Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts college located in Durango, Colorado, United States. The college has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which is reflected in its academic programs, campus operations, and community engagement efforts. In recent years, the college has expanded its focus on renewable energy projects, particularly in the solar sector.

The college's solar energy initiatives are part of a broader effort to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. The college has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and solar energy is a key component of its strategy to meet this target. The college has already installed several solar arrays on campus, which generate clean energy and reduce the college's reliance on fossil fuels.

One of the college's most significant solar energy projects is the installation of a 1.2-megawatt solar array on the roof of the college's parking garage. The array consists of over 3,000 solar panels and is one of the largest rooftop solar installations in the state of Colorado. The array generates approximately 15% of the college's electricity needs and saves the college over $100,000 per year in energy costs.

In addition to the parking garage array, the college has installed smaller solar arrays on several other buildings on campus, including the Student Union, the Community Concert Hall, and the Geosciences Building. These arrays generate a combined total of approximately 200 kilowatts of electricity and help to offset the college's energy use.

The college has also partnered with local organizations and businesses to develop solar energy projects in the surrounding community. One such project is the Durango Solar Initiative, which is a collaboration between the college, the City of Durango, and local businesses. The initiative aims to promote the adoption of solar energy in the community by providing incentives and education to residents and businesses.

Another notable solar energy project that the college has been involved in is the development of a solar farm in nearby La Plata County. The solar farm, which is being developed by a local energy company, will generate approximately 10 megawatts of electricity and will provide clean energy to the local grid. The college has agreed to purchase a portion of the energy generated by the solar farm, which will help to further reduce its carbon footprint.

In addition to its solar energy projects, the college is also exploring other renewable energy sources, such as wind and geothermal. The college has conducted feasibility studies for both wind and geothermal energy and is considering the potential for future projects in these areas.

Overall, Fort Lewis College's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability is a reflection of its values as an institution. The college recognizes the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices, both on campus and in the surrounding community. Through its solar energy initiatives and other renewable energy projects, the college is helping to lead the way towards a more sustainable future.