By Aber Qureshi
A new innovative project for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will reduce natural gas reliance and hopefully will work towards the University’s goal of reaching Carbon Neutrality.
The project will connect with the UW Oshkosh Campus Services Center to retrieve their food waste and convert it into a renewable energy source for the building rather than just burning it off.
A portion of energy and biogas will be created and used for a new heat source with an estimate of 75% of heat coverage from converted methane gas and an average $24,000 of annual savings.
“We are leveraging an existing resource to reduce our energy costs and get closer to our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030.” Stephanie Spehar, director of sustainable institute for Regional Transformations, said.
UWO’s strategic plan commits to its sustainability and reducing environmental impact through facilities by the improvements and use of renewable energy.
The University is now using 100% natural gas as heating source, with low-sulfur oil as a backup.
