FIRST UNIVERSITY MICRO-WIND FARM BEING INSTALLED AT QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY

10.26.2009 – HAMDEN, CONN- The foundations are poured and the first wind turbines are being installed at the first university micro-wind farm in the country. Quinnipiac University, well known for its independent polls, is installing 25 Windspire vertical wind turbines (www.mariahpower.com ) at its newly built York Hill Campus to gain a little energy independence. Part of a major sustainability initiative, the new campus will also use solar powered bus stops, encourage alternative transportation, and utilize water efficiency practices such as rainwater harvesting and low flow plumbing fixtures. This is the first of what the University expects to be a dedicated commitment to sustainable strategies, which also includes an education and environmental awareness program.

The Windspire turbines, which are clustered together beside the main walkway connecting a new parking garage to a new resident hall and student center, will power more than 50 percent of the exterior site lights on the 250-acre campus. Using extension poles of varying heights, the traditionally 30-foot tall Windspire wind turbines will vary in height from 35 to 45 feet, providing an effect akin to a kinetic sculpture garden rather than intrusive infrastructure. The “wind terrace” creates a destination for students to take in panoramic views of Long Island Sound to the south and rolling hills to the north.

The York Hill Campus was designed by Centerbrook Architects(www.centerbrook.com ), a leading design firm with a long history of using renewable energy and sustainable building practices. Centerbrook worked closely with Quinnipiac University to develop a “Sustainable Strategy” that includes a focus on indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, energy and green power, water efficiency, biodiversity, and education and environmental awareness.

“Quinnipiac University is committed to building one of the most environmentally friendly campuses in the country,” said John L. Lahey, president of Quinnipiac University. “Our York Hill Campus reflects our ongoing commitment to using renewable energy sources and educating our students about the importance of environmental issues.”

“We have designed many state of the art initiatives on this new seminal ‘green’ campus for Quinnipiac University, but the wind turbine terrace will be the most prominent and exciting statement about the University’s commitment to sustainable practices,” said Centerbrook Partner Jeff Riley. “The technology and vertical axis design of the Windspire allowed us to place wind power right in the center of campus.”
Riley added, “the unique grouping of Windspires will serve not only as a visible symbol of sustainability, but also as an intriguing kinetic sculpture beneath which students will be able to sit and take in the panoramic views of the Connecticut hills. It’s one of a kind.”

About Windspire
The Windspire wind turbine is a low-cost, low-noise, attractive wind power appliance for use in urban, suburban, rural and remote locations. Manufactured in the U.S. by Mariah Power, Windspire turbines are propeller-free, vertical-axis designs that feature patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire portfolio includes a 1.2 kW version, a special High Wind version and a 230V European Grid version. Later this year, Mariah Power will introduce multiple new products based on the Windspire technology including: off-grid capabilities, larger rotors and a system that is able to generate more energy at lower wind speeds. The Windspire has been featured in Fortune, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.mariahpower.com.