Small College Inspires with Commitment to 100% Solar
A small college in western Massachusetts recently announced plans to get all of its power from the sun. Hampshire College, located in Amherst, will be the first residential college powered by 100% renewable energy.
We know we can have healthier communities right now and a livable future for kids growing up today. But to get there, we must transform the way we produce and consume energy. That’s got to start with a commitment to 100% clean, renewable energy.
Hampshire College Campus
Here’s another cool example of that commitment. A small college in western Massachusetts recently announced plans to get all of its power from the sun. Hampshire College, located in Amherst, will be the first residential college powered by 100% renewable energy.
Hats off to Hampshire College’s President, Jonathan Lash, and the students, faculty and staff for inspiring us with their demonstration of the promise and prospect of moving to 100% clean energy!
Hampshire College’s plan includes construction of a “living building” that will generate its own power, capture and recycle its own water, process its own waste, and be built using sustainable and locally derived materials. The new R.W. Kern Center will become the ninth living building in the world, certified by the Living Building Challenge.
The college also plans to begin construction this year on a large-scale solar installation that will allow the entire campus to be powered by solar energy.
Hampshire College is part of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, and is making tremendous progress in tackling carbon emissions. We hope that other colleges and universities are moved by Hampshire’s leadership, and will follow their example.
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