Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
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Overall Score | 67.83 |
Liaison | Andrew Porter |
Submission Date | March 10, 2017 |
Executive Letter | Download |
University of Cincinnati
IN-26: Innovation C
Status | Score | Responsible Party |
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1.00 / 1.00 |
Daniel
Hart Sustainability Coordinator Planning + Design + Construction |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
East Utility Plant Coal to Biomass Boiler Conversion Project
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
UC was faced with the challenge of how to meet student, staff, and faculty demands to move beyond coal. The challenge was the UC had 2 coal boilers that supplied low cost, reliable steam to its campus. Instead of replacing the coal boilers with natural gas boilers which would consume more fossil fuel or installing emission reduction equipment on the boilers, UC decided to invest in energy conservation and renewable energy. UC reduced its demand for steam by installing new controls and new HVAC equipment in its largest laboratories to reduce the amount of outside air the buildings need which in turn reduced the amount of steam needed to heat the outside air. These energy conservation measures eliminated the need for one of UC’s two coal boilers.
In its newer coal boiler, UC installed new burners that allow the boiler to burn additional fuel. UC worked with private industry, students, and Researchers in their College of Engineering on the creation of low cost waste paper pellets. Ultimately the paper pellets presented challenges that were not feasible to overcome, but the retrofitted boiler is capable of burning renewable wood pellets which is now the fuel for this other former coal boiler.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Buildings
Energy
Grounds
Energy
Grounds
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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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.