Combined Heat and Power System Reduce College's Energy Costs
ARRA funds improvement to cut annual operating costs For Immediate ReleaseSeptember 26 2011
Contact: Alan Blake, 271-8904
Concord – NHTI will save approximately $14,000 annually, thanks to the installation of a combined heat and power system in the College's North Hall, which houses faculty and resident students. The new technology will allow both heat and electricity to be produced from the same resources, greatly increasing efficiency. The library also received improvements to its heating system and more efficient temperature controls.
"We believe that it not only makes economic sense to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible, but sets the right example for our students in making wise energy and environmental choices," says President Lynn Kilchenstein. "This system, as well as LEED silver-certified Grappone Hall, green cleaning maintenance, tray-less dining halls, and other initiatives, moves us forward in our goal to be as energy efficient and environmentally neutral as possible."
In addition to saving the College money, this project greatly increases the efficiency of energy use in North Hall. The Community College System of NH was awarded a $1.3 million grant through the State Energy Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Each college received funding to address energy usage and reduce long-term energy costs through facilities and systems upgrades.
These cost reductions come as many public entities are feeling the pinch of recent budget cuts, including a 20% cut to state funding for the State's community colleges. These infrastructure improvements reduce operating costs, and support the colleges' efforts to keep the costs to students down.
NHTI, Concord's Community College, is a fully accredited, public community college serving students, businesses and the community by providing excellent academic, technical and professional education. NHTI offers 63 academic programs to more than 5,000 students. NHTI is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire.