Stonehill College is expanding its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Later this year, the College will start developing a solar farm on the David Ames Clock Farm, adjacent to the facilities headquarters on Washington Street across from campus.
Planning began two years ago for the project, which is part of the College’s Stonehill Goes Greeninitiative. The 2.7 megawatt solar farm will sit on 15 acres and is expected to generate 20 percent of the College’s electrical use. Energy savings is expected to be about $146,000 per year or $2.2 million during the 15-year agreement with partners Solect Energy, Power Management Co. and Invaleon Solar Technologies.
The College also sponsors The Farm at Stonehill, an initiative of the Mission Division, which supplies local food banks, soup kitchens and other meal providers with organic, sustasinably grown fruits and vegetables. Students and staff are able to assist with all levels of farming – from planting to putting the fields to bed before the first frost.
In 2012, 149 students were among those logging 702 volunteer hours to donate 10,000 pounds of produce to area organizations.
