Saving energy on campus could keep tuition costs low
Richard Louis Boccia
Issue date: 7/16/08 Section: News
Using energy efficiently not only helps the planet, it protects the pocketbook of Youngstown State University.
The university had reduced its energy consumption by 20 percent, six years ahead of a goal set by the state of Ohio for 2014. House Bill 251, passed last year, calls for Ohio's higher education campuses to increase energy efficiency.
According to Ralph Morrone, facilities engineer at YSU, the university was one of the first in Ohio to meet the new goal. Several projects aimed at specifically reducing electricity and steam consumption contributed to YSU meeting the goal ahead of schedule. For example, YSU recently replaced its existing air conditioning unit for the Olympic-size pool in Beeghly Center with an energy-recycling, ultra-efficient unit.
Changing lightbulbs has saved energy, too. Facilities switched the type of fluorescent bulbs it uses, saving four watts per foot per bulb. Some fixtures went from four to three light bulbs.
Morrone used his modest-sized office located in the E. J. Salata Complex where facilities is based as an example of how changing lights has saved money. His office alone saved 224.6 kilowatts, which amounts to $17 saved per year.
Multiply Morrone's savings by all the lighting fixtures across campus in offices, hallways and classrooms, and YSU saves thousands of dollars per year.
Energy savings can happen outdoors as well. Marrone also noted that YSU is beginning to invest in electric golf carts to replace the traditional gas-fueled carts.
Morrone believes that all faculty, staff and students can contribute to YSU being energy efficient.
"Everybody can make a difference," says Morrone. "If you have an office on campus, turn your lights off when you go to lunch. Students living in the dorms can turn off their air conditioners, lights and computers when they leave for the day. Instead of paper, use PDF files when possible."
Morrone said any effort will help keep tuition from going up.
"Any savings in energy and resources ultimately goes back to the students in the form of avoided or reduced tuition increases," he said.
Morrone recently attended a conference with engineers from other Ohio universities regarding the state bill. He says that YSU is running efficiently, especially when compared to other schools in the state.
One way to compare energy efficiency is the British thermal unit performance. That's the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree. YSU's performance by that measure is approximately 135,000 per square foot per year, compared to 165,000 per square foot per year at The Ohio State University.
The university had reduced its energy consumption by 20 percent, six years ahead of a goal set by the state of Ohio for 2014. House Bill 251, passed last year, calls for Ohio's higher education campuses to increase energy efficiency.
According to Ralph Morrone, facilities engineer at YSU, the university was one of the first in Ohio to meet the new goal. Several projects aimed at specifically reducing electricity and steam consumption contributed to YSU meeting the goal ahead of schedule. For example, YSU recently replaced its existing air conditioning unit for the Olympic-size pool in Beeghly Center with an energy-recycling, ultra-efficient unit.
Changing lightbulbs has saved energy, too. Facilities switched the type of fluorescent bulbs it uses, saving four watts per foot per bulb. Some fixtures went from four to three light bulbs.
Morrone used his modest-sized office located in the E. J. Salata Complex where facilities is based as an example of how changing lights has saved money. His office alone saved 224.6 kilowatts, which amounts to $17 saved per year.
Multiply Morrone's savings by all the lighting fixtures across campus in offices, hallways and classrooms, and YSU saves thousands of dollars per year.
Energy savings can happen outdoors as well. Marrone also noted that YSU is beginning to invest in electric golf carts to replace the traditional gas-fueled carts.
Morrone believes that all faculty, staff and students can contribute to YSU being energy efficient.
"Everybody can make a difference," says Morrone. "If you have an office on campus, turn your lights off when you go to lunch. Students living in the dorms can turn off their air conditioners, lights and computers when they leave for the day. Instead of paper, use PDF files when possible."
Morrone said any effort will help keep tuition from going up.
"Any savings in energy and resources ultimately goes back to the students in the form of avoided or reduced tuition increases," he said.
Morrone recently attended a conference with engineers from other Ohio universities regarding the state bill. He says that YSU is running efficiently, especially when compared to other schools in the state.
One way to compare energy efficiency is the British thermal unit performance. That's the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree. YSU's performance by that measure is approximately 135,000 per square foot per year, compared to 165,000 per square foot per year at The Ohio State University.
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