Sustaining Success
The University of Delaware's newest bus, a 22-foot, 22-seat vehicle that runs on hydrogen, tooled around downtown Wilmington on Monday, Nov. 16, carrying some very important riders. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle (R-Del.) and Wilmington Mayor James Baker sat inside chatting about various options for transport in the region.
"Does it smell like French fries?" Colin Sweeney is used to hearing that question when he tells people about his 1986 Mercedes SDL, which he has converted to run on cooking oil. His answer? "No, it actually smells kind of sweet."
Suggestions
Energy Conservation and Efficiency
The entire University of Delaware community is encouraged to conserve energy by reducing energy usage. The role of the individual in reducing energy consumption is significant and is frequently overlooked. Similarly, Facilities' ongoing efforts devoted to providing quality maintenance, retrofitting of old hardware, and adding energy monitoring systems are also key measures for improving conservation and efficiency. In addition, specific technological fixes are implemented by the Facilities unit, www.facilities.udel.edu for conservation and efficiency projects. Such projects can be identified by anyone, and are evaluated by the Facilities staff for feasibility. Projects are funded by an Energy Conservation Reserve Fund, which is dedicated solely to energy efficiency and conservation projects. Over the past five years, energy conservation and efficiency projects have resulted in reduced energy needs for existing equipment.
The following are just a few examples of the many ACTION@UD items directed at improving energy efficiency and conservation:
- Retrofitting of lighting to low wattage fluorescents and electronic ballasts - result: reduced energy usage for lighting
- Increased building automation in order to better control HVAC systems - result: reduced energy usage for heating/cooling
- Installed dual technology (motion/heat) sensors for lighting control across campus - result: reduced energy usage for lighting
- Insulated steam lines to minimize energy loss - result: conservation of heat energy
- Installation of power factor capacitors to raise power factor - result: reduced need for electrical generation by outside sources
While the above examples focus solely on changes made to reduce energy needs, Facilities' other efforts, such as adequately maintaining and properly operating equipment, are integral to the continued efficient operation of the University. An example of this type of regular maintenance is the annual tuning of the boilers on campus. The Preventive Maintenance program continues to grow as well, and has efforts directed at mechanical, controls, as well as electrical components.
The University of Delaware has joined other colleges and universities in supporting these two sustainabiity initiatives:
Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future/Talloires Declaration: View a .pdf (20kb)
American University and Presidents Climate Commitment:
Visit the web site