The C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University took another step toward sustainability on July 11, unveiling a solar power generator that will turn sunlight into nearly 15,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. C.W. Post entered into a contract with National Grid to construct the 11 kilowatt solar power generator at the Facilities Services building, the headquarters for the buildings and grounds department that serves the 307-acre campus.
The photovoltaic generator, which produces about 15% of the electric power used in the Facilities Services building, will generate 14,848 kilowatt hours per year, saving approximately $2,500 in annual energy costs. Incentives from the Long Island Power Authority lowered the cost of the solar panels from $84,000 to $46,250. The generator has been active since September 2010.
"As an institution dedicated to helping shape tomorrow's leaders, we should be at the forefront of earth-friendly power and conservation, and this system places us front and center," said William Kirker, director of Facilities Services at C.W. Post. "The energy is 100% clean - no fossil fuels are used, no air emissions are generated and there is no noise." Kirker said that since there are no moving parts on the ground-mounted system, it is very easy to maintain.
National Grid's certified solar staff provided the expertise needed to develop the system from the ground up. "Our team takes pride in providing a safe environment during and after installation to ensure the quality of workmanship goes beyond green," said John Guidone, vice president of operations.
Local elected officials and LIPA COO Michael Hervey were in attendance at the ceremony, along with college and high school students enrolled in special courses offered through C.W. Post's Summer Sustainability Institute. "We applaud the C.W. Post campus of L.I.U. for taking a leadership role among the higher learning institutions in the region for achieving the environmental and economic benefits of harnessing the power of the sun," said Hervey. "Through our nationally recognized efficiency and renewable programs, LIPA continues to work with our all of our customers, including residential, businesses, governmental, and educational facilities to help lower electric costs, reduce peak load, and delay the construction of the next costly power plant on Long Island."
Also present was Rob Bier, vice president of T.M. Bier & Associates of Glen Cove, N.Y., one of the New York area's leading independent controls systems engineering companies. TMBA is the principal supplier of building automation services and controls to the C.W. Post campus, which has been acknowledged as one of the most energy-efficient college campuses in the New York-metropolitan area.
The students, faculty and staff of the C.W. Post community have been embracing various environmental initiatives over the past decade. From recycling in residence halls to an environmentally themed Honors Program, measures by students and the administration are trimming consumption of energy and natural resources as environmental awareness assumes an ever-higher profile in the campus community.
The C.W. Post Campus has been rated one of the most energy-efficient colleges and universities in the Northeast. The Facilities Services Department regularly recycles computer equipment, carpet, fluorescent bulbs and batteries. In addition, an educational outreach program helps students understand how the choices they make impact the environment, as well as the benefits that result from making environmentally-conscious changes in their daily actions. C.W. Post offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in earth and environmental science and regularly hosts lectures, seminars and public forums on issues of sustainability.

Shown (from left) are: Philippe Thomas, senior, Finance major, C.W. Post; Dr. David Steinberg, President, Long Island University; John Guidone, Vice president of Operations, National Grid; Michael Hervey, Chief Operating Officer, LIPA; Bill Kirker, Director of Facilities, C.W. Post Campus; Bill Nimmo, Deputy Commissioner, Nassau County; Rob Bier, Vice President, T.M. Bier Associates; Theresa (Tess) Mall Mullarkey, Chancellor, C.W. Post Campus; Dr. Paul Forestell, Provost, C.W. Post Campus; Ryan Derham, Business Management major, C.W. Post Tags: