All members of the university community should read this note to learn how they can help conserve natural resources this winter...
The effects of Hurricane Katrina are expected to cause an increase of as much as 70 percent in the price of natural gas this winter compared to last year. At Elon, the magnitude of a 70 percent increase in natural gas prices will amount to an extra $500,000, which could have a substantial impact on the university’s budget and funding for projects, salary increases, tuition, room rates, scholarships and fees.
Everyone at Elon—students, faculty and staff—is being asked to help in the conservation effort.
Lowering heating temperatures and reducing boiler operating hours can help conserve natural gas. Since 70 percent of campus spaces are offices or classrooms, a greater impact in savings can be realized by addressing these areas first. Offices and classrooms are currently on a night setback program, controlled by energy management computers, which lowers the temperature setting dramatically during the hours of midnight to 5 a.m., when most buildings are unoccupied. To increase savings, Elon proposes expanding the setback hours to 11:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., and reducing the temperature in offices and classrooms by 2°F during the day. Lowering the heating temperature 1°F typically results in a 3 percent savings.
Students can help in this effort, too, by setting thermostats lower. A setback program will not be implemented in residence halls, but students are asked to do what they can to reduce consumption of natural gas and other resources, such as electricity and water. Decreasing shower time will reduce the amount of hot water that needs to be generated. Residence Life staff members will work to educate students about these important measures.
Staff members can help in a variety of ways, including dressing appropriately for the weather and for lower office and classroom temperatures. Faculty and staff who are going to be away from campus for a significant length of time, such as Winter Term, should send an email to mailto:energy@elon.edu or visit http://org.elon.edu/physicalplant/env-aware/pc.htm to make suggestions on where the temperature can be lowered or the heat turned off. Please DO NOT bring in electric space heaters or foot warmers.
The university is taking other steps in anticipation of the temperature reduction. Boilers are being checked more frequently to ensure optimal operation and the feasibility of electrically operated boilers is being investigated as an alternative to natural gas fired boilers. Outside air intake at McMichael Science Center, the largest consumer of natural gas on campus, is being reduced from 90 percent to 70 percent.
Last year’s Environmental Awareness campaign focused on energy and water conservation, as well as recycling. Although this winter’s effort is focused on natural gas conservation, it’s important to remember that all forms of non-renewable energy need to be conserved. Everyone’s cooperation and participation is needed to help Elon avoid a significant increase in utility costs this year.