Gearing Up for the Battle of the Buildings

Northwestern has set some ambitious goals for improving energy efficiency in campus facilities, aiming to achieve a 20 percent reduction in energy use intensity (EUI) by 2020. The University’s ongoing partnership with the ENERGY STAR® program is a key part of efforts to achieve these goals. This fall, Northwestern will compete in the ENERGY STAR Battle of the Buildings, a national competition that engages building managers in a 90-day challenge to see how much energy they can save.

Each participating organization selects up to five buildings to compete in the challenge. Northwestern’s competing buildings are the Catalysis Center, 1801 Maple, the Technological Institute, the Tarry Research and Education Building, and Cook Hall.

During the competition, which runs from September 1 through November 30, those who study or work in those buildings can pitch in by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and by reporting any heating or cooling issues to Facilities Management. In addition, those working in lab spaces will receive information on how to reduce the energy use of equipment such as fume hoods and freezers.

The long term goal is promote energy efficient habits that will continue long after competition period and will extend beyond the walls of the competing buildings. All members of the Northwestern community can contribute to the broader campus energy efficiency efforts by being mindful of energy use in their work, study, and living spaces.

Those who are interested in saving energy at home are also encouraged to take the “Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR” pledge. The pledge offers a menu of energy saving actions to choose from and provides information on the impacts of each.

To stay up to date on Northwestern’s progress in the Battle of the Buildings, be sure to connect with the Office of Sustainability on Facebook or Twitter.