Rose-Hulman
October 25,2010
News Release
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has finalized its climate action plan as part of the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment program. The plan documents the college’s commitment to reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions and summarizes the initiatives designed to achieve this reduction.
Energy-Efficient Vehicle:The Office of Facilities Operations has purchased a new electric vehicle for campus transportation. The vehicle provides substantial energy cost savings from conventional gasoline motor-powered vehicles. More electric vehicles may be added to the campus fleet in the future.
The plan sets initial five-year goals in the following areas:
* Reducing electrical consumption by 15 percent
* Reducing natural gas consumption by 7 percent
* Increasing recycling efforts by 5 percent
These goals are a step towards an 11 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by 2015,according to Rob Coons,vice president and chief administrative officer. He added Rose-Hulman’s efforts will be evaluated and goals realigned in 2015.
Eighty-five percent of Rose-Hulman’s greenhouse gas emissions are related to buildings. This will require initiatives by the Office of Facilities Operations and occupant behavioral change. Specific initiatives include continued re-lamping projects throughout campus,increasing the use of occupancy sensors in all public spaces,replacement of aging chillers with newer high-efficient units,and the re-commissioning of existing buildings and equipment to ensure efficient operation. Other conservation efforts will be investigated,including using solar collectors and wind generators to offset electric purchases.
Saving Water Bottles:The renovated Logan Library has a water bottle filling station showcasing the number of disposable plastic bottles saved since being installed in late September.
The renovated Logan Library has several new sustainable design amenities,including a water bottle filling station,room occupancy sensors and new carpeting created from recyclable materials. Coons projects these new energy saving features will reduce the building’s annual energy/operating costs by an estimated 50 percent.
As part of the President’s Climate Commitment,Rose-Hulman has also pledged to build any new construction on campus to meet LEED Silver standards. Energy Star certified equipment will be purchased whenever possible.
Rose-Hulman has already made significant progress reducing emissions since signing the President’s Climate Commitment 2007,stated Jake Campbell,manager of environmental health and safety and Sustainability Team member. Electrical consumption has decreased 17 percent and natural gas consumption has decreased 24 percent. These reductions resulted in a greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 15 percent.
A total of 674 college and university presidents have joined the ACUPCC,a comprehensive climate change initiative,since its inception in 2007.
