Energy

BU budgets about $10 million a year to pay for electricity, natural gas, coal, wood chips, propane water and sewer services. Running the campus is a lot like running a small city.

Climate Committment

In fall 2007, President Lois B. DeFleur was a charter signatory in endorsing the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). To date, over 640 universities nationwide have signed on to work toward a goal of climate neutrality. More information about those efforts is available here.

Energy Conservation

BU has been monitoring energy use and building operations with a sophisticated Energy Management System (EMS) since 1984. In 2007, there are more than 46,000 points on the EMS system. The system allows control and programming of building mechanical, lighting and other systems in accordance with how the buildings are used/occupied. For example, when a building is not in use, systems can be curtailed so that energy is not wasted.

The EMS is improved continuously in an effort to reach a balance between human comfort and energy efficiency.

Since BU is a state entity, it also follows the guidelines of Executive Order 111.

Energy Saving Projects

BU continues to implement energy savings projects. Here are some examples:

• Lighting upgrades - We have replaced incandescent lights with fluorescent lights and added occupancy sensors to turn off lights when rooms are not occupied. Lighting upgrades are complete in a number of buildings including the Library, Science III, Science IV, Science Library, Health Services and the Commissary. Additional projects are planned for other buildings.
• Exit signs - We have also replaced exit signs with LED technology in several buildings.
• Variable speed drives. - We have installed variable speed drives on major motors, pumps and fans which allows us to run equipment more efficiently, saving electricity.
• Free cooling. - Free cooling is the practice of using outside air to cool buildings when conditions are appropriate.
• Replacement - We have replaced older motors with more energy efficient motors. We have also replaced air filters which improves indoor air quality and reduced the amount of electricity needed to operate fans.
• Upgrades - Boiler controls across campus have been upgraded to reduce natural gas consumption.
• Metering - In addition to metering electricity, BU is also adding metering to monitor gas, and water usage in greater detail.

Construction and Renovation

In projects that involve new construction and/or substantial renovation, LEED or green building standards are used. BU's first two LEED certified buildings are Mountainview's Windham and Cascade Halls. In 2009, the University Downtown Center earned LEED silver status.

There are only two thousand LEED certified buildings world wide and only 24 in New York State! Energy savings features incorporated in these buildings include high efficiency mechanical equipment, lighting, motors and boilers, daylight views that reduce the need for lighting and a heat recovery system.

LEED design was used for the University Downtown Center and will be pursued for future buildings such as Science V, the Engineering and Science Building and East Campus Housing.

Building Temperatures

Building temperatures are kept at 70 degrees during heating season. Air conditioned buildings are kept at 74 degrees during cooling season.