Sustainability at Harvard

Clean renewable energy at Harvard

Behavioral changes, green building design, and energy efficiency upgrades can minimize the amount of energy we consume in our day-to-day activities. However, we must still consider the source of the energy that we do consume. Most often, our energy comes from non-renewable fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal, will be critical in reducing Harvard's environmental impact beyond what is possible from demand-side reductions alone.

Renewable Energy at Harvard

Harvard currently invests in renewable energy by 1) purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) and 2) installing and operating a number of on-site renewable energy projects. These web pages will help you to explore Harvard's current renewable energy initiatives, learn about how to finance renewable energy for your school or department, and see what technologies we hope to adopt in the future.

Map of Renewable Energy Installations at Harvard

Harvard has installed a number of renewable energy systems including solar photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps, a waste vegetable oil truck, and a biodiesel pump for the Harvard fleet. Check our our map of renewable energy projects at Harvard.


View Renewable Energy at Harvard in a larger map

Recent Stories

Harvard to be largest buyer of wind power in N.E.

A few wind turbines

Harvard University announced November 2nd that more than 10 percent of the electricity consumed on its Cambridge and Allston campuses soon will be supplied from a wind farm in northern Maine. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this agreement will make Harvard the largest purchaser of wind power by a university or college in New England.

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Solar THERMAL Coming to HRES

In the spring of 2009, Harvard Real Estate Services (HRES) installed solar thermal collectors at two of our residential properties - 472-474 Broadway and 20-20a Prescott Street. Heat collected by the panels is used to supplement the boilers in heating the buildings’ hot water.

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Solar Array the Third Party Way

Imagine a flat, black, south-facing roof the size of three football fields. What comes to mind? If you’re in a green mood, the answer is: “solar!”

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Blackstone's New Solar System

The six solar thermal panels on top of Blackstone North are up and running. Unlike photovoltaic panels which generate electricity, the solar thermal system generates domestic hot water for all of Blackstone, home of University Operations Services. Inside each panel, fluid circulates through tubing and is heated by the sun.

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Integrated photovoltaic system at Science Center

Integrated PV system, Science Center

In August 2007, FAS installed an 10.8 kW building integrated photovoltaic system on the Science Center roof. The system's performance is available online.

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Geothermal energy projects at Harvard

Ground source heat pump systems take advantage of the constant temperature of the earth at shallow depths to serve as a heat source or sink for a building. When used for heating and cooling, these systems are much more efficient than conventional fossil fuel or electric based space conditioning. Harvard has six ground source heat pump systems on campus, at the following locations:

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Solar-powered lamp at Science Center

Solar lighting system

In 2006, the Sepco single shoe box lighting system was installed in front of the Science Center. The photovoltaic panel produces 2kWh of electricity per day in summer, and approximately 0.6 kWh in winter to power an exterior light. It prevents 1,170 lbs of CO2 from being released each year.

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Solar Thermal at 3 Sacramento Street

The solar thermal hot water system was installed on 3 Sacramento Street, an FAS undergraduate co-op dorm, in June 2008. The project was funded as a prize for HGCI’s 2007 Sustainability Pledge. For each person that took the pledge, $1.50 was put in a fund for an on-campus renewable energy system and 3 Sacramento’s solar thermal system won the funding.

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Straight Vegetable Oil in Harvard Truck

Straight Vegetable Oil in Recycling Truck

In September 2006, one of Harvard's recycling trucks was converted to run on waste vegetable oil from Annenberg Dining Hall. The project, first proposed by two students, was implemented by Harvard Recycling, HGCI, and the Harvard Transportation Services.

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Biodiesel (B20) in diesel powered vehicles

Biodiesel began fueling the 25 diesel vehicles in Harvard’s fleet during Spring 2004 as the University Operations Services constructed its very own biodiesel filling station. The 20% soybean oil, 80% diesel oil blend promises to reduce the emissions of particulates and greenhouse gases.

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