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Boston College has received a strong endorsement for its ongoing campaign to trim energy use on campus from Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), which will recognize the University as a Northeast Business Leader for Energy Efficiency and 2013 State Champion at the organization's summit gathering in June.
Nominated for the recognition by NSTAR, Boston College is being honored for its successful efforts to achieve energy savings through investment in cost efficient measures, comprehensive changes in major energy systems, continued improvements in energy performance through management level support and operational practices and demonstrated leadership to advance energy efficiency and promote its benefits within the University community.
So far, BC's efforts have resulted in annual energy savings of more than 4 million kilowatt hours, and cost savings of $650,000 plus additional incentives from NSTAR.
"We are extremely pleased to be recognized by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships," said Director of Engineering & Energy Management Terence Leahy. "As we celebrate the Sesquicentennial anniversary of BC's founding, all of the energy conservation projects that are being performed on existing buildings, as well as the efforts to install energy efficient products in new construction, show we are determined to enter the next chapter of the University's history with energy efficiency at the forefront."
“We’re thrilled that Boston College has been recognized as this year’s Business Leader State Champion for their outstanding energy efficiency efforts,” said Joe Nolan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations at Northeast Utilities, NSTAR’s parent company. “We look forward to continuing our work with BC in their ongoing commitment to reducing campus-wide energy use.”
The multiple conservation measures implemented on campus include more than 1.4 million square feet in lighting upgrades since 2010, as well as improvements to walk-in cooler and freezer controls, which now give Dining Services the capability to receive alerts about any warming issues. This energy conservation measure will save the University more than 28,000 kWh, in addition to the saving that comes from turning off fans when they are not needed.
Campus lighting upgrades performed in 2012, which included motion sensing, day light harvesting, and ballasts replacements, are measures that have saved more than 800,000 kWh. The University also has taken advantage of incentives for new construction projects, which has resulted in another 700,000 kWh in energy savings, and implemented a submeter system that allows administrators to diagnose high energy use areas and establish baseline consumption for energy conservation measures.
In addition, some of the important, but less noticeable measures rolled out include the replacement of 700 residence refrigerators with new Energy Star models and the distribution of 7000 12.5 Watt LED bulbs to students.
"Support for energy efficiency can be found in all areas of campus," said Leahy. "Students, staff, faculty and administrators have all contributed to the successful implementation of multiple energy conservation projects. With the current level of commitment we are certain to see a continued success."
Leahy also credits NSTAR, which in 2011 entered into a cooperative agreement with BC to target energy efficiency opportunities on campus, for its role in advancing BC's conservation campaign.
"Our memorandum of understanding with NSTAR has really opened our eyes to new energy conservation measures and new vendors. We meet regularly with NSTAR to review our savings progress and discuss new measures," said Leahy, who cited in particular the support of Northeast Utilities' Nolan and NSTAR team members Tracy McDevitt, Pam Pandolfi and John Kibbee, who he says have demonstrated a significant commitment to improving BC's overall efficiency.
Boston College will be honored with 11 other organizations at NEEP's June summit, which, as the premier regional forum on energy efficiency in the Northeast, brings together leaders from public policy, business, energy efficiency solutions, and consumer and environmental advocacy.
“NEEP is proud to recognize Boston College for its success and commitment to energy efficiency,” said NEEP Executive Director Sue Coakley. “BC provides an excellent example of how energy efficient measures can improve a company’s bottom line, contribute to economic growth and reduce environmental impact.”
More information about the Northeast Business Leaders for Energy Efficiency Program can be found at www.neep.org.