Designing for a Greener Future: Solar Energy and Sustainable Innovation at Pingree School
At Pingree School, environmental stewardship is more than a concept—it’s a core value reflected in every corner of their campus. In collaboration with OLSON LEWIS + Architects, Pingree has taken bold steps toward reducing its environmental impact while educating students about renewable energy in action.
Harnessing Solar Power: Two Campus Installations
In 2013, Pingree School installed 770 solar panels on the flat roof of the Johnson Ice Rink. The results were immediate and impressive: the system now generates approximately 45–50% of the rink’s electricity, enabling year-round operation while reducing utility costs.
Following the success of this project, Pingree turned to OLSON LEWIS + Architects to design a new Athletics Center, completed in 2014. The facility’s roof was specifically identified as the next site for sustainable innovation.
In partnership with Solect Energy of Hopkinton, MA, Pingree installed an additional 319 solar panels on the Athletics Building, now producing approximately 50% of the center’s electric needs.
- Johnson Ice Rink:
770 panels | 222 kW system | Powers approx. 45–50% of energy needs - Athletics Building:
319 panels | 94.1 kW system | Powers approx. 50% of energy needs
With a total of nearly 1,100 solar panels across campus, Pingree is generating substantial energy savings while demonstrating its long-term commitment to renewable energy.
Sustainability as a Teaching Tool
Beyond operational savings, Pingree leveraged its solar investment as a learning opportunity. With Solect Energy’s help, the school integrated an online monitoring system into its curriculum. This interactive tool visually tracks real-time system performance, providing students with a tangible understanding of sustainable energy production and its environmental impact.
Supporting Electric Vehicles: On-Site Charger Stations
Furthering its sustainability efforts, Pingree installed two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the rear of the Athletics Building. With limited public chargers available nearby, this amenity offers a valuable resource to faculty, staff, and visitors, encouraging adoption of electric vehicles.
By making EV charging accessible, Pingree not only supports current EV drivers but also helps influence those considering a transition to cleaner transportation.
A Sustainable Campus, A Teaching Moment
At OLSON LEWIS + Architects, we’re proud to help educational institutions like Pingree School design Beautiful Places that reflect their values. Sustainability isn’t just built into their campus—it’s woven into the curriculum, empowering the next generation to embrace responsible design and innovation.
