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| Vol. 18, No. 12 | Nov. 19, 1998 |
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| Vol. 18, No. 12 | Nov. 19, 1998 |
T he University's facilities are more than classic facades and handsome interiors. Energy-efficient buildings are a top priority, according to Dick Walter, facilities management.
In recognition of its accomplishments in "energy efficiency and voluntary pollution prevention," UD recently was named a magna cum laude member of the 1998 Honor Society of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star Buildings Program to protect the environment. Only nine of 88 eligible universities and colleges received the recognition.
The University received a certificate and will be featured as a winner on EPA's web site.
According to EPA, school and university members of the 1998 Honor Society have saved more than $14.5 million and prevented the release of 337 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the air, contributing to a "healthier and cleaner learning environment for generations to come."
The Energy Star Buildings Program was launched in 1995 to promote the use of energy-efficient technologies to prevent pollution and to keep energy costs down, freeing funds for other academic purposes.
Energy Star Partner participants submit statistical data to EPA to verify their efforts in energy efficiency.
"The University was the first institution in Delaware to become an Energy Star Partner, and the award recognizes that our efforts are succeeding," Walter said.
Energy conservation is a top priority for renovations and new buildings on campus, according to Walter. Installation of high-quality heating, cooling, lighting and electrical equipment helps the environment and makes sense financially.
"In spite of the fact that the University has increased in size by 16.3 percent since 1990, with more laboratory space and increased outside lighting, energy costs have decreased," Walter pointed out. "Thanks to the installation of such equipment as new chillers, sophisticated controls, lighting systems, and air conditioning and heating systems, plus price negotiations for energy, the cost for electricity per square foot has gone from $1.42 per square foot in 1990 to 97 cents in 1997.
"The biggest energy saver is the switch-when it's used," Walter added. "One of our goals is educating the campus to turn things off when not in use to help the environment and to use our resources wisely."
The University is installing motion detectors in some areas, including halls, conference rooms, restrooms and classrooms, so lights go on when someone is present and go out when no one is there.
-Sue Swyers Moncure
