Sustainability for Campus Proposed Projects:
Written By: Siraj Khan, MSME, PE, CEM, LEED AP
1. New Engineering center, this building is
already on design board and will employ Trigeneration system with the help of
two 200 KW Mircoturbines to provide electric power and thermal energy for the
entire building as well as to provide power to campus grid and high temperature
heating hot water to campus loop for absorption chillers of other buildings.
Making power and producing thermal energy will also reduce carbon foot print.
2. A proposal is being prepared to replace
an existing vintage boiler in the central heating plant with a combined heat
and power gas turbine of 4.6 MW that will produce electric power and thermal
energy as well as reduce electric power demand during peak hours, would be
resulted into savings for energy and utility bills.
3. A proposal was presented to the University
leadership to install 100 meter Wind Turbine of 2.1 MW, potentially to provide
clean power of 10 to 15% of campus load. However economical viability is not
that great and this project is currently on hold.
4. A proposal was presented to the University
leadership to install a Biomass Boiler of 40MMBTU to cut down gas utility bills
however this project is currently not in consideration due to the fact that the
gas prices fallen off sharply and economical viability is questionable now.
5. Storm water management projects are on the
way to proceed on the east campus site to control run-off and storm water
retention.
6. Recommissioning of campus buildings and an
energy performance contract is on the way to proceed.
Sustainability
Initiatives At Campus:
Facilities Management office is playing an active
and a responsible role to implement best practices of sustainability on various
construction projects and maintenance services that the department manages.
Facilities Management is constantly examining their
work activities to continually improve sustainable practices with a sense of
economic viability.
Every day these practices are being utilized during
design, construction, operation and maintenance of the buildings and campus.
These practices save energy, reduces potable water consumption, improve
occupant comfort and environment, reduces carbon footprint that resulted into a
better Sustainable environment and a Greener campus.
Some of the best practices are focused upon:
1. Energy
savings and energy efficiency: Recently
completed projects are; recommissioning of Pawley hall and Recreation and
Athletic building, ODH mechanical improvements, HHS Lab ventilation
improvements
2. Water
savings: implementing low flow plumbing fixtures, using well water for lawn,
irrigation
3. Indoor
environmental quality: Replacement of filters is a part of routine maintenance
to provide clean air for occupant spaces. Providing better controls and better
comfort for the building occupant.
4. Storm
water management: controlling run-off, controlling sediment, water retention,
cleaning basins
5. LED Lighting: Roadway and parking lots
6. Central Heating Plant: efficiency improvement on a continuous basis
7. Landscaping; using native plants and trees
8. Cleaning; using green label products
Lastly Facilities Management in collaboration with OU leadership to boost sustainability effort at campus by behavior changes of the people and taking steps to enhance green culture on our campus.