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Ohio Wesleyan University Leads Ohio Higher Education with Groundbreaking Solar Initiative

May 7, 2025

Delaware, Ohio - Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is proud to partner with GRP|WEGMAN on what will be Ohio higher education's most ambitious carbon reduction and onsite solar energy project ever undertaken! This revolutionary 6-megawatt solar photovoltaic system with 2-megawatt battery storage will reduce OWU's carbon emissions from electrical use by an impressive 82%, setting a new standard for sustainability in higher education across Ohio.

As OWU President Matt vandenBerg noted in his recent announcement, "OWU will join the vanguard of American universities in onsite renewable energy production, energy stewardship, and environmental innovation – all while saving tens of millions of dollars and addressing significant planned maintenance."

What makes this partnership truly special:

Zero capital outlay required from the university
8.2 million kilowatt hours of clean energy generated annually
Protection from rising utility costs
Creation of a "living laboratory" for hands-on student learning

At GRP|WEGMAN, we believe in creating innovative solutions that demonstrate how organizations can take bold action on sustainability while investing wisely in infrastructure improvements. Ohio Wesleyan is showing what's possible when vision meets execution. Stay tuned as this historic 200-acre campus transforms into a solar powerhouse!

https://www.owu.edu/about/new-initiatives/solar-energy-project/‍

For example, an outdated library can be transformed into a collaborative learning commons with flexible seating, technology-rich workstations, and interactive displays.
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A vacant classroom can become a makerspace where students can explore hands-on learning and develop critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.

But the vision doesn't have to stop at the classroom door. Schools that have sat vacant for three to five years represent some of the most compelling adaptive reuse opportunities in any community. A shuttered school can be reimagined as:

Affordable senior housing or elder wellness space – bringing dignity and community connection to an aging population that helped build the neighborhoods these buildings once served. Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
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A veteran support center, offering stable, supportive environments for those transitioning back to civilian life. Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
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An early childhood, daycare, or parent support center to expand local services for pre-school aged children.
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A community center or "third place" – a gathering space for neighbors who need programming, connection, and services outside of home and work.

And as cities track demographic shifts and prepare for the next wave of population growth, these buildings stand ready to be restored to their original purpose, welcoming students again when the community needs them most. A vacant school is never just an empty building. It's stored potential, waiting for the right plan and to serve the community and bring it back to life.

When planning an adaptive reuse project, educational institutions should consider these key strategies:

Engage stakeholders early in the process to gather input and build support for the project. Students, faculty, and staff can provide valuable insights into the types of spaces and amenities that will best support their needs.
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Prioritize flexibility and multi-functionality in the design process. Creating spaces that can adapt to changing needs and serve multiple purposes will maximize the value of the investment. This may include incorporating movable walls, modular furniture, and technology-rich infrastructure.
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Consider the long-term impact of the project, not just for the educational institution, but for the community as a whole. By repurposing these spaces, schools and universities can ensure that they have the necessary facilities to meet the evolving needs of their students and the wider community.
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By embracing adaptive reuse and implementing these strategies, educational institutions can transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, engaging learning environments that inspire students and support academic excellence. As schools and universities consider the future of their facilities, adaptive reuse should be a key strategy in their planning process.

GRP|WEGMAN's infrastructure specialists are here to help you redevelop your spaces for your community's current and future needs.