Georgetown University’s historic campus in Washington, D.C., does not have the physical space or flexibility to deploy large-scale clean energy installations on site. Yet, by procuring off-campus renewable energy, installing renewable energy on rooftops, and working to aggressively reduce energy use on campus, Georgetown University has become one of the nation’s top clean energy schools.
Georgetown bought RECs equivalent to 129 percent of its electricity use in the year ending in July 2016. By exceeding 100 percent renewable power, Georgetown supports clean electricity both on and off campus. To maximize the effectiveness of these RECs in driving renewable energy adoption, Georgetown purchases RECs that have been certified by Green-e.
Clean energy adoption at Georgetown goes beyond REC purchases, and includes improving building energy efficiency, engaging people to conserve energy, and even installing solar panels on the roof of six historic townhouses. In fiscal year 2014, Georgetown saved 500,000 kWh of energy, cutting carbon emissions by 3,400 metric tons of CO2 – equivalent to taking more than 700 cars off the road.
Because of its clean energy efforts, the EPA recognized Georgetown as a Green Power Partner of the Year in 2013.