Energy Management

UNC Charlotte has adopted a number of approaches toward developing sustainable energy use practices and they may be categorized as energy management and increasing efficiency of energy use in facilities and equipment.

Energy Management Best practices:  tracking energy intensity, campus wide metering program, energy efficiency plan (behavior and infrastructure), retro-commissioning program, lighting system upgrades, building energy audits, signing the ACUPP

Metering

There has been a concerted effort to update and automate utility monitoring practices at UNC Charlotte.    Older meters are being replaced with new models that have the capability of communicating to the existing Building Automation System (BAS) through web based monitoring which are being installed in all new buildings and major renovations.

Energy Use in Campus Facilities

UNC Charlotte is committed to utilizing energy more efficiently within our campus facilities.  This is achieved through retrofitting existing buildings, updating infrastructure and constructing new facilities to LEED standards. 

• The University’s program to replace aging underground steam and condensate piping continued during FY 07 with the replacement of 2500 feet of leaking condensate pipe with pre-insulated direct burial condensate pipe. This allows for more condensate to be returned to the main steam plant that was previously being dumped.
• Major renovations of existing HVAC systems in Kennedy Building and Smith Engineering Building at a cost of $2.5 million dollars. 
• A major roof replacement program for 4 older buildings on campus amounting to 72,000 square feet.  White membrane roofing systems were installed replacing stone washed roofing ballast systems saving an estimated 78,493.94 kWh per annum.
• A process of undertaking building energy audits on three buildings and retro commissioning process is planned for seven facilities on campus.
• Load shedding during the hot summer months is utilized to reduce demand.
• Energy recovery units used in Grigg and Duke research buildings.
• Upgrading lighting systems by incorporating light sensors and using T8 and T5 lighting fixtures.
• Education programs to encourage students, staff and faculty to reduce energy consumption and raise awareness;
• Switch off campaign
• Earth Club’s Lights Event

 The University is committed to using energy as efficiently as possible.  The next step needs to be taken to commit to reduce energy consumed via finite resources to renewable resources.