In conjunction with the Facilities Management Deferred Maintenance Team, Energy Services has helped to develop and fund conservation projects throughout campus. Projects include exterior lighting upgrades, domestic water fixture upgrades, interior lighting upgrades, HVAC equipment upgrades, and insulation. In collaboration with Deferred Maintenance and Engineering, Energy Management is also addressing lab efficiencies through fume hood replacements and controls.
Exterior Lighting
In 2016, exterior walkway lighting underwent a renovation replacing the older high intensity discharge fixtures with high efficiency LEDs throughout main campus. By installing LEDs, CU Boulder will see a reduction in operation and maintenance costs through the longer life and durability of the LEDs. Lighting quality is also increased to make campus a safer environment for students. Expected annual energy savings exceeds $59,000, with an additional estimated savings from operations and maintenance of over $17,000.
Water Systems
Duane Physics houses the Physics and Astrophysics department and is located on main campus. In 2016, a project to remodel Duane was developed which addressed the aging HVAC systems. In collaboration with Deferred Maintenance, Energy Management provided funding to tie the campus chilled water supply serving the building to the interior infrastructure. By taking advantage of the district chilled water loop, smaller DX, direct expansion units were eliminated, reducing operation costs and providing greater efficiency.
HVAC Upgrades
In collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety, Campus Engineering, and Deferred Maintenance, Energy Management is supporting an Air Change Rate pilot in the Ramaley Biology Building. This pilot will optimize ventilation rates to reduce the percentage of outside air requiring conditioning due to chemical ventilation requirements. Campus Lead Mechanical Engineer, Shannon Horn, is leading this initiative and has worked closely with EH&S for its development. Based on preliminary modeling, energy consumption from conditioning outside air is expected to be reduced by almost 38%. This project will provide increased comfort, increased health and increased productivity for the occupants of Ramaley.