Sustainability at Oregon Institute of Technology (Green Build TV)
In addition to having one of the top engineering programs in the country, the Oregon Institute of Technology is a shining example of eco-friendly sustainability and renewable energy use. OIT introduced the very first Bachelor of Science program in Renewable Energy Systems. Their renowned Geo-Heat Center also serves as a national hub for geothermal information and development. Oregon’s elected leaders also chose OIT to be home to the Oregon Renewable Energy Center.Given the long history of the use of geothermal as an energy resource in Klamath Falls, it is only fitting that the Oregon Institute of Technology built the very first university-based geothermal combined heat and power plant in the world.
Since 1964, OIT has been using geothermal to provide heat for the entire campus. The first low-temperature power plant was installed in April 2009 and it provides about 10% of OIT’s electricity. A second, much larger 1.75 MW geothermal power plant has also been added on campus and is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.