Point Loma Nazarene University has installed a 450 KW photovoltaic system and has become the first university in San Diego to use solar power to this extent. The system will provide 80% peak energy for six of its major buildings and will reduce CO2 emissions by 586 tons per year. There are hopes for more photovoltaic systems in the future. The photovoltaic system deserves an Orchid in and of itself, but what is even more noteworthy is that this is only one part of an aggressive plan to become a carbon-neutral campus, and to educate students about the importance of sustainable design.

The construction of the solar-powered system was the result of a student research project and ensuing collaboration between students, faculty, and staff. PLNU has also implemented extensive recycling and food composting programs, the use of water-saving toilets, a campus-wide purchasing directive to buy products made from recycled materials, and a commitment to achieve at least a silver LEED rating on all new building projects. When you consider that this is a campus of over 3000 students, faculty, staff and visitors, the impact of these measures is impressive. When you consider that students are given an active role in this effort and are thereby being equipped to address the future’s unprecedented environmental issues, the impact is profound. PLNU deserves an Orchid not only for becoming a leader in “green” university campuses, but also for providing a vital education to students who may one day become our policy-makers, clients, and partners in sustainable design.

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