Berkshire School Goes Solar for Carbon Neutrality

The Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA has begun construction of a 2 megawatt solar installation.

The project will produce 2,300 MWH of electricity per year, or 40 percent of the school's needs. The installation is being built by Spire as part of the school's plan to be carbon neutral by 2016 and is scheduled to be completed this summer.

The Berkshire School currently receives its electricity from TransCanada, with half of coming from renewable sources.

Other steps taken by the Berkshire school to meet the goal include:

  • A requirement that all new construction be compliant with LEED standards;
  • Energy audits of campus buildings, performed by students;
  • Fleet audits, also performed by students, to ensure that mileage is a top priority in purchasing and leasing decisions; and
  • The manufacture of biodiesel from the dining hall's used vegetable oil.

According to information released by the school, administrators are also looking at financial mechanisms for funding efficiency projects and considering the purchase of a dashboard to provide real-time updates of energy data.

More information is available here.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • laptop screen displaying a typed essay, on a child

    McGraw Hill Acquires Essaypop Digital Learning Tool

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced the acquisition of Essaypop, a cloud-based writing tool that will enhance the former's portfolio of personalized learning capabilities.

  • illustration of an open book with lines and circles around it

    Foundations in Learning Launches Fluency for All Movement

    Ed tech company Foundations in Learning, creator of the WordFlight literacy assessment and intervention for students in grades 3-8, has kicked off a new movement aimed at improving reading literacy.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.