Western Kentucky University
OP-5: Building Energy Efficiency

Purchased electricity data data has been collected and recorded for many years. Since 2008, and with the adoption of the WKU Energy Policy, adopted December 2009, individual building metering has been systematically installed for higher resolution data observation and collection.

Stationary fuel consumption data is not available prior to 2019. It should also be noted that during 2007-08, WKU was still using a coal fired plant, and in 2012 WKU transitioned to using natural gas as a cleaner fuel, increasing combustion efficiency from 65% to 85% and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it is expected that the energy efficiency of the baseline year is likely even lower than reported, and thus, the performance year likely has a higher energy efficiency than reflected in the data.

Each year since 2008, WKU has practiced the Conservation Vacation to conserve energy during winter break, when the campus is largely unoccupied. This program includes communication to all faculty and staff regarding energy use and strategies for both university and individual conservation actions. The Conservation Vacation is observed in residence halls as well.

Both guided Green Tours and Green Tour signage on campus include education on campus energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

University Temperature Guidelines
To maintain reasonable comfort and lower energy expenditures, the University has
adopted the following temperature standards.
a. Heating
Winter heating temperatures will be set at 68-70 degrees during the occupied periods. Temperatures will set at 60 degrees during the nights, weekends, and holidays (unoccupied periods). Consideration will be made for sensitive research laboratories and other areas with environmentally or temperature sensitive equipment or objects such as computer labs.
b. Cooling
Summer thermostat settings (air conditioning) will be set at 74-76 degrees during the occupied periods. Indoor relative humidity should be maintained to 65% or less, or values calculated using ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55 2004, section 5.2, Figure 5.2.1.1. The Department of Environment, Health and Safety can assist with evaluating indoor air quail ty conditions. Temperatures will be set at 80- 85 degrees during nights, weekends, and holidays (unoccupied periods). Any exceptions to these guidelines must be approved. Students, Faculty, and Staff are strongly encouraged to dress appropriately for the season.

WKU engages in an energy conservation shutdown during unoccupied periods, such as winter break when buildings are not in use. WKU's Energy Policy states:
During periods of closure, such as nights, weekends and holidays, buildings will be heated and cooled at “unoccupied” temperatures outlined in the University Temperature Guidelines. The University’s Operations Manager will be responsible for working with Building Coordinators to process requests for exceptions to this policy.
Additionally, during longer closures, such as the winter holiday, the university will follow hard shutdown procedures: lights will be turned off to egress levels, staff and faculty shall unplug electronics and appliances (defrost and empty refrigerators) including computers in labs and offices, and all copiers and
other office equipment.
DFM staff will unplug water fountains, and turn off hot water heaters. Restrooms should be cleaned, toilets flushed and trash removed prior to shutdown to maintain minimum sanitary conditions. Other university departments will follow additional guidelines developed for shut down periods.

All surface parking lots were upgraded to LED technology in 2014. All athletic venue scoreboards and ornamental lighting (clock tower face and holiday lights) are LEDs. The University television studio, PBS affiliate, was upgraded to LED lighting in 2009, earning a regional technical Emmy and recognition of the first university television studio to use this technology.

In 2015 and 2016, the Kentucky Museum and Diddle Arena were both upgraded to LED lighting.

Fluorescent lighting in buildings is actively being upgraded to LED. The process will continue through AY24.

In 2009, WKU entered upon their second Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). WKU’s ESPC included $9.7 million in energy reducing and facility improvements. Thirty-eight existing buildings have been impacted with water and lighting improvements, touching 3.5 million square feet. The overall project has a 15 year payback period, with a guaranteed cost avoidance of more than $1 million in utilities annually.

In 2019, we upgraded Parking Structure 2 to LED lighting, and Parking Structure 1 in 2020.

WKU's energy policy requires that equipment, appliances and other systems purchased will be energy efficient to improve sustainability. This includes products purchased through Purchasing, Auxiliary Services, Housing and Residence Life, and the University Bookstore. Energy efficiency is a standard criterion in RFPs and contracts for products and services. This ensures that around 90% of the appliances on campus are energy efficient and have energy certifications. Approved equipment is through the US EPA Energy Star products list. Any conventional appliances are likely older from when the policy was not yet in place, and have not yet been necessary to replace, around 10%.

Please note the energy consumption from the baseline year does not include steam and chilled water because WKU generates its own chilled water and steam using purchased electricity and natural gas, which have already been reported. Thus, there WKU does not import thermal energy.

It should also be noted that the baseline year data on stationary fuels was not available, so the earliest possible data was utilized to create an estimate, from 2019. It should also be noted that during the baseline year (2007-08), WKU was still using a coal fired plant, and in 2012 WKU transitioned to using natural gas as a cleaner fuel, increasing combustion efficiency from 65% to 85% and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, it is expected that the energy efficiency of the baseline year is likely lower than reported, and thus, the performance year likely has a higher energy efficiency than reflected in the dataset.