Pitt was recognized again for solar energy leadership

For the second time, the University of Pittsburgh was recognized for its leadership in solar energy. Earlier this month, Pitt was one of 18 organizations across Pennsylvania to receive the Lodestar Award, having also been recognized in 2023.

The Pennsylvania Solar Center honor is awarded to state-based organizations that are helping to shape a clean energy future through investments in solar. Solar energy is a growing part of Pitt’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2037.

Since 2023, Pitt has been receiving 18% of the electricity used on its Pittsburgh campus from Gaucho Solar, a 20-megawatt solar farm developed with Vesper Energy. Located about 25 miles from campus, the 68-acre site produces more than 35,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually and helps Pitt avoid more than 15,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

Beyond this off-campus partnership, the University has also completed two new rooftop solar installations in the past year. The Petersen Sports Complex now features a 68.4-kilowatt system, while Ruskin Hall, the first residence hall with solar, has a 136.8-kilowatt array. These two arrays alone will generate more than 230,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and are expected to save more than $25,000 in utility costs each year.

These projects are part of a broader effort outlined in the Pitt Sustainability Plan and Climate Action Plan, which guide the University’s efforts across academics, operations and community engagement.