Decrease natural gas (from utility), increase renewables. Note that a major source of campus electricity use is pumping water from underground (400 ft) and then up to the water tower for pressure. School uses ~25 million gallons of water/year which takes a lot of energy to move. Contact: Mike Winka, retired NJ DOT
Shifting The Lawrenceville School away from natural gas and increasing its dependence on renewable energy is an important step in fighting climate change and encouraging sustainability. One of the most successful strategies is expanding the school’s locally renewable energy generation. Putting additional rooftops and ground solar panels on academic buildings, dorms, and athletic facilities would allow the school to produce more clean electricity, decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels. As Mr. Winka who is an expert who has retired from NJ DOT states “If you put solar panels on every single family home in New Jersey, it would produce about what we use annually.” This is important because it shows how useful and important solar panels are because they save money and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore “In an effort to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, Lawrenceville addresses energy efficiency through green building techniques.”(Lawrenceville School). The power generated from these solar panels could also be sold as Renewable Energy Credits, also known as (RECs), supported by states that mandate renewable energy targets while funding further sustainability leadership. Battery storage systems would ensure that excess solar energy is stored and available for use during periods of low sunlight, which decreases the need for backup natural gas powered electricity. Lawrenceville could explore different energy sources such as heating and cooling, which tackle the Earth’s stable underground temperatures to control indoor climates skillfully. The Lawrenceville School may not have put solar panels on every building yet because of structural restrictions, such as roof exposure, shading, or the ability of certain roofs to support the weight of the solar panels. Also, maintenance thoughts and solar panels are expensive. Mr. Winka says “It will also increase the cost of the project and the need for more planning. The good point is that costs like solar and wind are coming down and AI will help in resource planning.” (Winka 2025). This quote shows how adding new technologies to a project can make it more expensive and require extra planning. But the good thing is that solar and wind energy are getting cheaper, and AI can make managing resources easier. By replacing natural gas based heating systems with electric heat pumps, the school could significantly lower emissions. “The campus heating system recaptures more than 90% of the steam used to heat campus buildings, leading to significant savings in energy and water use. The Office of Environmental Sustainability also researches carbon reduction strategies, renewable energy credits, and carbon offsets.”(Lawrenceville School). This shows that Lawrenceville improves sustainability by taking in 90% of the steam. Besides, upgrading the existing electrical grid structure to better integrate renewable energy sources would increase efficiency and reliability. Beyond increasing renewable energy production, The Lawrenceville School can reduce overall natural gas consumption by improving energy efficiency and promoting electrification. Upgrading heating and cooling systems to electric heat pumps would allow buildings to be heated and cooled without relying on gas furnaces. Implementing energy-saving technologies, such as LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and high-efficiency appliances, would further reduce energy demand. Additionally, rebuilding buildings with better insulation and energy-efficient windows would minimize heat loss, decreasing the need for heating during colder months. Electrifying campus transportation by adding more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and transitioning school-owned buses and maintenance vehicles to electric models would further decrease reliance on fossil fuels. The school could also inspire students and staff to start using sustainable transportation methods, such as carpooling, biking, or using public transit. By combining renewable energy with smart technologies, electrifying essential systems, and adopting a culture of environmental responsibility, The Lawrenceville School can become a model for educational schools seeking to lead in the fight against climate change.
Sources
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10LuACRKjt3fDMvfSwPeMMDjYVImBG0ryaMGo5va9CVY/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.7cqnwkzefvci
https://www.lawrenceville.org/academics/beyond-the-classroom/sustainability
