Harnessing the Sun on a St. Paul Campus

The $66-million, 225,000-square-foot Anderson Student Center is known as the campus gathering center for the University of St. Thomas. It has been awarded LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient mechanical systems, water conservation measures, highly insulated exterior wall and roofing systems, and lighting controls.

As the university’s preferred electrical contractor, Collins worked with Cedar Creek Energy to install a 3,692-square-foot solar unit on the roof. The solar system will offset 46 tons of carbon emissions per year and 1,120 tons in the 25-year life expectancy of the panels.