Conclusion
In reviewing the initiatives that can be developed around the Kirby solar array, it is clear that the college has many directions that it can go to maximize the potential benefits of the newly constructed array. In reviewing our case studies of other peer institutions that have developed similar solar projects on their campus, we can learn from them and use some of the ideas they have developed as examples to benefit both the Lafayette and Easton community. Implementing similar initiatives to strengthen community ties, integrate the solar array into the curriculum, and develop future solar projects on campus off of the success of array Lafayette can strengthen its public image while also serving as an example of sustainability to other institutions of higher learning. We envision the creation of the Lafayette Clean Energy Center as the first step in making Lafayette a more green institution, and a leader in the renewable energy field.
In this report we’ve outlined what we envision the LCEC and the accompanying Kirby Solar Lab could look like. We believe that the Rockwell Integrated Science Center is the ideal location for the energy center because of the building’s purpose, and it’s proximity to the existing Office of Sustainability. Designating a space, and securing initial funding, is the first step to making the energy center a reality. It will create visibility for the program from students, faculty, and guests who are visiting the science center. A dedicated space is also the first step in allowing interested students and faculty to meet and begin planning or even hosting some of the energy center’s first events and programs. After a space is created, this will allow the area to be populated with equipment for the database and other materials for students to access. And once dedicated faculty have been hired to help run the LCEC, planning can begin for some of our larger envisioned programs such as a solar competition as well as more widespread integration into the Lafayette curriculum. It is important that all aspects of the Lafayette community get involved with the energy center in order to achieve the goal of interdisciplinary involvement. Once the array is involved in the Lafayette curriculum, the Kirby Solar Lab can be established and populated with the necessary equipment to fulfill the needs of any department who wishes to make use of it. This is why creating the physical space for the LCEC is important, as it can help relay our vision for the LCEC to the Lafayette community, then allowing discussions to take place of how different members of the community want to make use of the space. From there, the LCEC faculty can work together with community members to organize and host the various programs we have proposed, or new ones that members of the community suggested as well. We hope the LCEC and its accompanying programs will continue to expand as the Lafayette and Easton community make use of them, and as Lafayette continues its investments in clean energy technologies.
The Lafayette Clean Energy Center is an essential step in getting the most benefit out of the college’s existing renewable energy investments, as well as ensuring future benefits and adoption of similar projects. The clean energy center will give Lafayette the opportunity to create and implement many similar programs to other schools, advancing our renewable energy research, learning, community engagement, and philanthropy opportunities. The Kirby Renewable Energy Lab will just be the first example of this, giving students hands-on experience working with the school’s investment in the Kirby solar array providing learning and research opportunities.
From there we hope the clean energy center will continue to serve as inspiration and an important resource for further clean energy initiatives on campus while working to involve all disciplines on campus in this important aspect of our modern world. It will serve as an essential launchpad for future sustainable investments and help the college achieve it’s sustainability goals laid out in the Climate Action Plan including carbon neutrality by 2035. Lafayette has already shown its commitment to working towards these goals with the investment in the Kirby Solar Array, the creation of the Office of Sustainability, and other programs. If Lafayette is going to continue this push and solidify itself as a frontrunner in the renewable energy space, as well as bridge the divide between campus and the Easton community, then we see the Lafayette Clean Energy Center as the essential first step.
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