Florida State University
IN-3: Innovation 3

Energy Fund In the mid 90’s, Florida State University implemented large energy conservation projects, largely via performance contracting. Many of the low hanging fruit projects such as T-12 fluorescent lamp replacements, 2 way control valves for chilled water, and chiller upgrades were completed. In 2009, Florida State University hired its first Energy Engineer to pursue more complex projects. After evaluating the successes and failures of other programs on campuses throughout the United States, Florida State University chose to embark on a program that is sustainable in terms of both energy conservation and financial return. A recurring annual fund focused solely on energy projects with less than a 7 year pay back was established. It is primarily funded from previous energy project savings. The 7 year payback goal insures that projects with shorter pay backs are completed first. For example, we could install solar panels on top of a parking garage, but they have a 40 year pay back. On the other hand, we can retro-commission a building and get returns of 7 years or less. With the same amount spent, we can reinvest the savings over 5 times during a 40 year period. We maximize both our reduction of energy use over time and recover our funds sooner for additional reinvestment. The fund is managed to maximize the financial return. Simply stated, higher return projects take priority over lower return projects. The flexibility to manage a group of projects as a stock portfolio is innovative and certainly maximizes the financial return for the university. We have committed over $1 million dollars this year for these types of projects. Some of the projects that are in the execution phase are: -Conversion of chilled water plants from constant primary flow to variable -Re-lamping the campus with 25W fluorescent lamps -Demand based building ventilation Many other projects such as LED for some outdoor lighting, chiller upgrades, and building automation system upgrades are also in the planning phase.