Electricity Solutions

As part of CAP 2.0, Lafayette committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy through a combination of on‐campus generation and off‐site renewable energy procurement. That goal has been achieved as of 2026, marking an important milestone in the College’s decarbonization efforts. CAP 3.0 therefore reaffirms and extends this commitment, with a focus on sustaining 100% renewable electricity over the long term.

This will be accomplished through a combination of expanded on‐site solar generation, energy efficiency measures to reduce total electricity demand, and the strategic procurement of renewable electricity from off‐campus sources.

Learn more about Lafayette’s Electricity Solutions in Category 2, Section 10 of the full Climate Action Plan 3.0.

Energy Efficiency Solutions

In August 2025, Lafayette engaged a third party consultant, ERM, to conduct a comprehensive review of more than 80 campus buildings to identify opportunities for improvement of buildings’ energy use.

Many of the recommended improvements involve proven, widely used technologies, as well as behavioral changes to reduce electricity consumption. Together, these efforts are expected to reduce overall campus greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 8.5%, while also improving building performance and reducing operating costs.

On-site Solar Panel Expansion

Solar panels play an important role in reducing Lafayette’s greenhouse gas emissions by replacing electricity from the regional power grid, which is often generated using fossil fuels, with clean, zero‐emissions electricity produced on campus.

Considering all of these installation options together, Lafayette has identified several locations on the main campus where solar panels could be added, as shown in the image left, the totality of which could generate an estimated 10% to 15% of the College’s total electricity needs.

Taking these steps now will allow Lafayette to expand on‐campus solar generation over time and maintain its commitment to 100% renewable electricity as the campus continues to grow.

Learn more about Lafayette’s Kirby Sports Center solar array.

Off-site Renewables Procurement

Lafayette may not have enough space available to generate 100% of campus electricity needs with its own solar panels by 2035, but can still source renewable energy off campus through power-purchasing contracts with large renewable energy developments.

In 2024, Lafayette announced it had entered into one of these contracts in coordination with other higher education institutions in Pennsylvania to buy renewable energy from a solar farm located in Kentucky.

As the campus continues to grow, it is likely another power purchase agreement, or an expansion of the size of the current contract, will be necessary to achieve 100% renewable energy.

Educational Opportunities

On-site electricity solutions present a very visible opportunity to display sustainability initiatives on campus.

Like the solar installation on Kirby Center, new on-site solar systems and energy efficiency upgrades can be incorporated into campus sustainability tours and prospective student tours to highlight Lafayette’s commitment to sustainability.

Energy Road Map