Dartmouth College

As an Ivy League member, Dartmouth is widely known for its research and scholarship in arts, science, business, engineering, and medicine. It’s also known for its far-reaching commitment to energy efficiency. Dartmouth calls itself “a deeper shade of green”—with good reason.

Recently, Dartmouth completed a challenging lighting retrofit at the Leverone Field House, home of many of the college’s sports activities and events. They replaced HID luminaires with high-bay LED fixtures that feature fully-integrated occupancy and daylight harvesting sensors, enabling lighting to turn on, off or dim to save energy.

This is just one example of how sustainability impacts every aspect of Dartmouth life. Other recent projects include:

•  Replacing more than 2,200 light fixtures in the Berry Library with new energy-efficient models.
•  Installing two new electric chillers and variable frequency drives to replace inefficient steam absorbers serving the campus.
• Extensive efficiency projects for Dartmouth’s new Life Sciences Center, making it one of the first laboratories in the country to receive LEED Platinum recognition.

Thanks to these and 13 other recent efficiency projects, Dartmouth is saving nearly 2.9 million kWh each year, as well as more than $300,000 in annual electrical utility costs. Since 2005, Dartmouth has reduced its annual fuel oil consumption by 1.6 million gallons per year, or 30 percent, even while growing by 9 percent. During the same period, electrical consumption was limited to a growth of just 3 percent. Overall, Dartmouth is saving greater than $2 million per year. The college has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 percent by 2030. Dartmouth expects to meet its first target of a 20 percent reduction by this year.

Both on campus and throughout New Hampshire, Dartmouth actively promotes efficiency investments. Its energy website, Energy.Dartmouth.edu, allows visitors - with just one click - to access interactive maps with information on completed projects, high performance buildings—and even learn how the campus steam system works. They can also preview future projects, which include extensive updates to HVAC systems that will ensure comfort while using much less energy.

Dartmouth’s close relationship with Liberty Utilities has played a vital role in making these projects possible. Program incentives are an integral component in the college’s energy investment decisions. The Liberty Utilities account management and energy efficiency team provides continuous support and assistance with project recommendations and implementation.

Dartmouth may be the smallest of the Ivy League colleges, but it’s big on energy efficiency ideas and innovations. Its “deeper shade of green” is a source of pride for students and staff—as well as a source of inspiration for other colleges around the nation and around the world.