The University of Tulsa aims to make the current building infrastructure more energy efficient not only to be more environmentally responsible but also reap the benefits of long-term cost savings. Here are steps to achieve this:
- Energy Audit: An audit will identify areas where energy is being wasted and help prioritize improvements. Professional auditors can assess the building’s energy consumption, insulation, lighting, HVAC systems, and more.
- Set Energy Efficiency Goals: Establish clear goals for the energy efficiency upgrades. This may include reducing energy consumption by a certain percentage, achieving a specific energy efficiency rating, or lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent or fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting. Incorporate occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting systems to automatically control lighting levels.
- Upgraded HVAC Systems: Invest in high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC). Ensure regular maintenance and consider installing programmable thermostats, and zoned HVAC to regulate temperature more effectively.
- Proper Insulation: Improve insulation to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. This may involve adding insulation to walls, roofs, and windows.
- Windows and Doors: Upgrade old windows and doors with energy-efficient alternatives. Double or triple-glazed windows with low-E coatings can help reduce heat transfer.
- Sealing Air Leaks: Identify and seal air leaks in the building envelope. This includes gaps around doors, windows, and ducts. Weatherstripping and caulking can be used for this purpose.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replace old appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, with ENERGY STAR-rated models that consume less energy.
- Renewable Energy Sources: Consider installing renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. These can generate clean energy on-site and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
- Smart Building Management Systems: Implement advanced building management systems that optimize energy use. These systems can control lighting, HVAC, and other energy-consuming systems based on occupancy, time of day, and outdoor conditions.
- Water Efficiency: Address water efficiency as it’s closely related to energy use. Install low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies in restrooms and kitchens.
- Behavioral Changes: Engage the university community in energy conservation efforts. Educate students, staff, and faculty about energy-saving practices and encourage them to adopt sustainable behaviors.
- Financing: Explore financing options, such as grants, incentives, and loans, to help fund the upgrades. Many governments and utility companies offer incentives for energy-efficient improvements.
- Monitoring and Benchmarking: Implement a system to monitor energy consumption continually. Compare energy use before and after upgrades to ensure they are effective and identify areas for further improvement.
- Regular Maintenance: Create a maintenance schedule for all energy-efficient systems. Proper maintenance ensures that systems operate at their highest efficiency levels.
- Green Certifications: Pursue green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or ENERGY STAR, to showcase our commitment to sustainability.
- Long-Term Planning: Energy efficiency is an ongoing effort. Develop a long-term plan to continue making improvements and staying up to date with the latest energy-efficient technologies.
Upgrading existing buildings for energy efficiency requires an initial investment, but the long-term savings, improved environmental impact, and the potential for attracting environmentally conscious students can make it a worthwhile endeavor for TU.