UD an EPA Energy Star Program member


Vol. 17, No. 17	Jan. 22, 1998

UD an EPA Energy Star Program member

The University has joined the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Buildings program, which assists participating members perform energy efficient upgrades in renovation projects.

According to Dick Walter, Facilities Management, representatives of the EPA visited the campus and were impressed with UD's established practices and asked Delaware to become a participant in the national program.

As an Energy Star Program member, UD will receive

detailed energy-saving information on building upgrades,
software to plan and schedule appropriate renovations,
software to calculate savings from upgraded fans systems and chillers,
case studies documenting monitored savings for specific technologies,
specifics for energy-efficient technologies,
information on indoor air quality issues and
information on phasing out certain refrigerants and energy-efficient substitutes.

Walter stressed that UD has been involved in organized, long-term energy-saving plans for many years. These established programs involve all of the major mechanical systems that provide utilities and power throughout the campus.

The association with the EPA will provide additional updated information that may be helpful in UD's ongoing planning and implementation of energy efficient systems in new construction and renovations.

At present, he added, all UD lighting, air conditioning, heating, pumps, fans and even computers and office equipment are selected based on their energy efficiency ratings.

In 1991, UD's energy cost was about $1.95 per square foot. Today, it is $1.55 per square foot, despite inflation. That, Walter said, is the result of energy efficient mechanical systems used in new construction and all renovations on campus. UD also negotiates the cost of energy with suppliers.

"The cost of energy is a significant portion of the University's overall operating budget," Walter said. "Our job is to maintain the cost or, even better, reduce that cost. But, energy-savings systems can only do so much. We also need the assistance of our employees and students."

-Ed Okonowicz