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University Actions- Fuel Switching on Boilers
- HVAC system adjustments
- Semester Break Shutdowns
- Building Schedule Reviews
- Additional Building Schedule Reviews
- Campus Energy Waste
- Energy Audits
- Additional Boiler Fuel Switching
The University has taken some specific actions to minimize the use of natural gas.
- Maximized the use of our main coal boiler as a base load unit.
- Operated two older coal boilers on a limited basis to assure their functionality and to provide on-line back-up capacity in the event of a natural gas curtailment situation. The supplemental steam generated during their period of use reduced natural gas fuel costs by over $1,000,000.
- Installed a rental package boiler fueled with distillate fuel oil. Distillate fuel oil is less expensive than natural gas.
- Ongoing review of HVAC operating parameters at individual buildings to optimize the existing systems operation.
- Reduced use of all athletic facilities to the absolute minimum allowing overall temperature reductions. Closed all three pools and let pool temperatures drop during the Break.
- Took a significant number of fume hoods out of service during the Break.
- Placed a number of classrooms, labs, etc. on permanent night set-back during the Break.
- Reduced lighting and hours of use in the libraries.
- Ongoing review of the building HVAC schedules to reduce the hours buildings are maintained at normal temperatures to those required to support core hours of use. Personnel using those facilities after the core hours are asked to be prepared for lower temperatures and dress accordingly.
Additional Building Schedule Reviews
- There are on-going efforts to minimize energy use by consolidating night classes into the minimum number of facilities, allowing the temperature in more facilities to be reduced earlier each night.
- Continued surveys of the campus to identify opportunities to reduce energy use. Some of these will challenge “the way it’s always been” to help develop operating methods, habits, etc. that are more in tune with the diminished availability and increased cost of energy today.
- Input from individuals will be used to help identify some of these opportunities.
- The Energy Group is developing a Plan to implement energy audits of our campus facilities which will identify areas in which economically justifiable modifications can be implemented which will reduce energy usage.
Additional Boiler Fuel Switching
- Testing and investigation of the two older coal boilers is underway to determine the practicality, cost, and time considerations necessary to bring their emissions into regulatory compliance and allow longer duration use.
- Other investigations are in progress to determine if old reserves of #6 bunker fuel oil can be safely used for boiler fuel.