NMC to use renewable energy source for new Innovation Center

TRAVERSE CITY — Northwestern Michigan College will install a geothermal system to support its new Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center, currently under construction.

The Board of Trustees Building and Site Committee voted unanimously to support the recommendation from the construction project manager, citing research into the long-term cost savings to the college and the positive environmental impact.

The geothermal system is estimated to cost an additional $400,000 initially, with an expected payback period of 14.5 years and continued savings to the college for up to at least 30 years.

Committee members felt the renewable energy option was the right thing for the college to do environmentally with the cost data supporting that decision.

Vice President of Finance and Administration Vicki Cook said, “This project is another example of how the college works to strengthen our long-term commitment to our community by seeking out additional opportunities to build systems that are responsible both financially and environmentally.”

Geothermal systems use heat from the earth to provide a clean renewable source of power.

The multi-million-dollar project is in its early stages of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for September 2018.

RELEASE DATE: August 9, 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Vicki Cook
Vice President of Finance and Administration
vcook@nmc.edu
(231) 995-1144