Lexi Christenson, Special to The Denisonian
Denison has taken action to complete its Net Zero 2045 goal as the university’s new 5.4 MW solar array nears completion. In 2017, Denison installed a 2.3 MW solar array in the Biological Reserve to offset 15% of the university’s energy consumption. The new solar array combined with existing arrays will provide 40-45% of the university’s energy needs, according to campus Sustainability Director Jeremy King.
Scope II carbon emissions on Denison’s campus are made up of natural gas and electricity usage. Scope II carbon emissions are purchased emissions. As part of Denison’s Net Zero 2045 goal, the university must offset all Scope I and Scope II emissions. The new solar array will eliminate about 15% of the university’s total emissions, according to King. The array will generate renewable energy for campus use that Denison would typically purchase from the electric utility. This addition opens the possibility of adding on a 2-3 MW battery asset to store renewable energy during the summer for the winter, or days with higher demand.
The remainder of Denison’s energy will be purchased through a renewable energy Power Purchase Agreement in 2045. The campus grid cannot support more solar, so Denison will indirectly purchase renewable energy at a premium to offset the other 60% of campus consumption.
After the university’s decarbonization study with Evergreen Energy, James Gallick was hired as the first automation engineer at Denison. Gallick reduced energy usage, and thus carbon emissions, through eliminating the low-hanging fruit and optimizing machinery on campus. This includes lighting, air leakage, and HVAC control upgrades.
The university has also begun the electrification of the vehicle fleet. The electrification began in 2023 when Denison alum Chase King ‘25 and Colin Ravin ‘25 worked with Chris Wolfington ‘90 to bring the first electric vehicle, a Chevy Bolt, to the vehicle fleet. The campus fleet accounts for 2-3% of the annual carbon emissions. The electrification of Denison’s vehicle fleet is another step in reaching the 2045 goal.
Student sustainability member Charlotte Meyer founded Denison’s Net Zero 2045 student group. Meyer is passionate about sustainability. Her club brings students together to encourage admin to keep sustainability a priority despite political climates. Meyer urges environmentally conscious Denisonians to learn about how the places they live in and work in are powered, and how the status quo can be improved. Meyer, who is a part of Denison’s Green Team organization, said that the club plans to continue hosting events and Net Zero meetings for all students.