Energy

Benchmarking utilities to improve overall energy consumption. The types of fuel used for energy, and the efficiency of heating/cooling systems play a major role in campus sustainability. By evaluating campus energy use, measures can be taken to reduce a large percentage of energy use without major changes to buildings. Work with utility providers to understand and reduce consumption to improve. Further examination of creating all potential renewables is urged (photovoltaic, biomass, geothermal, wind, etc) along with potential for Combine Heat and Power plant. Evaluate the creation and track energy conservation plan, monitor energy management plan, recommission buildings and actively evaluate lighting controls. Verify Energy Star on all equipment and in purchasing.

State solar policy resource: A State-by-State Policy Guide for Midsized Solar Customers

2019 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook 

2018 Sustainable Energy in America Factbook

Click on this link for a pdf  from one of NACUBO's most experienced VP/CFO on how to improve energy use at your campus:
Key Steps for Energy Efficient Program!

Other case studies and resources: 

• Department of Energy has ongoing free webinars on the Better Buildings Alliance
• Bowdoin College, in Brunswick, Maine, a solar power complex that will be seven times the size of the largest existing solar installation in the state. The partnership is unique as SolarCity Corporation financed, built, will maintain and own the solar installation on the college property and Bowdoin will purchase all the generated power.
• College Planning and Management: Arizona State University: Solar-Powered Sun Devils
• Energy 101 is a framework for educators, administrators, and other interested parties who would like to learn about the Energy 101 course framework and how their institutions can get involved in this effort.
• White Paper: Leading the Nation to a Safe and Secure Energy Future (June 2012)
• Testimony Submitted to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Financing Energy Efficient Buildings (June 28, 2012)
• Campus Green Builder: an online portal offering resources on funding, technical expertise, campus green building case studies, blogs, as well as upcoming green building events. Plus the site offers opportunities for institutions to share their own resources and take advantage of discounts for memberships to other organizations and green building information. Conservation Nationals Video Contest Winners: This is the third year The National Wildlife Foundation, along with Alliance to Save Energy, Lucid Foundation and US Green Building Council has sponsored this unique challenge to reduce energy and conserve water. It has published its results from the competition that started in Feb - April 2013.

• EPA: Building Your Internal Network: Making the Switch to Green Power (Recorded on December 17, 2013
• Department of Energy Engaging Students in Energy On-Demand Webinar (Recorded on December 13, 2013)
  • Engaging Students in Energy webinar Powerpoint Slides
• EPA:   Green Power Purchase Information 

Posters from NACUBO Annual Meetings are a great resource for how campuses are advancing energy issues:

• Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. Solar-powered production in multiple conditions.
• Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine A solar project for campus use that is third party financed, built, owned and maintained by SolarCity.
• Carleton College, Northfield, Minn.Sustainability: energy conservation, clean energy production, waste reduction, student activism, and food procurement.
• Delaware State University, Dover, Del.  Energy performance contracting
• University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UtahRooftop solar systems offered at a reduced cost for students, faculty, staff, and alumni at their home residences.
• University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Wis. Dry and wet anaerobic biodigesters; solar and geothermal; learning, living laboratory.
• Cornell University, Ithaca, NYClear, concise on process and financials involved  for making carbon neutrality a reality; explains the Energy Conservation Initiative - included in specific costs on funding,  information on cost and expected return on investment  with building automation (great graphic), project highlight on a library mechanical cost and a lamp replacement  cost , climate action plan and the renewal energy projects.
• University of Miami, Coral Gables, FLProcess flow diagram on execution of efforts with 1) measure and analyze benchmarks, 2) implement technologies and strategies, 3) investment and execution with 4) the program for the future.
• Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN Conversion of power plant from coal to natural gas; specific costs and pollutants noted.
• Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI green revolving fund history - clear graphics from 1980 on reducing costs with investment and average annual return on investment - Official joining 2012 Billion Dollar Green Challenge with graphics clearly identifying the need, process and savings on investment and ROI.
  
  
  

KEY FACILITIES SURVEY RESULTS 

Results are in for the five years of the APPA/NACUBO Key Facilities Metric survey.   How does your Btu or Electrical compare for your campus from year to year?  This particular group of campuses has seen a trend line that electrical is being reduced at most campuses, but BTU (energy) in not always being reduced.  Know your own campus consumption numbers to evaluate if projects should be put in place to reduce your energy.  Keep track of these measures to improve.

 Just as leadership can recite pertinent campus facts - cost of tuition, types of academic programs, number of students, etc  - it is critical to know basic facilities data to improve strategic planning; Btu, electrical, water, waste and carbon.