Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Got an idea for our Energy & Water Conservation Advertisements in the TECHNICIAN?


These are some of our current advertisements that encourage the conservation of water and energy. If you have an original idea, post it here. We will give you credit for any idea we use.
THANKS.



NCSU Environmental Sustainability Blog Site Launched!


MEN - USE URINALS when given the choice and help us save water.

Whenever you have a chance to use a urinal versus a toilet, choose the urinal it saves water every time.

The latest technology in urinals can do the job with one pint of water and their are even waterless urinals out there.

With almost 12 million square feet, campus is a large place to do urinal upgrades. So while some older urinals may appear to have the volume of water some toilets do, they still are better than flushing a full toilet.
If you have a choice like the one here, use the newer looking urinal (flatter design on left)- it will usually save more water.
FYI - There are several urinal upgrade projects happening at DH Hill Library and Harrelson Hall, with a couple of ultra-low flow models being installed at Carmichael Gymnasium.

LED Lighting Being Examined

As a cooperative effort between Transportation, Energy Management, and the University Architect's office...
LED lighting is being looked at for the new parking decks being built at CBC and Centennial Campus, as well as the refitting of Dan Allen Parking Deck. We are examining this new technology for life cycle costing, lighting quality and color, energy savings, maintenance savings, durability, and design aesthetic. We are also looking to implement a pilot project at Gardner Hall on the exterior walkway on six lights. If you would like to add your comments to the LED discussion or have any experiences positive or negative concerning LED lighting please comment below.



Water Conservation at NCSU













































Currently, NCSU has turned off all outside irrigation and is observing Stage II water restrictions and to do our part in helping the City of Raleigh and the State of North Carolina conserve our water supply. You can view what the University is doing to conserve water at the links above.

Energy Management Annual Report 2006-07






Every year the Office of Energy Management files an Annual Report which is sent to the State Energy Office, and is published as part of the larger Facilities Division Annual Report.

You can see our full report for 2006-07 including the new legislation passed affecting energy use on campus here: Link to NCSU Energy Management Annual Report through 2006-07.

We also have a dynamic reporting format here: Link to NCSU Energy Management Annual Report through 2006-07.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Residence Hall Energy Dashboard Contest

We launched our Residence Hall Energy Contest with the contest starting November 1st and ending before Winter break.

We are measuring kWh consumed by three Residence Halls, namely Becton, Berry, and Bagwell. We take these kWh readings and convert them to meaningful environmental impacts, like carbon dioxide generated, and number of trees that have to be planted to offset the carbon "pawprint".

The winner will be determined by the residence hall that achieves the greatest percentage decrease from the BASELINE AVERAGE taken from readings in October 2007.

To see our contest environment click HERE.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Why Are The Sprinklers On During The Day During Water Restrictions At NCSU?

GOOD QUESTION? And by far the most frequently asked.

AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2007 THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE OUTSIDE IRRIGATION.

Prior to moving to Stage II Restrictions, the answer is that there are two exceptions that you were seeing:

  1. Preventative Maintenance Checks done during daytime hours on all watering systems are required.
  2. Playing and Athletic fileds are exempt from restrictions for safety reasons.

Currently we are in STAGE 2 Water Restrictions, and ALL turf irrigation has stopped.

Under STAGE I Water Restrictions ALL turf irrigation (non-playing field) was done on Wednesday before 10 AM. However, there were complexities:

FYI: Grounds Management runs preventative maintenance on their 62 systems campus wide during normal working hours to test for busted sprinkler heads and other systems issues.
By doing so, they eliminate any deficiencies that will create a much larger water waste (if not discovered) when they water on Wednesdays.
This is approved and encouraged from the City of Raleigh as a way to more efficiently use water for irrigation.
You are not alone in your concern, this is by far the most frequently asked about water conservation issue; and one we are looking at doing a better job of educating the campus in the days to come.

Under Stage 1 Water Restrictions:
NCSU waters on Wednesday :
All NCSU is set to water on Wednesdays, we use one address for the whole campus, so turf irrigation yesterday before 10AM is OK during Stage 1 Water Restrictions.
All of the system checks that are done are to ensure the most efficient use of water during the hours we can water.

Outside Lights On During The Day

See outside lights on?

Add the location and time and we will respond by sending a formal request through the building liaisons to have the lights put on a daylight sensor or timer if appropriate.

Occupancy Sensor Troubleshooting


If we have selected your building for the implementation of occupancy sensors you may be wondering how they will affect your daily routine?


The most important aspect concerning implementation is communication between Building Liaisons, the Department who will be getting the sensors, and Energy Management.


We must have a clear understanding of how you use lighting on a daily basis, so that we can try to save wasted energy when not needed with little or no impact on your department.

Currently, sensors are working in classrooms, restrooms, raquetball courts, and hallways.

Please post any comments concerning your occupancy sensor issues, good or bad so that as a group we can investigate the best possible application and cerate win-win projects that save energy, cost, and the environment while still providing you and your building with the level of lighting your require.