December 5, 2001—Iowa State University has saved more than $ 512,000 in heating and cooling costs since its energy conservation campaign was launched in July 2001. The goal of the campaign, developed in the face of university-wide budget cuts, is to save $ 1.5 million in the current fiscal year, a challenging 9% reduction in energy use.
In line with the campaign, temperature-control systems in 80 buildings were set to 78 degrees in warm months and 68 degrees in cold months. Systems sometimes were shut down at night and temperatures were allowed to fall or rise by 10 degrees. In previous years each building’s temperature was left to the discretion of the users and most ran about five degrees warmer or cooler than they do now.
Night classes were also moved to “activity areas” to minimize open buildings. Individuals were asked to turn off equipment and lights when not in use.
David Miller, director of facilities and utilities, says the campaign has been successful because many people supported and contributed to the idea from the beginning.
Recycling programs on campus include white-paper recycling in most buildings and residence halls, newspaper recycling in 13 buildings, and an annual phone book collection.
To bring the campaign up to par with its initial goal, two areas of the conservation campaign need improvement, Miller said. “We need more PR so that students, faculty, staff and visitors know that ISU is serious about energy conservation,” he said. “Second, we need new building standards so we’re doing everything we can to build it right the first time.”
Based on a report from the Iowa State Daily
