Energy Use and Conservation

Penn consumes considerable quantities of energy in the form of electricity and steam to cool and heat its buildings. The use of energy is expensive in both financial and environmental terms. In FY 2002, 363,681,000 kWh of electricity and 1,140,456 Mlbs (1,000's) of steam were used.

However, Penn implemented an extensive energy conservation program in FY 2000 that has yielded significant results. The energy intensity per square foot of university building space decreased 13.1% during this time, resulting in a decline of electricity use of 3% (12.2 million KWH), including new building growth of 19,660,000 KWH. Furthermore, in the fall of 2001, Penn committed to buy 20,000,000 kWh of pollution-free electricity generated by wind power annually for the next 3 years. The school’s conservation efforts and purchase of wind power result in emissions savings equivalent to planting 2.5 million trees or taking 2,756 cars off the road and financial savings of millions of dollars.

How is Penn reducing its energy use and environmental impact?

1. Conservation Through Technology
2. Student and Staff Conservation Efforts
3. Renewable Power

Penn has also won some awards for its environmental efforts.

Conservation Through Technology

Since 2000, Penn has installed two significant infrastructure upgrades that allow for the effective control and conservation of energy use across the university campus. The construction of an energy-use control room and a new chiller plant, Utility Mod 7, have resulted in significant energy savings. Electricity use has decreased by 3% or 12 million kWh, including building growth.

The control room is located in the Left Bank, the new home of Facilities Services. From this location, one control room supervisor can control the energy use of most buildings on campus through the effective management of chiller use. In addition, the construction of an industry-model chiller plant, 'Mod 7', at the southern end of campus has allowed significant energy and financial savings from chilled water production and off-peak production of ice.

Student and Staff Conservation Efforts

Penn employees have done a tremendous job curtailing electricity use during the peak demand of summer months. Simply by turning off overhead lights and unnecessary motors/electronics around campus, peak demand has been reduced by over 1MW. Check out the full energy curtailment policy and also an effort to encourage conservation among students in the college houses below:

90+ Degree Day Policy

• "Turn off all lighting in areas with any natural day lighting"
• "In areas without natural day lighting, turn off overhead lights and use only task lighting"

Student Light Bulb Exchanges

2002 Energy Awards