The Utilities and Energy Management Department at Cornell University manages an active energy program across a broad spectrum of campus operations with support from Contract Colleges Facilities, Campus Life, and several other operating units. Beginning in the early 1970's, Cornell's energy management goal has been to minimize Cornell's impact on precious energy resources. The department is atypical among university utility departments. It coordinates both the supply and the demand aspects of energy use and cost. In addition, it works to identify areas where employing new technologies, replacing aging or less efficient equipment, and educating users will improve energy conservation.
Two central district energy systems provide heat and cooling to the Cornell University Ithaca campus (over 14 million square feet). Additionally, nearly 15% of campus electric use is generated by a small hydroplant and a cogeneration facility. The cogent facility generates electricity using one half the energy of a conventional electric generating plant, because all heat normally wasted is used to heat the campus.
Campus facilities are dominated by hi-tech research and teaching facilities, requiring complex mechanical and electrical systems to support their missions. Energy use is fully metered in all campus buildings, and it is managed utilizing digital Building Automation Systems (BAS) connected to a central monitoring and control system. For 15 years University Design and Construction Standards have provided guidance to engineers, architects, designers, and maintenance staff on how to minimize energy use. All features included in campus buildings are added based on their need and value for programs, New York State Energy Code, and their ability to pay for themselves in energy savings.
A full time staff of two Energy Managers and a Senior Engineer oversee the university energy management program for the central plants (supply side) and the buildings (demand side). Some examples of the program's activities include:
- Building systems projects projects
- Demand controlled ventilation
- Adaptive fume hoods
- Advanced glazing
- User friendly environmental controls
- Green office equipment and computing
- Cogeneration enhancements
Beneficial impacts of program:
As a result of these efforts, primary energy consumption has fallen from 0.20 million Btu per square foot in 1990, to 0.18 million Btu per square foot in 2003. Energy costs at campus billed rates represent 2% of the University's gross budget.
For more information, check out the web sites listed in the sidebar above or contact Mike Boggs (Certified Energy Manager), Energy Project Coordinator at mtb4@cornell.edu, Allen Hebert, Energy Engineer and manager of the Energy Conservation Initiative projects at ajh7@cornell.edu, or W. S. (Lanny) Joyce, P.E. Manager of Engineering, Planning and Energy Management at wsj1@cornell.edu.
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