Winter Energy Curtailment Efforts Result in Significant Cost Savings

Environment

Winter Energy Curtailment Efforts Result in Significant Cost Savings

Data shows reduction in energy costs and carbon emissions during annual campus shutdown.

This heatmap shows energy savings at �鶹�ƽ�� over the winter closure. The dark green bands (equating to periods of low energy use), called out by a “black box” outline, show building energy reductions.

For the past 14 years, �鶹�ƽ�� has made its year-end winter Energy Curtailment efforts an annual tradition. The data collected and analyzed from this past year’s curtailment efforts show that, once again, the university saved significant energy during the winter shutdown.

By working together to lower thermostats to 55°F, turn off all non-critical lighting, unplug non-critical equipment and appliances, close all windows and doors, and other energy-conserving actions, the university achieved considerable environmental and financial benefits.

In fact, the two-week shutdown of campus for the holidays this past December helped �鶹�ƽ�� save:

1.71 billion Btu’s of energy (gas and electric)
134 metric tons in carbon emissions (equivalent to taking 31.3 cars off the road for a year)

Overall, �鶹�ƽ�� saw an energy cost reduction of $46,302.

The annual curtailment effort, led by Facilities Management, was made possible through the enthusiastic collaboration, participation, and continued support of the entire university community, including students, faculty, staff, Housing and Residence Life, and many others. The community’s cooperation has been the cornerstone of its continued success with winter energy curtailment.

Main Campus Electric Energy

To measure the effectiveness and success of the Winter Holiday Curtailment efforts, the Energy and Engineering team analyzed energy reduction through various sources. Using Atrius, an energy dashboard platform, the team was able to graph total energy consumption and generate heat maps that provide insight on energy usage in the various buildings to help improve Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system efficiency and performance.

Atrius displays output energy usage in 15-minute intervals on a heat map, providing users and viewers with an overview of energy consumption.

Main Campus Electrical Feed Heat Map

This heat map shows energy savings at �鶹�ƽ�� during the winter closure. The dark green bands equate to periods of low energy use, showing building energy reductions.

“Although our energy curtailment efforts over the holidays each year have proven to be successful, saving energy is a year-round effort. I encourage everyone to actively participate in helping us reduce energy and water consumption,” said Juan Allen, Energy Manager.

Here are some tips on what you can do to save energy throughout the year:

Unplug Your Electronics: Make it a habit unplugging your electronics when they are not in use. Use a power strip so you can easily turn off multiple electronics at once.
Keep Windows Closed: When the weather is hot/cold outside, keep the windows closed so your HVAC system doesn’t use more energy.

Take Shorter Showers: Reduce your time in showers to help conserve water. Also consider taking colder showers.
Turn Off Your Lights: When you leave a room, whether it’s your dorm or classroom, make sure to turn off the lights.
Green Your Laundry: Wash your clothes in cold water and wait until you have a full load.
Call 2-Fix: When you see something wrong anywhere on campus, such as toilets that run water constantly or outside lights on in broad daylight, call 2-Fix so they can make the appropriate fixes right away.

“The Energy & Engineering staff thanks everyone who did their part to help the university save energy during this past winter break. With your help, we can save even more energy all year long,” said Tiffany Trang, Utilities Outreach Program Leader.

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