Sustainable Facilities & Energy

Montclair State University’s co-generation plant provides, on average, approximately 75% of the University’s annual electricity.

The University and UMM Energy Partners, LLC formed a public-private partnership to develop a combined heating, cooling, and power system for campus. The facility went online in 2013 and replaced the former energy plant, which began generating steam in the 1940s and later provided electricity as a co-generation plant beginning in 1993.

The plant provides natural gas-fired electric generation, chilled water for cooling, and steam for heat. These systems serve campus buildings through the University’s energy distribution system. The plant is designed to operate continuously and produce approximately 5.4 megawatts of electric power.

The plant is located on Yogi Berra Drive, adjacent to the CarParc Diem parking garage.

Montclair State University developed a campus microgrid as part of its energy management and resiliency strategy.

A microgrid is a local energy system that can disconnect from the traditional electrical grid and operate independently when needed. After a 2016 power outage affected the University, Montclair developed this system to improve campus resiliency and flexibility in meeting energy demands.

The microgrid helps support continuity during power disruptions and strengthens the University’s ability to respond to climate-related energy challenges. The generators are housed near the main combined heating, cooling, and power plant next to the CarParc Diem parking garage.

The remaining portion of Montclair State University’s electricity needs, approximately 25% on average, is purchased through the local utility provider, PSE&G.

In January 2023, the University entered into a retail renewable energy agreement with ENGIE Resources LLC, a subsidiary of ENGIE North America Inc. Through this agreement, Montclair State University purchases Green-e™ certified Renewable Energy Credits from wind, solar, and hydro projects across the United States.

These Renewable Energy Credits are intended to match 100% of the University’s forecasted retail electricity consumption from the grid and support CO2 emissions avoidance by more than 7,600 metric tons over the course of the agreement.

Montclair State University’s solar field is located in Parking Lot 60 and provides a small amount of power to Alice Paul Hall in The Village.

The University was awarded a Board of Public Utilities grant in 2010 to support solar field installation. These solar installations, including the array at the north end of campus in Parking Lot 60, went online in 2011.