This Web page is developed with support from the UWSP Global Environmental Education Center (GEM) via a donation from the Wisconsin River Power Company to launch the GEM Sustainable Energy Systems Program. GEM features integrated and interdisciplinary efforts addressing sustainability, international programming and leadership development. GEM's purpose is pioneering and applying practical learning methods and technology to solve natural resource problems by linking faculty, students, and citizens worldwide.
Energy Use in Facilities and Dorms on Campus
Energy Efficiency- One of the most important things you can do to save energy is to make sure your appliances and windows are energy efficient. Being energy efficient means that the appliance will accomplish a task with minimum effort and waste. Below are some examples of energy efficiency taking place on campus:
- Double-pane Windows - These energy efficient windows can reduce heating bills by 34% in cold climates, and 38% in warm climates.
Energy conservation - Intentional non-use of energy. Conserving energy does not mean you'll have a lesser quality of life. There are many things you can do to conserve energy that may not affect your lifestyle at all. Below are some steps this campus is taking to conserve energy.
- Vending Machines - Vending machines are large energy consumers because they are on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year even if no one is around to use them. Not only do they keep the product cool (or warm), but they use lights (and sometimes sounds) to attract people to purchase items. According to the Seattle City Light Conservation, vending machines consume 7-14 kilowatt-hours/day, depending on size, meaning each vending machine may cost about $300 a year to run! In order to make vending machines more energy efficient, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will be installing a device called the Vending Miser on all vending machines starting in the summer of 2005. It is reported that one Vending Miser will reduce the power consumption of a cold drink vending machine by an average of 46% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,200 lbs. of CO2 and 3,600 grams of NOx each year (based on occupancy and the Environmental Information Administration's national average of greenhouse gas emissions and electricity generation). SnackMisers will also be installed on snack vending machines beginning in the summer of 2005.
Click on the following links to learn more about the energy usage in that specific building. Can you tell the difference between week day and weekend energy consumption?
Electricity Consumption - February 2005
Old Main
Quant Gym
Collins Classroom Center
Smith
Neale
Electricity Consumption - July 2005
Old Main
Quant Gym
Collins Classroom Center
Smith
Neale
Weekly Energy Demand - February 1-5, 2004
DeBot
University Center
Learning Resources Center
Fine Arts Center
Collins Classroom Center
College of Professional Studies
Communication
Monthly Totals 2004-2005
Old Main and the Collins Classroom Center
Residence Halls
The highest monthly electricity bill is usually for September when there is hot weather and the buildings are fully occupied. The electricity bill for September 2004 was $135,000. The lowest electricity bill is usually for January when occupancy is low and air conditioners are not in use. The electricity bill for January 2004 was about $70,000. These numbers could go up this year due to building additions and price increases.
Examples of Green Energy on Campus
Renewable/Green Energy Sources - Energy resources that can be quickly replenished. Certain renewable resources will always be available no matter how they are used (e.g., solar energy), while other renewable resources can be depleted when their rate of use exceeds their rate of replacement (e.g., wood).
Learning Resources Center (LRC) Green Roof Project
The Green Roof was installed in June 2005 on the east side of the second floor. The first phase included the removal of rock, which covered the roof. A makeshift irrigation system necessary for at least the first year of the project is installed with hoses running from the loading dock area. It is estimated that it will be 2007 before everything really takes hold.
There are five different drought tolerant plants on the roof embedded into UV-resistant trays made out of 60% recycled plastic which are placed on a recycled rubber roofing material. The trays will catch the first inch of rainfall which the plants will absorb leaving the rest of the rain to drain through holes in the trays and into the stormwater system. The plants and growing material will provide an extra layer of insulation for the building and may also provide evaporative cooling in the summer.
The library was chosen to house the green roof due to its strength. Many other roofs on campus are not strong enough to hold the weight. This roof will hopefully last 40 years or more.
Green Roofs not only have a positive aesthetic effect, but they also help to reduce energy usage and rain runoff as well as improve air quality by trapping and absorbing nitrous oxides, volatile organic compounds, and airborne particulate matter.
Stevens Point Journal article on the Green Roof from July 21, 2005
Click here to learn more about the green roof project
(Green roof photos by S. Windjue)
Knutzen Hall has been labeled the EcoHall and is designated as the ecologically focused residence hall at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP). The residents of Knutzen Hall requested a more environmentally friendly hot water system which has now been fulfilled as Knutzen Hall students have a fully operational solar water heating system provided by the Solar Mining Company from Green Bay. This slideshow will show you the steps taken to place the solar panels on the Knutzen Hall roof. (Photos by Doug Moore)
Click here to read a news release about this water heating system.
Click here to learn more about the Knutzen Solar System and how much energy is being produced by the solar hot water panels! Coming soon!
Click here to learn more about the remodeling of the University Center.
Rain Gardens around Old Main support native landscape plantings which absorb water run-off from the roof. This decreases the amount of water that enters the stormwater system lessening the amount of energy needed to treat the water.(Click on photos to enlarge)
(Rain Garden photos by S. Windjue)
Photovoltaic window being installed on the Fine Arts center January. Learn more about the funding for this project
The Photovoltaic System on the Noel Fine Arts Center consists of 18 window panels that have the PV sandwiched between. About 20% of the light can pass through the window.
Each panel is 5’10” by 3’4” or about 340 square feet and will produce about 900-1,200 watts of electricity on a sunny day.
Photovoltaic systems generate DC power. To save on cost and complexity, this system’s power is fed to DC lighting in the Fine Arts Center. Backup is then a simple AC to DC converter. There is no battery backup or charging.
These panels are made in Germany and cost about $1000 each, for a total cost of about $18,000 The panels are guaranteed to provide 80% rated output for 20 years. They are sealed and if not damaged, should never wear out. Payback is approximately 50 years.
This system will be monitored through the campus web site providing real time and historical performance.
What You Can do to Save Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at Home
Visit the Powerhouse for home comfort tips and to explore an interactive house for energy-saving tips.
Visit Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) to experiment with their:
- Savings Calculator - Determine the approximate energy usage of your appliances, lighting, and heating/cooling systems and decide if you would be better off purchasing more energy efficient appliances and systems.
- Energy Analysis Tool - This tool lets you examine your home's energy use and costs using your monthly energy bill while giving you reliable energy advice.
Also, check out their energy-saving tips and products.
These organizations provide information useful for anyone who is interested in saving energy:
Focus on Energy
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Wisconsin Public Service
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
Alliance to Save Energy
U.S. Department of Energy
Natural Resources Defense Council
Rocky Mountain Institute
ENERGY STAR
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Earth 911
UWSP Energy Sources
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point receives its electricity from Wisconsin Public Service.
Energy Glossary and Facts
This glossary is found on the K-12 Energy Education Program's (KEEP) Energy Use Investigation page. After using the glossary, feel free to explore the Energy Use Investigation activity.
Wisconsin Energy Statistics
State of Wisconsin - Department of Administration
2005 Wisconsin Energy Statistics
Energy Links
The Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP) Site has many Energy Links geared toward students, teachers, Energy Safety, and Energy Use in Wisconsin.
