Carbon Neutral Goals Achieved: Diné College’s Success

Tsaile, Arizona

Diné College, the first tribally controlled collegiate institution in the U.S., faced aging facilities, inefficient systems, and inadequate heating and cooling at its Tsaile, Arizona, campus. To reduce high energy and water consumption and achieve carbon neutrality, the College partnered with Yearout Energy, now Energy Systems Group, to modernize infrastructure, lower costs, and enhance the learning and living environment.

2.1M

CARBON DIOXIDE REDUCTION IN ANNUAL EMISSIONS

759,600 

REDUCED ANNUAL WATER CONSUMPTION

33

ANNUAL UTILITY COST REDUCTION

287,425

Total annual savings

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Innovative Solutions

Our expert team collaborated to deliver innovative solutions for Diné College, modernizing critical systems, strengthening resilience, and supporting the college's commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Facility Upgrades:

Upgraded approximately 5,500 existing lighting fixtures to energy-efficient LED technology with advanced lighting controls in select areas.

Installed a 1 MW DC solar photovoltaic (PV) system on campus to generate clean, renewable energy.

Replaced outdated and inefficient HVAC systems at high-priority facilities, improving comfort and indoor air quality.

Added space cooling and increased ventilation in high-priority buildings to enhance occupant comfort.

Upgraded approximately 570 domestic water fixtures to reduce consumption and improve pathogen control with hands-free operation.

Remediated around 130 square feet of existing air leakage in the building envelope to reduce energy losses.

Installed 16 new high-efficiency transformers to reduce energy losses.

Conducted hazardous materials testing and abatement as part of the renovation process.

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ENHANCED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Enhanced air quality, lighting, and temperature control for a healthier, more comfortable campus.

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Reduced over 2M pounds of carbon emissions and conserved 760,000 gallons of water, advancing sustainability goals.

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COST SAVINGS

Optimized energy systems resulted in immediate cost reductions allowing Diné College to reinvest in other priorities.

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From the Client

“The cost savings encompassed in this EPC project is a step in the right direction for Diné College and Navajo Nation. We’re really looking forward to advancing our goal to become carbon neutral and upgrading our facilities with these capital improvements.”

- Charles Monty Roessel, President of Diné College

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