In 2023, Better Buildings Challenge partner Morehouse College exceeded its energy efficiency goal, achieving 31% reduction in energy intensity across its portfolio of 30 buildings against a 2017 baseline. DOE recently visited Morehouse to recognize the college for its energy use achievements and leadership and to learn more about its plans to continue accelerating efficiency across campus.
Morehouse College and DOE Leadership
As the only private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse has saved money and energy while encouraging diversity in the next generation of clean energy champions. David Thomas, president of Morehouse College, delivered remarks sharing the college’s unique positioning as a driver of change in this space.
Morehouse President David Thomas
Across campus, Morehouse has implemented sweeping efficiency improvements, such as campus-wide LED lighting upgrades, HVAC controls upgrades in 11 buildings, and the installation of efficient water fixtures, to achieve its goals. The school is also deploying fault detection and analytics software campus-wide in addition to installing electric and water submeters.
Looking forward, Morehouse plans to explore renewable energy opportunities, waste reduction efforts, and other efficiency improvements to its historic Graves Hall. Many historic campuses are home to legacy buildings that are ripe for efficiency upgrades but face unique challenges in maintaining the historical and cultural integrity while bringing them into modern-day sustainability. The planned improvements to Graves Hall are just one of the ways Morehouse is exemplifying leadership within the higher education sector while building on its broader net-zero goals.
Better Buildings congratulates Morehouse College for its impressive achievements in efficiency. Learn more about Morehouse’s leadership and achievements on its partner profile.