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Powering Cornell University's Residence Halls with Solar Energy
In 2020, Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, announced a 1 megawatt power purchase agreement to construct five solar arrays on the rooftops of its North Campus Residential Expansion. GreenSpark was chosen as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) provider, and Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure (KSI) owns the project.
The solar power from this project will reduce Cornell’s carbon footprint by providing about 35% of the power needed for the new buildings. The energy generated represents a tenfold increase in the on-campus rooftop solar capacity and supports the University’s Climate Action Plan target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035.
Why New Builds Require Tested EPC Providers
Integrating clean energy with new construction projects requires careful planning, precision, and flexibility, as many variables can impact the project timeline and permitting.
Cornell University’s residential expansion project was no exception. The new buildings were completed while students were off-campus in the Summer of 2020, during the height of COVID and requiring strict adherance to guidelines and construction timelines. As EPC, GreenSpark seamlessly navigated the variable construction schedules and strict COVID requirements, ensuring the five solar arrays were completed on time and on budget.
Planning a solar-equipped new build? Work with a proven EPC provider to get the project done right. Contact our team to discuss your project today.
