Sustainable Energy

Villanova University strives to be as energy efficient as possible which starts with smart design such as building to LEED specifications and retrofitting existing structures. Additionally, Villanova employs non-technical means of increasing energy efficiency through scheduling and behavioral changes.

Renewable Energy

Villanova is furthering its commitment to environmental sustainability through agreements with renewable energy companies.

Demand Response

The Demand Response program helps keep the power grid from overloading on hot summer days when power is most needed. This program is extremely important in keeping area electric prices down. Without programs like this, electric suppliers would have to build additional power generator plants to meet the few peak energy demand days. By reducing the demand on the system, electricity generating companies are able to avoid that added expense, saving them money, which they are able to pass along to the customers.

Energy Savings Project Fund

To help Villanova reach its carbon neutral goal, the Energy Savings Project Fund was set up to support energy efficiency projects on campus that are not traditionally budgeted. The money for this account comes from the savings of previously funded projects, as well as the payback we get from the Demand Response program. Traditionally, this fund has been used for funding lighting retrofits and HVAC upgrades, such as variable frequency drives (VFD) and exhaust systems. Some examples of recent lighting retrofits include the installation of LED lights at the stadium, saving over 200,000 kW annually. Examples of recent projects include:

• Efficient lighting installation in the Career Center, Law School garage, and Donahue dining hall
• Variable Frequency Drives in Mendel Hall, St. Thomas Church, West Campus and St. Augustine Center for the Liberal Arts
• LED lighting and lighting controls for the Stadium for easy scheduling and managing of the lights
• LED retrofits in the Jake Nevin Gym, Natatorium, and outside basketball courts near Driscoll Hall

Solar

Villanova has two solar array installations on campus.

• Drosdick Hall, the home of the College of Engineering, has a 4.2 kW array on the roof, that is used as an educational demonstration for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
• Delurey Hall, an 80-bed dorm on the southwestern edge of main campus, has a 29.1 kW array on the roof.  The power is delivered into the University’s electrical distribution system, directly reducing power drawn from the local PECO distribution system.