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Northwestern University has implemented the following policies and projects to further our commitment to environmental sustainability. Sustainability is an important global issue and we are committed to taking appropriate steps to minimize Northwestern's impact on the natural environment. Many of the policies and projects will also reduce energy consumption and thus result in cost savings for the University. Described below are:
If you have any questions regarding Northwestern University's energy conservation policies, please email Facilities Management: ENERGY USE POLICIESUse of Renewable Energy Sources Northwestern University has purchased Renewable Energy Certificates for 20% of our electricity usage. This will promote continued development of clean energy sources and lower the release of damaging pollutants.
Efficient use of energy by campus community members Temperature Policy-Set Points Indoor temperature in all spaces controlled by the University's energy management system will be set at 68°F during the heating season and at 76°F during the cooling season. Occupants who control the temperatures in their spaces are expected to follow this policy by using these ranges. During off-hours and on weekends and holidays, the temperature in most non-residential spaces will be allowed to drop to 55°F before heating occurs and will be allowed to rise to 86°F before cooling occurs. Heating and cooling will be provided for academic, research and student program purposes as needed during off-hours, weekends and holidays. Deans and Vice Presidents can provide a list of requests for exempted areas to Facilities Management. Occupant Responsibilities Individuals are expected to turn off lights when exiting rooms that are no longer occupied and to turn off office equipment (including personal computers, where possible) at the end of the day. Facilities Management employees will turn off lights and equipment (other than personal computers and fax machines) that have not been turned off by occupants at the end of the normal business day. Energy-Efficient Equipment Purchases All University equipment purchases must be Energy Star-rated (or, if there is no Energy Star rating for the desired equipment, individuals are asked to purchase highly efficient equipment). Energy Star is a program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency (for further details please see http://www.energystar.gov). EPA offers a proven strategy for superior energy management with tools and resources to help each step of the way. Based on the successful practices of Energy Star partners, purchasing Energy Star-rated equipment will improve the University's energy and financial performance while distinguishing our institution as an environmental leader.
Energy efficiency in new construction and renovation projects LEED Certification Northwestern University will use the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system as a standard for the design and construction of new buildings (for further details please see http://www.usgbc.org/leed). All new buildings will be LEED-certified at a minimum; each project will be assessed on an individual basis for further certification at the Silver or Gold levels. The goals of sustainable design include: • Reducing the destruction of natural areas and habitats • Reducing air pollution, water pollution and solid waste • Reducing depletion of finite resources • Healthier and safer indoor environments • Healthier outdoor environments • Occupant satisfaction Major renovations of existing spaces will also meet the LEED certification guidelines. Completed LEED Projects The Wieboldt School of Continuing Studies was awarded Gold LEED Certification in 2007. Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center was awarded Silver LEED Certification in 2006. Projects in Design & Construction Silverman Hall- new research lab Wieboldt Renovation for the School of Continuing Studies Campus Energy Management System All new construction projects and renovation projects (where feasible) will include installation of Direct Digital Control (DDC) systems linked to the Campus Energy Management System for all spaces so that the temperature set-point policy can be applied to a larger percentage of University space over time. (The Campus Energy Management System is a central, computer-based program that allows remote monitoring and adjustment of temperature in individual spaces from a central control point). Energy Efficiency New construction projects (and renovation projects, where applicable) will be designed to provide at least a 20% improvement over energy code requirements where technically feasible and where payback is reasonable. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks Northwestern among the top ten universities in the United States for purchasing green power. [ Back to top ] PROJECTS UNDERWAY TO INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITYRecycling The University has had a comprehensive recycling program in place since 1990. More than 1,500 tons are recycled annually which represents 26% of the campus waste stream. Items recycled include paper, corrugated cardboard, cans, glass and plastic bottles, laser toner & ink jet cartridges, fluorescent lamps and computer equipment. A clothing and food drive is coordinated during student move-out which diverts significant quantities to local charities. All landscape waste is composted. Recycling program information is available at http://www.northwestern.edu/fm/operations/recycling/index.html . Computer recycling information is available at http://www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/ecycle/index.htm . Occupancy Sensors Educational buildings on the core Evanston Campus have approximately 6,500 rooms used for offices, conference rooms, classrooms, and restrooms. On the Chicago Campus, there are 500 such rooms in academic buildings and approximately 800 such rooms in the Feinberg School of Medicine's buildings. Occupancy sensors will be installed in these rooms to significantly reduce electrical usage by automatically turning off lights when these spaces are not occupied. The sensors will have a dual-mode of operation (infra-red and ultrasonic) to ensure that lights remain on while the space is occupied. Implementation of a pilot project took place in 2005; full implementation will take place in 2007 - 2008. De-Lamping Many spaces at the University have too many fixtures in the space and are over-lit. Site surveys were conducted by a professional illumination consultant in 2006 and 2007, and reduction of the number of light bulbs (de-lamping) will be based on their assessment. Final foot-candle readings for all spaces will be at or above the standards established by the Society of Illuminating Engineers. Water Conservation Over the last five years, the City of Evanston has implemented substantial increases in the sewer rates, resulting in an increase of 112.5% since 1998. Phase I of a water conservation program was funded and recently implemented in academic buildings on the Evanston campus. Preliminary analyses indicate substantial savings were obtained and a quick payback was achieved. With the documented success of the water conservation program in academic buildings, a Phase II program for residential buildings is under review and is expected to be implemented in 2006. A Phase III project for athletic facilities will be implemented soon. Other Projects The University is undertaking a number of other steps to reduce our energy usage and lower our utility costs. They include: optimizing the efficiency of the steam and chilled water distribution systems; reducing steam pressure; using our electric-driven chillers (versus our steam driven chillers) as the first source of cooling (since our cost of electricity is less than our cost of steam/gas to produce the same results); reducing ventilation rates in over-ventilated areas; and decommissioning unused fume hoods. Comprehensive energy audits will take place in the Fall of 2007 and Spring of 2008, and will examine all aspects of energy use, including lighting, mechanical systems, and building envelopes. [ Back to top ] FUTURE INVESTMENTS TO ACHIEVE GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCYLighting Modifications About half of the space at Northwestern has older, inefficient lighting that could be retrofitted to more efficient lighting technology such as T8 lamps, electronic ballasts, compact fluorescent lamps, and LED technology. Since approximately one-third of annual electrical usage can be attributed to lighting it is important to determine the most effective way to provide the appropriate lighting levels and to determine the interaction of these retrofits with other steps that will be taken (e.g., cogeneration, de-lamping, occupancy sensors, etc.). A consultant analysis has been funded to verify lighting retrofit opportunities and to better define payback (including the determination of the impacts of interactivity with other measures). The study was completed in 2006. [ Back to top ] |
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