Fairfield University has received federal recognition for its environmental improvements.  The school received a 2010 Energy Star CHP award for its combined heat and power plant, which runs on natural gas to supply power to most of the school’s buildings while lowering emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.  The generator was installed in 2007 through a $9.5 million project with the United Technologies Center and $2.3 million from the United Illuminating Co.  The plant has reduced the school’s yearly emissions of carbon dioxide by 7,400 metric tons and uses about 22% less fuel than equivalent heat and power from conventional sources.