Newest component of campus sustainability effort would save approximately $125,000 per year and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the campus while providing learning and research opportunities
UMass Dartmouth has invited community members, students, faculty and staff to a meeting to discuss the potential to erect a 600-kilowatt wind turbine on the 700-acre campus. If built, the turbine would be the newest component of a comprehensive campus and regional sustainability effort.
The meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Claire T. Carney Library Browsing Area. A campus map is available at umassd.edu. Parking will be available in Lot 13.
Studies indicate that the energy savings would be the equivalent of $5,000 annual scholarships for 25 students or the full cost of several athletics teams. Most significantly, the turbine would considerably downsize the University's carbon footprint.
The 600-kilowatt wind turbine would produce the same amount of energy per year as burning approximately 39 tons of coal; eliminate the emission of 1,161 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 489 pounds of nitrous oxide per year; and reduce emission of 295 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
The turbine will be located approximately 2,500 feet from Alden Avenue and 1,500 feet from Old Westport Road. The overall height of the unit will be 243 feet, which is 12 feet shorter than the University bell tower. When the ground elevation is considered the turbine height will be approximately 30 feet shorter than the bell tower.
University scientists and students engaged in sustainability will be joined in presenting the project by planners and engineers from the state Division of Capital Asset Management, which is overseeing the project.