Project Architect
Hammel, Green and Abrahamson & Associates - Minneapolis
Construction Manager at Risk
Knutson Construction
Total Square Footage
20,276 GSF
Project Cost
$8.95 Million |
 |
The University of Minnesota Morris, nationally recognized as one of the best public liberal arts colleges, is building on the strong community and regional relationships and the significance of the robust renewable resources located in western Minnesota.
In 2005, a partnership with the West Central Research & Outreach Center (WCROC) and the Initiative for Renewable Energy & Environment (IREE) transformed Morris into the first Minnesota campus to use electricity from a wind turbine to power over 50% of the buildings. The campus has since been nationally recognized by the EPA as a green power leader.
The University received funding for this project in the 2005 Bonding Appropriation and has worked to identify technology that will provide renewable energy for campus heating needs. Focusing on local agricultural crops and plant materials grown in the region, corn stover was identified as the primary biomass fuel for intial use. Additional biomass candidates for future research and use include wood waste, distillers grains, wheat straw, and native grasses. These fuel stocks are all carbon neutral.
In 2006 WCROC and UMM applied for and received one of twelve national USDA/DOE biomass demonstration grants to conduct research in biomass collection of fuel stocks, economic impact and sustainable agricultural practices associated with the gasification of plant materials. This grant pairs UMM, WCROC, the Federal Soils Lab and private industry to determine best practices for biomass energy production.
Project Timeline
| April 2007 |
Construction Documents Complete |
| June 2007 |
Construction Begins |
| Summer 2008 |
Construction Complete |
|
