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Energy

The University has been a leader among universities in the conservation of energy for many years. In 1998, U.Va. was the only university awarded Energy Star Buildings and Green Lights Partner/Ally of the Year and in 2001 the University won the Energy Star Partner of the Year award.

Aspects of the program include specific goals to reduce heating, cooling, electricity, and water usage. The program is annually reviewed and documented. Ninety percent of the campus' lighting systems have been retrofitted with energy-efficient models. The University's focus in this area is comprehensive and multifaceted: energy and water conservation, storm water enhancements, recycling and reuse, innovated/green energy opportunities. The approach is team-based so that it is sustained. As part of this effort, a new Sustainability Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for raising awareness on Grounds of the various sustainability initiatives.

  • U.Va.'s most recent energy award was the 2005 Association of Energy Engineers International Energy Engineer of the Year Award.
  • In 2008, the University completed a comprehensive carbon emissions inventory of both direct and indirect sources of emissions including energy use; process applications (classroom, research, and clinical); transportation (buses, maintenance, and service vehicles); faculty, staff, and student commutes; landfill (trash); and refrigerants.
  • During 2007-2008, the University has completed the following energy initiatives:
    • Occupancy sensors to reduce lighting use.
    • Motor replacement program (fans and pumps) with high energy efficiency models.
    • Annual steam trap inspection, repair, and replacement program on over 4 miles of piping that has reduced failures to less than 5 percent as compared to the industry norm of over 20 percent (over $550,000 in avoided costs).
    • Partnered with Engineering faculty to conduct research on a microturbine and intelligent building controls.
    • Used the building automation/energy management system to improve operations and reduce (setback) hours of operation.
    • Launched an initiative to utilize a team approach to conduct and implement sustainability initiatives in 10 percent of gross square feet of existing spaces every year.
  • U.Va. is currently working with an engineering firm to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of converting the main heating plant into a combined heat and power facility. Additionally, studies are underway to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of burning renewable energy sources at that plant.

Recent News:

We have the results of the 2008 Dorm Energy Challenge!
All three dorm areas (Old Dorms, New Dorms, and first-year Hereford) showed a decrease in per capita use from the first half to the second half of the contest – Good job everyone! The winner by far, with all criteria involved, was Old Dorms! Old Dorms will be having a pizza party Tuesday Feb 24, 6pm-8pm, in the Gameroom in Newcomb Hall. This is ONLY for students living in Old Dorms, and you must sign in with what dorm you are from (honor code!).

Energy & Utilities at Facilities Management