Energy sustainability begins and ends with measurement. We need to know how much energy we use and understand what it takes to meet our needs. The landscape of energy production is nuanced and undergoing tremendous change.
Net Zero Energy Goals
Percentage of Net Zero Goals Achieved
Target Production: 198,000,000 kWh
Total Production: 17,853,942 kWh*
Net Zero Status: 9.89%
*For period July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. Many recently constructed solar systems were not yet energized during this Performance Period.
Progress toward our net-zero energy goal of 198M kWh and the rate of progress towards that goal is shown in the two charts above. Progress is re-calculated at the end of every fiscal year and represents the net total renewable energy production of the UH System and does not take into account renewable energy generated from outside sources. Recently constructed photovoltaic systems that were not energized during this performance period are not counted in this tally.
Energy From Utility and Production
Annual Energy Consumption
Utility Purchased Energy
There is a trend currently of purchasing less energy from utility companies each year. The increasing number of projects that improve operational efficiency and the growth in photovoltaic energy generation contribute to a reduction in overall consumption. Renewable energy production has been increasing steadily and future projects will add dramatically to the generating capacity of the UH System. From fiscal year FY22 to FY23 there was a 9% increase in the amount of kWh generated. Recently constructed photovoltaic systems that were not energized in time for this report are not counted in this tally.
See our Renewable Energy Portolio.
Savings and Capacity
Cumulative Annual Savings
from Efficiency Projects
Cumulative PV
Capacity Installed
The cumulative impact of all the efficiency projects at the University adds up to over 20 million kWh/yr in avoided energy consumption. There is a 1% change from last year and an overall 158% increase in efficiency from FY2015. The University has a total of over 17MW of installed capacity. There is a 31% change from last year and an overall 450% increase in installed capacity from FY2015. Visit our Renewable Energy Systems Portfolio to learn more about these projects.
Visit our Energy Efficiency Progress page to learn more about the types of projects we are implementing to increase energy efficiency.
Usage and Rates
Percent of Energy Usage
Utility Rate Comparison Cents/kWh
(EIA Commercial October 2023)
Research is an energy-intensive endeavor which enhances students’ education, contributes to Hawaii’s economy, and advances our understanding of the world around us. Most of the campus’ energy is consumed by building HVAC systems that control both temperature and humidity of research labs and classrooms spaces, which must be maintained to a high degree of precision for libraries and research buildings to provide world-class facilities.
The State of Hawaiʻi has the highest price of electricity in the Nation! This is based on the information published by the Energy Information Administration. So not only do we use less then our peers, we pay more for it.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Number of Award Winning Buildings
University of Hawaiʻi was an early adopter of LEED certified buildings, and delivered one of the first LEED certified buildings in the State of Hawaiʻi. With 2 platinum, 13 gold, 11 silver, and 2 certified buildings, UH is leading the way in sustainable building design, and has more LEED buildings than all other state agencies combined.