Study and Planning

Ever-Green’s study and planning phase concluded that there were several carbon-free strategies that could help Oberlin achieve its goal. Waste heat recovery from an adjacent landfill gas electricity generation station was determined to be the preferred strategy to offset the carbon profile of the campus’ thermal load, although geothermal, biomass, and biogas were also determined to be feasible.

Implementation

In 2019, Ever-Green began leading the implementation phase of the project with an emphasis on converting the campus from steam to hot water and capturing waste heat from combined heat and power driven by methane from a landfill. This otherwise wasted energy can be used to meet the campus’ heating and cooling needs and significantly reduce their carbon profile.

Ever-Green’s Role

Ever-Green led the Carbon Neutrality Implementation Plan for the Oberlin campus with an emphasis on energy and water utilities. Efforts included data collection, identification of building energy efficiency opportunities, exploration of renewable energy source options, development of financial strategies, and community and campus engagement. Ever-Green has recently begun a new phase of work with Oberlin to lead implementation of the planning recommendations, which includes design of the campus conversion from steam to hot water, verification of the optimal carbon-free energy supply strategies, utility organizational planning, development of financing strategies, and continued campus and community engagement.

Milestones

• 2015 – Initiated campus and community engagement programming.
• 2016 – Carbon neutrality master plan completed.
• 2017 – Energy capture design approved.
• 2019 – Construction implementation plan began.

About the Client

Oberlin College is a four-year liberal arts college and conservatory of music with a reputation for leadership in campus sustainability. Oberlin’s Office of Environmental Sustainability takes a multidisciplinary approach to advancing sustainability for campus and community resilience.

From the Oberlin website:

“Since the first greenhouse gas inventory in 2007, the college has halved on-campus emissions through the purchase of green electricity, installation of a 2.27 MW solar array, energy efficiency projects, and ending the use of coal for heating.” Oberlin is committed to being a carbon neutral campus by 2025.

Stakeholders

The Oberlin team worked closely with Ever-Green to solicit input from students, faculty, staff, and community partners, including the City of Oberlin, and local civic, business, and community groups. It was a priority of the project team to interact with a broad group of perspectives and to learn from the local experts who understand and have a significant stake in the outcomes of this effort.