NHTI will save approximately $14,000 annually thanks to the installation of a combined heat and power system in the College's North Hall, which houses faculty and resident students. The new technology will allow both heat and electricity to be produced from the same resources, greatly increasing efficiency. The library also received improvements to its heating system and more efficient temperature controls.
In addition to saving the college money, this project greatly increases the efficiency of energy use in North Hall. The Community College System of New Hampshire was awarded a $1.3 million grant through the State Energy Program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Each college received funding to address energy usage and reduce long-term energy costs through facilities and systems upgrades.
These cost reductions come as many public entities are feeling the pinch of recent budget cuts, including a 20 percent cut to state funding for the state's community colleges. These infrastructure improvements reduce operating costs, and support the colleges' efforts to keep the costs to students down.
