By Daniel DePietro | Observer Contributor
Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) is a relatively small school, with 13,000 students, that has gone to great lengths to reduce its carbon footprint and serve as an example of innovation in technology. The college, located in Gardner Massachusetts, has incorporated several techniques in order to become nearly self sufficient and almost completely carbon neutral.
In December of 2002 the college switched from electric heating to a new biomass heating system that reduced MWCC’s carbon footprint by an estimated 29%. The biomass heating system has also helped MWCC save more than $4.5 million in utility expenses since it was built.
In 2009, the college went a step further and installed an energy efficient roof on the main campus, and a 100kW solar photovoltaic system. With the addition of the solar panels, the college also changed to more efficient lighting, equipped with automatic lighting controls, and solar hot water.
As part of Governor Deval Patrick’s 2007 executive order, “Leading by Example – Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings. “ MWCC received funding for a wind turbine project to further reduce its carbon footprint. A large portion of the funding, $3.2 million, was received from U.S. Department of Energy grants with the support of Congressman John W. Olver. MWCC also received a Clean Renewal Energy Bond in the sum of $2.1 million, and $3.7 million from Massachusetts Clean Energy Investment Bonds.
On April 27th Mount Wachusett Community College held a dedication ceremony for the two new Vestas V82 wind turbines that were activated in March. The two turbines were dedicated to the two men who were instrumental in their completion, Edward R. Terceiro, and Congressman John W. Olver. The wind turbines are seen as a great achievement by the college, by the members of the community, and the local government.
Congressman John W. Olver was honored to have a turbine dedicated to him. When asked about his thoughts on this great step taken by MWCC he said, “there has been such tenacity here at this little college it has been a pleasure to be a part of the project.” He also pointed out, “the student body of this school understands the importance of developing renewable energy and reducing our environmental impact. When you get a student body who understands that you get a community that supports renewable energy.”
Terceiro humbly stated after the dedication ceremony, “It’s a great honor to have a turbine dedicated to me, but I don’t think I deserve it. I was just doing my job.” Mayor Lisa Wong said “I hope this effort by Mount Wachusett Community College will help us all in our efforts to become more energy efficient.”
The President of MWCC, Dr. Daniel M. Asquino spoke during the ceremony and dubbed MWCC “The most energy efficient college – university in the country.” President Asquino also said, “It was the patriotic thing to do, reducing our reliance on foreign oil and setting an example for all to follow.”
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