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Before and after... Look at the difference between the new compact florescent lighting on the left to the old incandescent lighting on the right. This was part of a massive energy retrofitting campaign at the U. |
Bright Ideas: Energy Savings at the U
Written by Bianca Shama
07/27/07
The Energy Conservation Programs at the University of Utah have seen great successes over the past few years. A great deal of energy has been saved by performing mechanical retrofits and by focusing on building occupant behavior.
When the University of Utah started its building energy retrofits seven years ago it was the largest project ever taken on by a higher educational institution in the United States, and it still remains among one of the largest.
Since the retrofits, the University has initiated other lighting and mechanical retrofits at the U to further reduce energy consumption. The Engineering and Mines classroom building recently completed the first phase of a new lighting project.
This retrofit managed to triple the amount of light within the hallways, classrooms, and lecture halls of the building by painting the walls white and replacing many of the fixtures (see photo) while cutting the amount of power that they use in half.
The projected goal for this building is to reduce the amount of power used by its lighting systems 60%. The HPER complex, Student Services Building, and the Field House are all currently being evaluated for their lighting systems as well.
Some other results of the energy conservation program:
- Water consumption on campus has been cut by over 30 percent over the past 4 years by improving campus sprinkler systems and expanding the use of drought tolerant landscaping.
- The university is fine-tuning buildings in order for them to operate more efficiently. Currently 2 buildings have been included in this program, Eccles Institute of Human Genetics and Biomedical Polymers Research Building. The University of Utah is now evaluating the next building to include in this process.
- Alternative energy solutions are currently being studied that might be able to be used at the University.
- Integrated Energy Solution's resource conservation program has helped trim another $1.42 million from last year's utilities bills by focusing on tightening the after-hours control of the U's heating and cooling systems as well as better controlling the lighting and office equipment. At this time the savings from this program are over $3 million over the past 3 years.
These projects brought significant energy savings at the University of Utah in addition to many others happening around campus.
In addition, these programs contribute to campus sustainability by decreasing the amount of energy used and help to plan for the future by providing both efficient appliances in buildings as well as fostering sustainable behaviors.
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Bianca Shama and Chris Atkins work closely with the Office of Sustainability to make sure the the U is saving energy and helping us work towards a sustainable campus. |