Green Power

Electricity is used to run lights and appliances. Energy sources for electricity can vary. In New England the energy mix is:

30% coal
28% natural gas
22% petroleum
14% nuclear
7 % renewables

Tufts University changed its electricity supplier in 2006 and now receives electricity that is over 80% from hydro power plants. Tufts' electricity related CO2 emissions are about 21% of the New England average.

Sophia Gordon Hall is modeled to use approx. 476,000 kWh (not including plug loads for appliances and electronic equipement). In comparison, a base case building (a conventional building meeting MA code) would have used close to 700, 000 kWh.

Sophia Gordon Hall is powered exclusively by green-E certified green power. This means that Sophia Gordon Hall will have no greenhouse gas emissions associated with its electricity consumption.

In addition to being powered by commercially-available green power, Sophia Gordon Hall also augments its supply with 23.8 kW photo voltaic panels on its roof. (learn more)