Energizing UVI:

Building an Energy Efficient, Resilient and Sustainable University of the Virgin Islands

&

Moving Towards Sustainable Transportation at the University of the Virgin Islands

The University of the Virgin Islands’ Caribbean Green Technology Center received funding from the U.S. Department of Interior for the competitive Energizing Insular Communities grant in both 2020 and 2022 to facilitate UVI’s immediate reduction of energy costs, increase UVI’s energy independence and resilience, help create a new generation of energy managers for the Territory and lead by example through raising awareness on topics of renewable energy and e-mobility in the USVI community.

electric Golf Carts for UVI Transportation Fleet

The University of the Virgin Islands spends over $100,000 each year on fuel costs. With gas prices in the USVI being higher than the national average by a staggering 10-15%, fuel costs are not just a heavy financial burden for the University, but they also represent a risk factor, as prices are regularly subject to the dubious global oil market. With a third of these costs credited to the vehicles of the Security Department, UVI plans to replace the department’s current Jeeps with electric vehicles. This change would result in savings of about $42,500 a year. Additionally, electric vehicles are known for lower maintenance costs, with the carts allowing for greater mobility and patrolling on both campuses due to their smaller size. For the larger campus on St. Thomas, there will be 3 patrolling golf carts, and one six passenger golf cart for campus tours, shuttling, and more. For St. Croix, there will be 3 patrolling golf carts.

In April 2023, the golf carts arrived on UVI’s campus ! If you are lucky, maybe the Security Department will even offer you a ride around our campus.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

The USVI has one of the highest electricity rates in the nation, nearly 4 times the US average. In an effort to reduce electricity costs and to charge the newly acquired electric vehicles, the University will also install four multi-use solar powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, two on each campus with a backup battery for access to 24/7 charging.

Electric Bike Sharing Pilot Program

At UVI, the use of personal vehicles is widespread even for short distances. With mobility infrastructure that is car-centric in the USVI, many roads lack sidewalks and cycling infrastructure remains nonexistent territory wide. UVI’s pilot program for bicycling sharing will provide alternative transportation and promote healthier lifestyles within the University system and the greater USVI.

To assure proper implementation of this program, UVI will begin a student cycling club and task force of individuals and community members invested in revolutionizing energy conscious transportation on campus through the new program.

Following this development, the program will test a range of 3-6 bicycle and scooter models to help decide which model  to  expand upon in the future. The electric bicycles can potentially be charged at the EV charging stations. The pilot program will explore different pricing schemes for students, employees, and community members with various forms of incentives and packages.

Interested in learning more or becoming involved?

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Solar Charging Stations

CCTC is installing 8 stations on UVI’s two campuses: 4 charging stations include a picnic tables with outdoor seating; while the other 4 include just the charging component. All solar charging stations are equipped with a backup battery to allow students, faculty and staff to access to energy and internet at all times, even during times of emergency or when the campus may be closed. Stations include both wall outlets and USB outlets suitable for charging smaller devices such as cell phones and laptops. Stations are also equipped with LED lighting for safe night time use. In May 2021 the stations were successfully installed on the St. Thomas campus within the next month they will also be installed on St. Croix.

UVI Campus Energy Audit

UVI has over 60 buildings across its 518 acres on both St. Thomas and St. Croix. While there have been some renovations and new construction, many of these buildings have not been upgraded since they were built over 50 years ago. An older building stock compounded with one of the most expensive electricity rates in the country means a really big utility bill. UVI spends almost $4 million a year just paying its electricity bill so any ways we can use energy more efficiently will result in some serious savings.

An energy audit is a detailed analysis of energy usage on campus. It typically includes multiple steps such as a compilation of facility characteristics, an analysis of energy and water usage, a site investigation, an energy and cost analysis, and a detailed audit report with summarized findings and proposed recommendations for energy saving measures. An energy audit and implementation of the low cost (and no-cost) measures identified can reduce energy bills by 25-30% each year. Plus by better understanding energy loads, such as installing smart meters to measure instantaneous loads, it helps us towards our goal of designing a UVI microgrid as part of the Greatness Through Innovation Strategic Plan.

Zero Energy Laboratory

CGTC is using the Energizing Insular Communities to construct a Renewable Energy Laboratory Space on St. Croix and St. Thomas that will operate completely off the grid using both solar and wind energy. The lab will be constructed from a refurbished container and will be utilized to host classes, workshops and trainings in Renewable Energy. The first of those trainings was offered in summer 2021 on St. Thomas on June 27th. Check out how the training went here.

We would like to thank Silver Sun Solar for donating their time and materials to install a roof rack and connect solar panels to the St. Thomas structure. Silver Sun will also be designing a ground mount system for students to learn solar installation in a safe and controlled environment.

We also appreciate the generous donation from Inversol of their Lumen battery and inverter system which will allow this structure to be completely off-the-grid.

Thanks to our sponsors!