The University of Denver (DU) is partnering with renewable energy provider Pivot Energy to build solar projects on campus and off-site, set to generate a total of 23 Megawatts DC (MWdc) of solar energy.
Seven Solar Projects on the Way
The university will source renewable energy from solar installations owned and managed by Pivot Energy, enabling DU to balance its entire campus electricity usage with clean solar energy, Solar Power World reported.
Pivot Energy will oversee the development of seven projects. A 1.2-MW on-site solar system installed on the Ritchie Center will raise the share of on-site clean energy to 10% of the university’s consumption. This effort builds on a previous solar project with Pivot in 2019, which covered 18 buildings and totaled 2.2 MW.
In addition, six off-site net metering solar projects will total 22.2 MW. Together, these installations will generate enough clean energy to eliminate 100% of DU’s scope two greenhouse gas emissions, cutting the university’s carbon footprint in half.
Advancing DU’s 2030 Carbon Neutrality Goal
The solar projects, located in Larimer, Adams, Mesa, and Weld Counties, are expected to be completed within 24 to 36 months. Once operational, they will also serve as educational tools for students, creating valuable opportunities to cultivate the future clean energy workforce.
This move advances DU’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. In 2008, DU was an early signatory of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, pledging to work toward that goal. To date, fewer than 24 colleges and universities have reached this milestone.
“The university’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality reflects our unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for our students and the world,” says DU Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. “Upon my inauguration as chancellor at DU, I pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. I’m excited to continue partnering with Pivot Energy to pursue this ambitious goal.”
DU Sets a Precedent for Other Institutions
“Pivot Energy is excited to extend our collaboration with DU to support their clean energy objectives,” says Mat Elmore, SVP of Strategic Accounts at Pivot Energy. “Through on-campus solar installations and off-site net metering solar projects, DU is positioning itself as a leader in sustainability within higher education, while also advancing the clean energy workforce.”
This initiative is made possible by Senate Bill 261, passed in 2021 by legislative leaders including Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg. The bill establishes an off-site net metering program, giving customers interested in solar more options to offset their energy consumption.
With its on-campus and off-site solar projects, DU is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a precedent for sustainability in higher education, serving as a model for other institutions aiming to prioritize clean energy and environmental stewardship.