Case Study: The University at Buffalo Energy Efficiency and Solar Photovoltaic Project

Background
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a recognized leader in promoting environmental education and environmentally sustainable practices. UB is the largest purchaser of wind energy generated in New York State and was named by the U.S. EPA as one of its Top 10 College and University Green Power Partners. The University was the first institution in western New York to sign a commitment to achieve “climate neutrality” by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures.

The University employs a wide range of educational, management and operational strategies in its commitment to environmental excellence, from scientific research on climate change and students addressing neighborhood environmental concerns to installing compact fluorescent lights and promoting “green computing.”

Solution
In 2005, the University contracted with Chevron Energy Solutions to design and implement comprehensive facility upgrades at its South Campus academic buildings. The $12.8 million project included heating, ventilating, and air conditioning improvements; energy-efficient lighting retrofits; energy-efficient motors and variable speed drives; and energy management system upgrades. Also included was a new 73.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation system at Norton Hall at the North Campus.

The rooftop PV system covers 5,900 square feet and offsets about 6 percent of the building’s annual electrical power consumption. The $800,000 installation was partially funded by a $367,500 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The remaining project costs were financed with the savings from the extensive energy efficiency improvements.

The solar array also serves as a demonstration project for clean, renewable energy technology. In conjunction with the rooftop PV system, the University opened its “Energy for the Future” exhibit in the Science and Engineering Library. The educational exhibit provides information on energy alternatives to visitors who can view the solar panels on Norton Hall through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the exhibit’s “solar lounge.”

Benefits
The facility improvement measures installed at UB provide significant benefits. New lighting and HVAC equipment use less energy, reduce maintenance costs, improve indoor comfort, and avoid greenhouse gas emissions through reduced utility purchases. The improvements are projected to deliver utility bill savings of up to $1.2 million annually. The University did not have to use up-front funding from its capital budget as the project pays for itself with energy savings dollars. NYSERDA contributed over $1.4 million in energy efficiency incentives.

The solar power system produces clean, emission-free energy for the campus and adds to the University’s portfolio of renewable energy sources. It also serves as an educational tool in the University’s efforts to teach people about energy alternatives and sustainable practices.

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