Rutgers University has utilized its own technical resources and its student body to help study and solve energy related problems throughout multiple campuses. Projects such as a 1.4 megawatt PV solar system and a 14 megawatt combined heat and power plant are used as learning tools for both faculty and students. Tours of the facilities are provided on a regular basis to not only University staff and students, but to other groups interested in learning about energy efficiency and related technologies. The school has created The Center for Advanced Energy Systems utilizing undergraduate and graduate engineers along with experienced energy professionals to perform energy studies and write grants for CHP and geothermal technologies.

Additionally, many existing motors and transformers on campus have been replaced with high efficiency units supported by NJ SmartStart Buildings incentives producing savings of over two million kilowatt hours annually. New insulated piping is being installed in place of 40 year old high temperature hot water piping, which runs underground and supplies the multiple campuses with hot water. The expected thermal gas savings from this project is expected to be well over 22 million therms. A water audit was performed in 2007, and the University has implemented many of the recommended measures over the last two years reducing consumption by 255 million gallons per year. Lighting audits have also been completed and the University plans to install high efficiency lighting and sensors.

The school's facilities and capital planning staff brings energy awareness to the academic side of the University as guest lecturers, educating non-technical students about energy awareness. Rutgers consistently integrates all of their energy saving projects into their curriculum.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national public research university acclaimed not only for its academics, but also for its environmental leadership. The University is a member of the U.S. Green Building Counsel and the New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability. Rutgers is also a partner in EPA's ENERGY STAR and Combined Heat and Power programs.

Rutgers is committed to leading the clean energy movement by example and to increasing awareness among faculty, students and the public of the importance of increasing energy efficiency, protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.

Consistently at the forefront of energy conservation and renewable energy through its numerous power and resource saving projects, Rutgers features:

• a 1.4 megawatt ground-mounted solar array system
• a 14 megawatt cogeneration plant
• replacement of motors and transformers with high efficiency equipment
• an upcoming project to replace lighting and sensors with high efficiency equipment
• replacement of deteriorated hot water pipe with new, insulated pipe
• and proactive reduction of annual electricity and water consumption

Of course, part two of the university’s solution comes in the form of educating faculty, staff, students and the general public about energy conservation. This education has come in the form of a variety of comprehensive outreach programs including: an annual campus-versus-campus electric energy reduction competition; tours of the solar farm by professors, engineers, students and even Girl Scout troops; group tours of the cogeneration plant; student research papers on the university’s lighting audit data; creation of the Center for Advance Energy Systems; formation of the Rutgers Energy Institute; guest lecturers; a website dedicated to energy conservation and sustainable practices;  and soon to be informational kiosks in dorms and student centers.

The environmental benefits of the university’s vast energy saving undertakings are substantial. In total, Rutgers has reduced its carbon footprint by 28,350 tons which is equivalent to preventing the burning of 69,826 barrels of oil or 15,387 tons of coal annually. Through proactive consumption reduction measures, the university now also saves 255 million gallons of water each year.

These impressive environmental accomplishments, combined with Rutgers’ superior outreach programs, have brought recognition to the university and New Jersey as well, further proving the state as one of the foremost leaders in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The NJ Board of Public Utilities congratulates Rutgers University, winner of the 2009 NJ Clean Energy Educator of the Year Leadership Award