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Powering Change: A Report on Our Alternative Energy Solutions
We’ve been able to create an environment that is an investment in the future, but one that results in about half a million dollars in savings for our community and taxpayers every year.
Back in 2006, Lake Land College took an innovative path into the world of sustainability and created a plan to install geothermal wells. Eighteen years later, the College is a clear leader in sustainable practices in higher education.
“We need to be good stewards of the resources that we're in charge of and make sure that we're creating a better future for generations to follow,” President Josh Bullock said.
The journey began with the installation of geothermal wells in a geothermal loop, one of the first of its kind in the nation. Today, this system boasts more than 600 wells, efficiently heating and cooling every building on campus.
Since 2013, the College has been harnessing solar energy with numerous arrays generating significant power.
“Although our campus footprint has grown since 2008, our natural gas consumption has been reduced by an impressive 63%,” Bullock added.
Sustainable energy generation through photovoltaic systems, and at one point wind power, has reduced the College’s reliance on external electricity by nearly 35%.
“We’ve been able to create an environment that is an investment in the future, but one that results in about half a million dollars in savings for our community and taxpayers every year,” said Bullock.
Students and staff play a pivotal role in sustainability efforts at Lake Land. Receptacles around campus encourage recycling of various materials and the College takes great pride in these efforts.
Future plans include adding more photovoltaic panels to building roofs, extending efforts to the Effingham Technology Center and replacing fluorescent lighting with LEDs campuswide. Lake Land College continues to lead in alternative energy, proving that dedicated efforts can lead to significant, lasting impacts.
GEOTHERMAL LOOP
Since 2007, 600 wells have been installed in the geothermal loop on campus.
SOLAR ARRAY HISTORY
2013
Five solar panels (20 kw) were installed around Webb Hall.
2014
Arrays were installed on the roofs of the West Building (100 kw), Vo-Tech (80 kw) and Webb Hall (112 kw).
2019
Arrays were installed on the roofs of Neal Hall (142 kw), Northeast Building (122 kw) and the Luther Student Center (70 kw).
ONLINE BONUS
Watch a video about the College's sustainability energy efforts at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E5zhepqMlw.
