About Us

Facilities Management is committed to a number of sustainable practices and programs and plays an integral role in helping the University of Iowa meet its obligations to providing a greener campus. The Sustainable Energy Discovery District explores how different alternative energies can be utilized at the University of Iowa. 

Several of these projects are the outcome of collaborative efforts between UI Facilities Management and its partners such as the UI College of Engineering and UI Parking & Transportation.

The Sustainable Energy Discovery District (SEDD) includes:

The Sustainable Energy Discovery District (SEDD) includes:

  • The solar electric vehicle charging station provides charging spaces for approximately 20 electric vehicles. 
  • The power generated by the station, over 70 megawatt hours annually, is distributed to the UI grid and offsets what is taken from the grid to power the vehicles. This provides a projected reduction in gasoline use by 15,686 gallons.

  • One stall in the solar charging station is equipped for solar energy-related learning and research, such as solar and utility grid integration, power storage, and smart grid technologies.

  • Located on the roof of the Cambus Maintenance Facility Addition.
  • 38kW photovoltaic system.
  • Power generated is sent to the campus utility grid.

The Sustainable Energy Discovery District (SEDD) includes:

  • Used by the UI flex fuel vehicle fleet.
  • Cambus uses a seasonal biodiesel blend to power its fleet.

  • 2.4kW wind turbine, 37-feet pole tower.
  • Connected to the UI utility grid.
  • Serves as a teaching tool for the UI College of Engineering

  • Envisioning a 100% renewable energy future for the UI main campus future, including the Zero Coal by 2025 goal.
  • Expanding use of biomass fuels including oat hulls, wood chips, Miscanthus grass, energy pellets, and other potential local fuel sources.
  • Exploring the use of alternative energy sources on campus that include solar, wind, landfill gas and hydroelectric.

Learn more about the University of Iowa's innovative biomass program on the Renewable Energy page.