An array of 45 photovoltaic panels with a generating capacity of 230-watts of electricity were recently installed on the roof of Aberdeen Hall, the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) center at Harford Community College, thanks in large part to J.M. Huber Corporation, college officials said in a press release.
Huber Engineered Materials, a division of J.M. Huber Corporation, made a five-year pledge of $50,000 in 2007 to support student scholarships, scientific education, and sustainability projects at the college. Huber has a plant in Havre de Grace, which produces ingredients for Huber Engineered Materials' Silica and Health and Nutrition Strategic Business Units. The first $10,000 was awarded to students for scholarships, and the remaining $40,000 was used to pay for photovoltaic panels. In recognition of the company's gift to the College, chemistry lab 303 in Aberdeen Hall was named for J.M. Huber Corporation.
"We are happy to be able to help the College in its endeavors to be a green campus, and to provide the means and materials to teach students about environmental issues," Minas Apelian, vice president and general manager for Health and Nutrition at Huber Engineered Materials, said in the press release. "In addition, this partnership is in accord with our Huber Principle of Environmental, Health & Safety Sustainability," Apelian said.
The photovoltaic system will have the capacity to generate approximately 10,000 watts of electricity or 10 KW, and the energy generated will be reflected on the college's monthly BGE bill. The college will retain ownership of the system's "renewable energy credits," or RECs, which can be used to help offset its carbon footprint. In addition, a monitoring system will be installed to allow hands-on learning for students who will be able to observe the amount of energy being generated.
"These photovoltaic panels will provide our students with the ability to fully understand how the generation of electricity from the sun takes place. Theory in the classroom is of the utmost importance but having a large working system right here in our new STEM building is an added bonus. Without Huber, this project would not be possible," College President Dennis Golladay said in the press release.
Photovoltaic systems produce clean energy over a long period of time, generally in excess of 20 years, and are recognized as one of only a few sources of clean, renewable energy.
Like HCC, Huber is committed to protecting the environment, the company said in the press release. According to the company's website, one of Huber's core values is to be a good corporate citizen in the communities in which they operate around the world. The company put environmental protection processes into place in the 1950s, long before environmental issues were a concern for many companies. Huber's long standing approach to the environment can be summed up by a simple phrase: leave a light footprint, according to the press release.
Harford Community College was recognized in the KIWI 2007 and KIWI 2008 Green College Reports as one of 50 institutions nationwide that are making a significant contribution to the environment.
During the renovation and expansion of Aberdeen Hall, green building features were incorporated into the building design and include a rainwater collection system used for flushing toilets and watering the rooftop greenhouse, use of recycled materials throughout the building, solar hot water systems, energy efficiencies, and natural lighting.
Harford Community College's renovation of Joppa Hall achieved Silver certification through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. The college also received Bay-Wise Certification for its landscaping and grounds maintenance practices, demonstrating Harford's commitment to protecting the environment and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. In addition, two large solar hot water heating systems were installed on the roofs of the Student Center and Chesapeake Center. These systems provide hot water using the sun and reduce operating costs and the college's carbon footprint.
The college has received recognition for its environmental programs, and J.M. Huber Corporation has been highlighted as one of the institution's key industrial sponsors.