University of Idaho
OP-5: Building Energy Consumption

The building energy consumption baseline, 2005, was adopted in the 2008 UI Greenhouse Gas Inventory because it is the first year for which comprehensive data are available.

Institutional initiatives to shift individual attitudes and practices in regard to energy efficiency through outreach and education efforts are supported by a broad array of partners on campus, with much of this work flowing through the UI Sustainability Center and Facilities. A student-led and student-funded organization, the Sustainability Center supports efforts to create an active culture of sustainability and we are committed to developing and maintaining healthful, educational living environments while fully integrating sustainable practices at the University of Idaho. CARBON OFFSET SURVEY— In the course Social Research Methods (NRS 310), students gauge attitudes regarding a supplemental parking permit and/or travel fee for campus users. Survey results will determine the feasibility of next steps. We envision leveraging supplemental parking fee funding as seed money for the sustainability revolving loan fund which would provide much-needed capital to further develop energy efficient infrastructure. Partner: Department of Natural Resources and Society, and NRS 310 Social Research Methods. LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME DAY—A social media outreach event with the aim of encouraging students to use human-powered transportation for one day. LIGHTS OUT—Social and behavior change communications, such as the Lights Out sticker campaign, support sustainable changes in knowledge, attitudes, norms, and cultural practices. We are seeking new partners interested in installing lights out stickers on light switch cover plates, and in common use spaces such as classrooms. Partners: Facilities—Utilities & Engineering Services, College of Natural Resources, and Eco-Ambassadors.

The University of Idaho follows the most recent versions of the Building Energy Code, and frequently goes above and beyond the code to achieve LEED certifications and to receive potential energy rebates from upgrades to existing systems such as VFDs or LED retrofits. Many of these energy standards and controls are documented in the university’s Construction Standards or Administrative Procedure Manual (APM). The following are examples of these standards and controls: On January 23, 2008, the University of Idaho set sustainable building standards by stating that “all new construction and major remodels shall be certified as meeting or exceeding a Silver LEED rating” (APM 40.03). The College of Education, remodeled in 2016 is awaiting LEED Gold certification, and the Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC), a 2017 new build is the University of Idaho’s first LEED Gold Certified building. In addition, UI has implemented HVAC scheduling in most buildings on campus to perform night setbacks by turning off HVAC systems during unoccupied hours. Also, all new buildings have a centralized lighting system that utilizes occupancy sensors and photo sensors to reduce the overall energy consumption from lighting. UI also enforces the Idaho Governor’s Executive Order 2005-12 Energy Conservation in State Buildings which mandates that temperature set-points in all state buildings be held to between 68-70 degrees in the winter and 74-78 degrees in the summer (APM 40.26). Other energy management recommendations included in this APM are the minimization of personal heaters, reduced hot water temperatures, vending machine lighting requirements, and assistance from occupants to turn off equipment that is not being used.

In an effort to curb energy use UI is re-lamping much of the campus with 66,000 LED lights. Installation occurred fall 2016 to spring 2017. In addition, an exterior LED parking lot re-lamping project is underway. Newly adopted construction standards require LED lighting, lighting controls, and light sensors. The change allows U of I to save approximately $355,000 annually in avoided energy and operational costs https://www.uidaho.edu/news/news-articles/faculty-staff-news/2017-november/110617-campuslighting

Solar water heating exists on Gibb Hall, Manis Laboratory, and the 6th Street Greenhouse. External shading on south-facing windows is used on the new Integrated Research and Innovation Center (IRIC). Trees, and other foliage are used to provide natural shading for older buildings' facades which are susceptible to excess solar heat gain.

Excess steam from the district steam heating system is used to produce district cooling via steam absorption chillers.

UI works with Avista Utilities to identify areas of improvement in equipment energy usage. Facilities implements rebates supplied by Avista to assist in funding for projects which lower energy consumption.

Marc Compton, Mechanical Engineer, Facilities-Utilities and Engineering Services. Research completed by Kyle Petersen, a senior studying Mechanical Engineering, and UI Facilities-Utilities and Engineering Services Student Engineering Technician.