Energy Conservation Committee saves SRU money by reducing energy costs

Over the last three years, SRU's Energy Conservation Committee (ECC) volunteers have been working hard to reduce energy consumption on campus. Our efforts are driven by the need to reduce SRU's carbon dioxide emissions (to improve our environment and help fight climate change) and to reduce energy bills to help us address the budget shortfalls. These efforts come with direct support from the administration and follow suggestions made in the Strategic Plan trend on natural resources, helping us achieve a more sustainable future.

The ECC is using many methods to reduce energy consumption. Until this year, energy reduction has been primarily through physical building updates such as new windows, new light bulbs, and smart classroom scheduling--- saving SRU about $250,000 last year alone. The ECC has also written a new energy policy for SRU, which was passed by the President's Cabinet in August. The energy policy is a written document that outlines all policies regarding energy usage on campus. The document is accessible for any campus community member to read at www.sru.edu/president/Sustainability/Pages/Index.aspx. In addition, the committee and the facilities department continue to research future alternatives for the coal burning boiler system.

But starting this fall, the committee is focused on a strategy of saving energy through modifying the behaviors of the people who inhabit the campus: faculty, staff and students. After a great deal of research and planning, the ECC developed an energy conservation campaign and pledge, which was launched this fall. "Small Steps. Big Payoff. SRU's Energy Action Campaign" asks faculty, staff and students to participate in energy conservation by pledging to take three energy-saving actions. These actions can be simple tasks like turning out your lights when not in use or using the stairs instead of the elevator. And these actions are your choice, so making the commitment is comfortable. The campaign also includes education components for all members of the campus community.

By taking the pledge, you will be helping SRU meet our goal of a three percent reduction in campus energy use over the next year. Three percent translates into about $100,000 and would reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 1,335 tons of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to protecting 13 acres of old growth forest each year. While this goal is small, we plan to build on it every year, working towards a zero carbon footprint, described in the Presidents' Climate Commitment signed by President Smith in 2010.

The ECC has carefully laid out a plan to track the reduction in energy usage. We have, over the last three years, installed electricity meters in almost every campus building and installed a new software package that allows facilities to view energy usage across campus. With these tools, we can calculate the success of the program and compare our energy savings and environmental benefits year to year, even with campus buildings coming on and off line.

If you are interested in helping SRU meet these energy challenges, reduce its carbon footprint, and save SRU money in the process, take the pledge. Go to www.sru.edu/energypledge and pick your three easy action items. Once you've taken the pledge, pick up your green bracelet at the union, which you can wear as a point of conversation for other faculty, staff and students who may be interested in participating in energy conservation.

Together we can make a difference for our campus and our environment.

Dr. Julie Snow, Chair of the ECC