With regard to sustainability, my job is to provide research and analysis to support Engineering and Utilities' (E&U), and the University's, efforts to improve the environment.
I would have to say the Blackstone solar thermal panels project. The idea was conceived during a brainstorming session involving the Office for Sustainability (OFS), Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO), Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), and Engineering and Utilities. I'm particularly fond of it because I was able to get involved at all stages of the project (conception, design, permitting, and installation). The group of folks who participated had to first sell the idea, find the appropriate vendors, and then work with the city to secure the proper permits.
The panels are capable of providing hundreds of gallons of domestic hot water to the Blackstone office complex on a daily basis. This clearly saves energy, money, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.
In addition to the environmental and cost benefits, this alternative energy project was also selected to be a showcase and provide learning opportunities for folks across Harvard and beyond.
The panels are capable of providing hundreds of gallons of domestic hot water to the Blackstone office complex on a daily basis...