Energy Performance Improvement Program

Overview

Since FY 2002, Utilities & Energy Services (UES) has led the university effort to conserve water and energy consumption on campus, resulting in a 45 percent reduction in energy consumption per gross square foot served, together with a comparable reduction in water consumption. Significant progress has been made to improve operating efficiency of utility production facilities, distribution systems, building automation and energy systems. Through the Energy Action Plan (EAP), there has also been significant outreach and engagement with campus customers. However, additional opportunities exist to more fully engage building occupants and department leaders to actively support energy conservation efforts.

Starting with a pilot program, UES proposes to achieve greater buy‐in through increased engagement to generate more awareness and support at the individual and department levels. It is our belief that as customers and occupants understand how much it costs to operate their building, engagement and support for conservation and efficiency improvement efforts will be stronger.

Objectives

1. Raise awareness and identify opportunities for improved efficiency and sustainability through engagement with facility occupants and stakeholders.
2. Implement energy system technical solutions, with occupant engagement and participation, to improve facility operating efficiency and reduce energy consumption and cost.
3. Fully support the efforts of the Green Labs program to not only improve safety but to also reduce energy consumption by ensuring the fume hood sashes are closed when not in use.

Engagement

After the initial kick‐off, UES Energy Stewards will be the primary interface with department representatives and building occupants. Stewards will meet and communicate with occupants, help them understand where, when, how, and why energy is being consumed (and how it can be reduced), monitor energy consumption and cost, present recommendations for energy reduction, and facilitate quarterly meetings/presentations showing the impact of energy and water consumption reduction measures.

The UES Analytical Services Team will ensure that consumption data is accurate and validate metered data integrity. In addition, the team will meet with stakeholders to ensure utility consumption and cost data is accessible and well understood.

The Building Automation System (BAS) team will provide the supportrequired to verify that building sensors and actuators are operating correctly and implement improved demand‐based BAS programming to reduce energy consumption while ensuring customer needs are met. The team will be investigating air changes, scheduling, programming, comfort issues, and other issues and opportunities identified by the team.

Learn about Participating Buildings

Kyle Field
Vet Med Complex
Institute for Preclinical Studies
Emerging Technologies Building
Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building
Liberal Arts/Arts & Humanities