Universities Go For the Green

by | Jan 21, 2010

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solar bendyUniversities are chasing down energy efficiency and renewable energy in big ways, with a major energy performance review at Florida A&M University, solar arrays being added at the University of Arizona and an LED lighting project at the University of Illinois.

Florida A&M University is engaged in a $2.4 million energy savings performance contract with Siemens, according to a press release.

The work includes lighting upgrades, pipe insulation and steam trap replacements. Siemens projects a savings of $4.1 million in energy over 10 years, and a reduction of CO2 emissions of 4.5 million pounds.

The University of Arizona has put solar panels on top of a parking garage as part of a power purchase agreement with APS Energy Services, reports the Wildcat.

The 1,150 panels make about 200 kilowatts of electricity, which goes directly to powering the garage and other parts of campus.

Four other buildings at the University of Arizona are to receive solar photovoltaic and solar thermal panels.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has completed a lighting retrofit at its performing arts center, reports Enviromental Design & Construction.

The facility formerly used about 573 million watts a year. With the new lighting that will drop to about 110 million watts, saving about $70,000 in energy costs a year.

The lighting eliminates so-called “hot spots” that distract performers on-stage. The reduction in heat generated will mean a lighter load on the building’s air conditioning, too.

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