Energy

Top of QNC Building with blue sky and tree

Overview

We're committed to managing energy use on campus.

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's buildings and equipment are a major source of emissions. À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ is committed to managing energy use on campus through conservation and efficiency measures. These programs and investments are guided by theÌýShift:Neutral climate and energy action plan.

Supporting SDGs

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy square icon
SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure square icon
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities square icon
SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production square icon
SDG 13 - Climate Action square icon

Energy auditÌý |Ìý Building standardsÌý |Ìý Central PlantÌý |Ìý Energy efficiencyÌý |Ìý Renewable energyÌý |Ìý Revolving FundÌý |Ìý Community resources

Guage on utility pipe

Energy auditÌý

In 2020 and 2021, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ worked with external auditors to conduct a review of campus buildings to better understand theÌýuse of energy throughout the campus and to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.ÌýThe auditors conducted an ASHRAE Level 1 audit of all campus buildings, with a representative sample of six buildings receiving a more detailed Level 2 audit. The audit generated a list of hundreds of energy conservation measures, which are currently being prioritized for implementation.

LEED Platinum Environment 3

Building standardsÌý

In fall 2021, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ approved energy and emissions performance standards for the development of new buildings and released the first Net Neutral Building GuidelineÌýfor all new construction. The University has historically shadowed LEED Silver design, and occasionally pursued certification, as it did for the LEED Platinum Certified Environment 3. The new building design guidelines emphasize passive design and strict energy efficiency targets.ÌýÌý

Aerial view of district energy central plant

Central PlantÌý

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ's central plant is a district heating and cooling system that supports most of South Campus. It produces steam and chilled water to circulate among campus buildings. This system is more cost efficient than individual boilers and air conditioners in each building. Additional energy-saving measures include pipe insulation to reduce heat loss, heat recovery systems to improve boiler efficiency that save ~2 million m3 of natural gas annually, and variable speed pumps that save ~250,000 kilowatt hours of energy each year.

Lighting

Energy efficiencyÌý

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ has integrated energy efficiency measures across campus through various projects and programs. These vary from building to building, but include lighting retrofits, server upgrades, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, daylight and motion sensors, andÌýenergy recovery ventilation (ERV).

Solar panels on roof of EV3

Renewable energyÌý

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ has two solar panel arrays operating on its south campus. The first was installed in 2003 on Federation Hall through the Solar Technology Education Project as a demonstration.ÌýIn 2011, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ also installed a 60 kWh solar array on top of Environment 3.

Three piles of coins with seedlings coming out of top to symbolize green funding

Revolving FundÌý

The Revolving Fund is a new tool to catalyze projects across campus that generate competitive cost savings and help À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ improve its energy and water efficiency, managed by the Sustainability Office and Plant Operations.Ìý

White plastic home with tiered A through G ranking system to symbolize home energy efficiency

Community resourcesÌý

There are also several community programs and resources to help you conserve energy at home, such as: