Energy Policies
Northwestern University has implemented the following policies, which further our commitment to environmental sustainability, reduce energy consumption and save money for the University.
renewable energy
The University supports green power by matching 74 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of its annual energy use with Green-e Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This green power commitment represents 30 percent of the University's total annual electricity use and places NU in the EPA's Green Power Leadership Club.
Northwestern is excited to be named the 2011-2012 Champion of the Big 10 in EPA's College & University Green Power Challenge!
The Centennial Solar Panel System, a solar photovoltaic array covering nearly the entire roof of Northwestern's Ford Motor Company Engineering Design Center, has been installed and connected to the building's electric grid. The 16.8-kilowatt panel display is expected to generate about 20,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, enough to power a computer lab in Ford and reduce the University's reliance on the power grid. Read more at the Northwestern University NewsCenter.
Temperature 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 request that Facilities Management exempt certain areas from this policy.
Powering down lights and equipment
Individuals are expected to turn off lights when exiting unoccupied rooms 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 standard business day.
Energy-efficient equipment purchases
All University equipment purchases must be Energy Star-rated for superior energy efficiency. (or, if there is no Energy Star rating, equipment must be highly efficient). Purchasing Energy Star-rated equipment will improve the University's energy and financial performance while distinguishing our institution as an environmental leader.
If you have any questions regarding Northwestern University's energy conservation policies, please email Facilities Management at facilities-management@northwestern.edu.
