Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 62.47
Liaison Kara Holmstrom
Submission Date March 3, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Luther College
OP-5: Building Energy Consumption

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.71 / 6.00 Jay Uthoff
Director of Facilities
Facilities Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Part 1

This credit is based on energy inputs from offsite sources and electricity produced by onsite renewables. When the institution purchases one fuel and uses it to produce heat and/or power, you should enter only what is purchased. For example, if the institution purchases natural gas to fuel a CHP system and produce steam and electricity, only the purchased natural gas should be reported.

Figures needed to determine total building energy consumption:
Performance Year Baseline Year
Grid-purchased electricity 48,657 MMBtu 52,437 MMBtu
Electricity from on-site renewables 388 MMBtu 0 MMBtu
District steam/hot water (sourced from offsite) 94,285 MMBtu 111,556 MMBtu
Energy from all other sources (e.g., natural gas, fuel oil, propane/LPG, district chilled water, coal/coke, biomass) 400 MMBtu 553 MMBtu
Total 143,730 MMBtu 164,546 MMBtu

Start and end dates of the performance year and baseline year (or 3-year periods):
Start Date End Date
Performance Year June 1, 2015 May 31, 2016
Baseline Year June 1, 2003 May 31, 2004

A brief description of when and why the building energy consumption baseline was adopted (e.g. in sustainability plans and policies or in the context of other reporting obligations):
This was our peak energy usage year. We have continually used this year for all of our comparative data.

Gross floor area of building space:
Performance Year Baseline Year
Gross floor area of building space 1,495,053 Gross square feet 1,388,120 Gross square feet

Source-site ratio for grid-purchased electricity:
3.14

Total building energy consumption per unit of floor area:
Performance Year Baseline Year
Site energy 0.10 MMBtu per square foot 0.12 MMBtu per square foot
Source energy 0.18 MMBtu per square foot 0.22 MMBtu per square foot

Percentage reduction in total building energy consumption (source energy) per unit of floor area from baseline:
17.20

Part 2 

Degree days, performance year (base 65 °F / 18 °C):
Degree days (see help icon above)
Heating degree days 6,485 Degree-Days (°F)
Cooling degree days 744 Degree-Days (°F)

Floor area of energy intensive space, performance year:
Floor Area
Laboratory space 25,000 Square feet
Healthcare space 4,777 Square feet
Other energy intensive space

EUI-adjusted floor area, performance year:
1,563,760 Gross square feet

Building energy consumption (site energy) per unit of EUI-adjusted floor area per degree day, performance year:
12.71 Btu / GSF / Degree-Day (°F)

Optional Fields 

Documentation (e.g. spreadsheet or utility records) to support the performance year energy consumption figures reported above:
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A brief description of the institution's initiatives to shift individual attitudes and practices in regard to energy efficiency (e.g. outreach and education efforts):
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A brief description of energy use standards and controls employed by the institution (e.g. building temperature standards, occupancy and vacancy sensors):
Luther College has set its building temperature standards and works diligently to maintain them as close as possible, while also looking at ASHRAE charts for human comfort levels. Currently we operate our DDC controlled buildings with an average 6 degree offset from heating to cooling. We have retrofitted many classrooms, offices, and larger venues with occupancy sensors that integrate with the lighting and HVAC controls.

A brief description of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting and other energy-efficient lighting strategies employed by the institution:
Luther College has been evaluating LED lighting for a number of years. This year we have started to complete more direct replacements for our fluorescent lamps, and where justified, our outdoor fixtures.

A brief description of passive solar heating, geothermal systems, and related strategies employed by the institution:
Luther College utilizes expansive south facing windows for passive solar heating. Baker Village, a 33,632 sq. ft. residence hall utilizes GSHP for heating and cooling and assisting with domestic hot water production. Our Center for the Arts is a 59,825 sq.ft. teaching, studio, and performing arts building that uses GSHP. In addition all ventilation air is exchanged with an air to air heat exchanger.

A brief description of co-generation employed by the institution, e.g. combined heat and power (CHP):
We have evaluated the technology and utilized the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois to determine a payback. With our utility tariff structure the payback was in the 55 year time frame.

A brief description of the institution's initiatives to replace energy-consuming appliances, equipment and systems with high efficiency alternatives (e.g. building re-commissioning or retrofit programs):
Luther participated in a building retro-commissioning program with our local utility. While not completed on every building, the process found many savings opportunities.

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.