The OSU Carbon Reduction Grant Program, funded by OSU Facilities Planning and Management and administered by Carbon Commitment Committee (C3) and the Sustainability Office, is intended for practical, measurable projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across OSU operations and activities. For fiscal year 2026 (FY26), nine awards were granted, ranging from $988 to $10,472, with approximately 45% of funding going to projects substantially led by OSU students!
Grant recipients provide progress updates and estimated impacts on OSU’s carbon emissions as the projects move forward. Read below for an update on one of the projects currently underway!
Project title: Solar Control Film in Air-Conditioned Spaces in Batcheller and Covell Hall
Project team: OSU Energy Efficiency Center
Amount awarded: $3,588
Project summary:
- Apply reflective solar film on windows of Batcheller and Covell halls
- Compare performance of spaces with and without film by measuring space cooling load via portable air conditioners
- Produce financial savings, carbon footprint reduction and analyze savings
- Use these spaces as a test for viability of applying films to other spaces on campus.
Project details: Solar control film transmits most visible sunlight through while reflecting a large portion of thermal heat. This reduces the need for cooling.
A team of engineering students at the OSU Energy Efficiency Center has set out to apply solar films on windows of Batcheller and Covell. Most areas of these buildings lack central AC, and some spaces are cooled using inefficient portable AC units. Building occupants are excited about more comfortable conditions from reduced solar heat.
Project status: This project is currently underway with film applications expected to be completed by early- or mid-summer and measurement and verification of the project effectiveness to be completed by the end of Summer 2026.
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