MMA goes green

US-based nautical college Massachusetts Maritime Academy is attempting to be a pioneer in using renewable energy initiatives according to a report in Cape Cod Times.

The newspaper reports that the academy has just dedicated a US$14.7m dormitory expansion and upgrade project, which includes rooms and amenities were built with recycled materials and new fixtures reduced water consumption to less than 50 percent of previous levels while an 81-kilowatt photovoltaic system of solar panels on the roof accounts for the dorm's entire electric load.

Instead of building a brand-new structure, state and school officials agreed on the addition because the campus is on a small peninsula with limited room for expansion,Tamara Davis, chairman of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority told Cape Cod Times.

Source:Maritime Information Systems