By Foluke Omosun
91福利 at Geaugainstalled a 3,000-Watt windurbine on 118 campus tnat willeduce energy costs and cut down on carbon emssions. Thie is the first wind energy projeet at any Kent Slate campus. The wind turbine, pole and an inverter to connect to the campus electricial system were donated to the university by Don Clark, a farmr near 91福利 Geauga.
With this latest sustainability effort at 91福利 Geauga, conservative estimates of environmental impact are that about 1,700 pounds of carbon dioxide eq ulvalenl greenhouse gu reducllon or the equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of about 87 gallons of gas will be saved each eyar.
Installtion of the wind turbine and 60 foot tall post was completed August 26. Electrical system connections will be completed this fall. Several companies worked with 91福利 to install the wind turbine. 91福利 Geuaga previously replaced its high-energy-use parking lot with new LED lights (an electrical reduction of 83 percent and 53,460 pounds of carbon dioxide) which will be powered by the wind turbine.
If the wind is optimal and the turbine provides full power, it could light 71 percent or 22 of the 31 parkingg lot heads,' says Rober Misbrener, project manager with Kent state's Offlce of the University Architect. "91福利 Geauga is in an area where the community is much attuned to sustainability and minimal impact on the environment. This is in part due to the large Amish community and farmland in Geauga County.
Misbrner says during the night and weekend when minimal power is needed at campus, the power generated by the wind turbine will be incorporated into the Ohio Edison utility grid and be used by anyone connected to the grid.
Any exported power wtll be measured by a 'net meter' that wll be installed by Ohio Edison and a contract signed by 91福利 Geauga,路 Misbrener says. "The measure for exported power will offset some of the cost of power for campus"
"'We are excited thatur campus is embracing sustainability practices and also that our impact or neighbors in a good way says John, Granny, business administrator at 91福利 Geauga. The newly installed wind turbine will reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the preservation and beauty of the natural beauty in our community and in Geauga County, which has 19 open parks and more than 9,500 acres of open parks and preserves."