Ameresco Inc. has completed the installation of a rooftop solar installation at Northeastern University’s Boston campus.
The installation takes the form of an on-grid, rooftop solar system atop the university’s landmark Snell Library building. In total, the implemented solar system provides 157.78 kWp DC of power for the University’s library, which receives more than 2 million visitors per year. The solar system was declared active and online on March 13 following successful commissioning.
As Northeastern University embarks on environmentally responsible strategies to decarbonize its campus, the Snell Library Rooftop Solar Installation is an important milestone in a series of building and energy investments to support the University’s sustainability goals. Centered downtown, the university’s Boston campus serves as a thoroughfare for the city’s vibrant communities including the neighborhoods of Back Bay, Fenway, Roxbury and the South End.
In an ode to the campus’s unique urban profile, the Snell Library Rooftop Solar Installation represents an innovative use case for urban on-grid solar PV integration and highlights the immense potential for clean and renewable energy to transform the very fabric of cities while supporting community sustainability goals.
“This solar installation represents a key milestone on Northeastern University’s path to decarbonization, and Ameresco is honored to be a partner with the University on their journey,” said Pete Christakis, executive VP and GM of the East Region at Ameresco. “Given Northeastern University’s global prominence as a leading research university, this project will serve as a model for how organizations can make sustainability goals a reality by leveraging the versatility, cost-effectiveness, and longevity of renewable sources of energy. This installation also speaks to the value the University places on engaging its communities of student and staff who everyday work, learn, and connect in the landmark Snell Library.”
To celebrate this exciting installation, Northeastern University held a flip the switch ceremony on April 2, at the Snell Library Quad. Speakers for the event included Michael Williamson, Ameresco’s director of PV and BESS construction, East Region; Leah Bamberger, executive director of Northeastern’s Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub; Dan Cohen, VP for information collaboration and Dean of the University Library, and a current Northeastern student.
“Northeastern has made significant progress reducing the carbon intensity of our buildings,” said Bamberger. “This project comes at an important time as we are developing plans to fully decarbonize our buildings and eliminate harmful emissions.”
Tags: Ameresco, commercial and industrial, Northeastern University, rooftop solar, sustainability
