowil Lopes is heading up the clean energy initiative for Clemson Facilities.

Biodiesel

Clemson produces its own biodiesel, which is used to fuel the diesel engine trucks for the facilities department. From 2011 through 2013, The Biodiesel Program produced up to 3,500 gallons of biodiesel from 5,000 gallons of waste cooking oil, a year, and will continue production in 2015. This program helps Clemson reduce emissions and burn a more sustainable, renewable form of energy. The program is now located at the Cherry Crossing Research Station.

For more information, visit the Biodiesel Program site, check out this video or contact David Haines.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is generated from the natural heat from within the earth and can be used for both heating and cooling in buildings. The recent addition to Lee Hall (Lee Hall III) utilizes 42 geothermal wells at a depth of 440 feet to help provide and offset energy demands. The geothermal heat pump system has helped make Lee III Hall a high energy building and one of the most sustainable buildings in the United States.

For more information, visit the Lee Hall Expansion website.

Solar

Clemson has increased the use of solar energy to power buildings over the last decade. Solar panels provide electricity to the on-campus buildings of Fluor Daniel and the Life Sciences Building, and there are plans to install solar panels to the Snow Family Outdoor Center and a solar canopy over parking lot R6.

Visit Campus Facilities to learn more and to see real-time statistics for campus solar installations.

Wind

Clemson has recently built a one-of-a-kind wind turbine testing facility in Charleston, S.C. The goal of this facility is to be able to develop clean, inexhaustible energy resources in order to provide solutions to environmental challenges. The testing facility has worked toward increasing reliability and efficiency, reducing cost, and improving grid compatibility.

Click here to learn more about Clemson's efforts in wind energy.