I. Introduction
The University of Kansas is committed to a policy of energy efficiency and energy conservation, particularly during this time of rising utility costs, tighter budgets, and new construction on campus. The goal of this policy is to create a realistic and comprehensive document that identifies energy and water conservation and efficiency as significant issues for the entire campus community. This document details steps that will be taken to address these issues and reach the energy efficiency goals of the University. This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically as public awareness, management techniques and technologies change.
II. Conservation Goals
KU has taken various measures over the years to conserve energy. In December 2002 KU signed an energy performance contract with Chevron Energy Solutions that consolidated various efforts and provided new “Standards of Comfort” that will improve both building environments and energy savings. Through the guaranteed savings of the energy performance contract, the University will reduce utility costs by about 18% over FY03 costs. By following the specific measures outlined in Section III, the campus may achieve additional savings.
III. Specific Measures
A. Buildings
Windows and doors of conditioned spaces should be kept closed. Personal computers, other office equipment, lights, window air conditioners and personal heaters should be turned off when not in use. The use of personal heaters is discouraged. Power management features of personal computers should be enabled. In winter, departments can obtain plastic film from Facilities Operations to cover single pane windows. This film may be installed by departments or by Facilities Operations as a billable service. As time and funding allow, buildings and mechanical systems will be added to the building automated control system (BACS). This will permit greater control over operating schedules and temperatures, will reduce energy consumption, and will permit implementation of demand management strategies to reduce energy costs.
B. New Construction
New construction should be designed and built to minimize energy use. The most recent version of ASHRAE Standard 90.1 - Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings Except Low Rise Residential Buildings should be set as the minimum energy efficiency guideline, since it has been shown that further reductions in energy use are economically achievable. The design process should include energy life cycle costing analyses. New construction should be added to the existing building automated control system for enhanced energy management capabilities. Alternative energy sources such as passive solar heating and heat recovery should be considered, as well as daylighting and other strategies for decreasing building energy consumption. Primary consideration should be given to connecting and/or extending central systems for heating, cooling and other mechanical systems. Year-round cooling needs should be met by utilizing the most energy efficient systems, for example plate-and-frame heat exchangers versus less efficient air-cooled systems. All new construction should include utility metering (electricity, natural gas, steam, and water).
C. Lighting
Most lighting on campus is being retrofitted or upgraded to high efficiency fluorescent lighting with electronic ballasts. Remaining areas should be upgraded as funding is available. New construction and remodels should use high efficiency lighting and minimize incandescent lighting. Interior decorative lighting should be kept at a minimum and exterior decorative lighting should be discouraged. Lighting levels recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society Lighting Handbook should be used as guidelines to avoid over-lit spaces. Increased use of daylighting and daylighting controls should be considered because use of daylit spaces decreases energy costs and may improve productivity.
D. Heating
During the heating season, room temperatures should be maintained at 69°F when occupied. Whenever it is economically and technically feasible, night setback features of the BACS system will be utilized to allow temperatures to drop to 55°F during unoccupied periods. The only exceptions to this policy are special areas such as animal care units or research facilities that require constant or warmer temperatures. The Provost’s Office will evaluate requests for exemptions on an individual basis. Facilities Operations will utilize the most energy efficient means of supplying heat for approved off-hour/holiday requests. Use of electric heaters in University buildings should be minimized. Areas that are either too hot or too cold should be reported as soon as possible to Facilities Operations at 4-4770.
E. Cooling
During the air-conditioning season, room temperatures should be maintained at 76°F when occupied. Whenever it is economically and technically feasible, night setback features of the BACS system will be utilized to allow temperatures to rise to 85°F during unoccupied periods. The only exceptions to this policy are special areas such as animal care units or research facilities that require constant or cooler temperatures. The Provost’s Office will evaluate requests for exemptions on an individual basis. Window air conditioners are used in areas that lack central cooling. Temperature settings for these units should be raised manually or the unit should be turned off when areas are not in use. Supervisors are encouraged to accommodate reasonable requests from employees who wish to wear more casual clothing because of the increased temperatures. Areas that are too cold or too hot should be reported to Facilities Operations at 4-4770.
F. Water Usage
Use of irrigation water should be minimized through rainfall monitoring. The University should also investigate collecting stormwater for non-potable uses on campus. Low water use flush valves and flow restrictors on faucets and showers should be used in restrooms. No single-pass cooling water will be used on mechanical equipment in new construction or remodels. Existing equipment that uses single-pass cooling water will be eliminated as time and funding allows. Water that does not go to the sanitary sewer system (such as lawn irrigation, cooling towers, and fountains) should be metered to obtain a sewer credit from the City. Water leaks, dripping faucets and fixtures that do not shut off should be reported to Facilities Operations at 4-4770.
G. Transportation
Use of the Lawrence Transit and KUonWheels programs and car/van pooling should be promoted. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to walk, bike or use public transportation to get around campus. Fleet vehicles used on campus should not be left idling.
Acquisition of new University fleet vehicles should be reviewed thoroughly, and vehicles should be purchased with the highest fuel efficiency possible.
H. Purchasing
Energy efficient products should be purchased whenever possible. For examples, see the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star products list. Recyclable and reusable products should also be purchased when feasible to reduce disposal costs.
I. Recycling
Facilities Operations is responsible for the campus recycling program. Disposal of materials in the solid waste stream represents an increasing expense for the University. Design of campus facilities should incorporate the facilities necessary to make recycling convenient for University users. When economically feasible, recycling should be expanded to include such things as green waste (for composting), construction waste, and used office waste such as computers. For more information on recycling at KU, please see the recycling web site at <http://www.ku.edu/~recycle/home> or contact Facilities Operations at 4-2855.
IV. Continued Success
There are several ongoing activities that will help ensure the success of KU’s energy policy.
A. Monitoring
No energy conservation program will be successful if progress is not monitored on a continuing basis. Most buildings on campus have metering devices installed. Meter readings can be used to track utility consumption, and the data can be used to locate problem areas as well as determine if conservation goals are being met.
B. Training
Training must be provided to ensure that both operations and service technicians have the skills and knowledge to effectively apply the technology used to achieve energy savings.
C. Maintenance
Mechanical system efficiency tends to degrade over time. Proper maintenance is required to ensure that systems operate as efficiently as possible.
D. Education
University faculty, staff and student cooperation and support of the energy policy are key to its success. An education program that provides information on utility costs, trends, and user impact on these costs will enable the campus population to understand the need for this policy, and how it can positively impact them by freeing up money from utilities for educational purposes.
VI. Suggestions
Any suggestions for ways of reducing energy consumption on campus should be addressed to the Facility Operations Energy Manager at 864-5695.
