GBA Energy Recommendations Help Flint Hills Technical College Reach Net Zero

Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) in Emporia, Kan. was awarded funding under a new Westar Energy program that will help the college implement GBA Energy Studio’s recent

recommendations for on-site renewable energy. Westar will back the installation and maintenance of photovoltaic (PV) panels for the Jones Education Center on campus.

"FHTC is very pleased to be a recipient of this solar program,” said Amy Becker, Director of Sustainability Studies at Flint Hill Technical College. “Not only will it improve our bottom line, but it will be an excellent educational tool for our students, as well as the community. Solar power is an important part of the future and we want to do what we can to help support that.”

In 2013, GBA completed an energy analysis to help the Jones Education Center reach its goal of becoming a Net Zero Building. The Energy Studio not only gave FHTC recommendations that would help them reach their goal, but they also outlined a system that would provide students with a unique educational experience.

 

With the Westar funding, FHTC plans to install three solar arrays that will provide electricity for the Jones Education Center. Students will be able to manipulate one of the arrays to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy benefits and production values. By the end of the school year, the building is expected to reach its net zero goal.