Defiance College completes thermal solar project on campus

DEFIANCE, Ohio – In an effort to become a greener and more energy efficient campus, Defiance College has completed a thermal solar project with installation in August of solar panels on two residence halls. This is in addition to the solar panels installed on the George M. Smart Athletic Center when it was constructed in 2011.

The solar collectors aid in warming the hot water supply in all three buildings as well as radiant floor heat in the Athletic Center. Other energy-saving measures include installation of low-flow shower heads and multiple envelope upgrades in the residence halls. A new boiler system and heat circulation upgrades were made to McReynolds Hall.

All of the measures seek to reduce the college’s carbon footprint, while at the same time, reducing energy costs. This is a continuation of ongoing efforts to become greener and more efficient. In 2012, the college conducted an energy audit to determine energy conservation opportunities.

Also in 2012, the college completed a two-year project that included window replacement and lighting upgrades on campus. Interior and exterior lighting fixtures were replaced with more energy efficient models. Windows were also replaced in McReynolds and Dana halls.

Much of the work on the projects has been done by the college’s maintenance staff, headed by Jim Coressel, director of the physical plant.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering nearly 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.