May 17, 2002—Last summer, Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, Calif. undertook a series of energy-saving projects utilizing low-cost loans from the California Energy Commission. The college was able to prove it could pay for $1.7 million in improvements by realizing $362,000-a-year savings on its utility bills within a seven-year period.
One of the biggest energy savers for the college is among the most recent projects completed: converting its indoor swimming pool to solar heating. College officials estimate the solar heating system will save $15,823 a year in natural gas costs, paying for the project in three years. Natural gas will still be used to supplement the solar system during the winter.
Other energy-saving projects included replacing incandescent light fixtures with fluorescents, and upgrading the HVAC system in three 1960s-era buildings.
For more information, contact Antelope Valley College.
