Energy
Lafayette continues to explore new ways of increasing energy efficiency and reducing fossil fuels through building plans, student activities, course projects, faculty research and other initiatives.
New Solar Panels on Kirby
Solar panels will be installed on the roof of Kirby Sports Center during summer 2021. Energy collected by the 400- to 530-kilowatt solar array will be used to power systems in Kirby. Learn more about this project.
wind turbine and solar panels at Metzgar
The College installed a wind turbine and two solar photovoltaic panels at Metzgar Fields, adjacent to LaFarm in Forks Township, mostly for demonstration and research purposes. Acopian Engineering Center features a photovoltaic roof panel, and a vegetated roof. Green building principles were employed in construction of the LEED-certified Grossman House, which uses considerably less energy per resident than traditional dorms. Above, a Lafayette student constructs solar panels on top of a storage shed.
student projects
With regards to academic pursuits, students regularly undertake projects aimed at reducing energy use across campus, including energy modeling and energy audits of Grossman House and their sustainable living community. Faculty research in energy involves use of concentrated high-temperature solar energy to produce fuels, and improving the efficiencies of solar thermal systems for space and hot water heating.
Max Energy but Mini Fridge
Some mini fridges can consume just as much energy as a full-size refrigerator. Though compact, they need to use their exterior walls to dissipate heat – unlike how regular refrigerators do so.
Here are some tips on how to choose and maintain an energy-efficient fridge for your room:
- You’ll need a 6 cu ft and under mini fridge at Lafayette. Look for Energy Star!
- Don’t forget to empty, unplug, and prop open doors of the fridge during breaks.
- Clean the coils on the back of the fridge. Without dirt and dust, they’ll efficiently release heat and the overall energy use of the fridge will go down.
- Keep your fridge full, even with a pitcher of water. Having cold food and drinks in it will help regulate the temperature. It’ll use less energy to keep it cool that way.
- Keeping your room a little cooler won’t make your mini-fridge work as hard.
Connect with us
Office of Sustainability
746 High Street
Easton PA, 18042
sustainability@lafayette.edu