OU Looks into Biomass Energy

for Campus Heating & Power

A recently completed feasibility study investigates the technical and economic merit of installing an urban waste wood fired boiler system.  Many thanks to the Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation & Development Council for assistance with funding of this study.

To view the draft copy executive summary here,

or click on the image to the right for the full report.

OU's Investigates Utility Sized Wind Power Systems

Since February 2006, Oakland University has been investigating local wind power resources with the installation of a 50 meter tall, wind sensor tower.  It is located several hundred yards south of Pioneer Drive, near Squirrel Road.  A full feasibility study will be completed this winter to assess the merit of a utility sized wind turbine installation.  Please visit Alternative Energy Solutions web site for more information and a press release.  For a closer look at the installation, please visit the Wind Working Group Nov. 9, 2006 meeting.

Also, for information on wind power in Michigan and elsewhere, click here....

University Energy Usage & Cost

Take a look at the historical usage and cost of the west campus utilities over the past decade.  About $390 is spent each year per Full Year Equivalent Student (FY2007 data).  This equates to 5% of a full time student's tuition.  (based on 15 credit hours for two semesters)   more info...

University Energy Purchasing

Click here to learn more on how Oakland University spends its $6 million dollars each year to heat, cool, and power our fine institution.

OU Photovoltaic - Solar Electric Roof

OU was recently installed a 10kW photovoltaic demonstration project on the roof of the student apartment Community Building.  The produced electricity from 580 Uni-Solar PV shingles and is tied directly to the University electrical grid..

Click here for more information...

Does Michigan have a plan for renewable energy? 

Click here...

Environmental Concerns - (MI ranks 2nd in

Mercury Contaminated Hot Spots  (click here )

OU consumes over 30 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year.  The result is that we contribute to nuclear waste at the Fermi II power station, and also have our electrical suppliers pump 260,000 pounds of nitrogen dioxide , 650,000 pounds of sulfur dioxide, and 1.2 pounds of toxic mercury into our air each year on our behalf.  In addition, almost 250 pounds of high level nuclear waste is created on our behalf.  About 35,000 tons of non-toxic, carbon dioxide is pumped into the atmosphere as well.  The best way to reduce this burden is to use your power wisely and sparingly.  You can make a difference, both at home and at work.   

Campus Electric Substation

A new electric substation was put into service at the end of May 2003.  The old 13.2 kilovolt electrical service into North Foundation Hall was transferred to the more reliable new substation, doubling the capacity of the OU power supply.  This will allow for the next 15 to 20 years of growth and expansion.  

For more information on our electrical supply infrastructure, click here.

Green Buildings and Sustainable Design

Click here for information on sustainable architecture and design.

Conservation Projects

In 1998, the University entered into an energy saving "performance contract".  Over $8M of facilities upgrades were undertaken to reduce our campus energy consumption and replace some aging infrastructure.  Included were multiple new absorbsion and centrifugal water chillers, control system upgrades, new windows for South Foundation Hall, and some lighting upgrades.  Air conditioning was also added to South Foundation Hall and Hanah Hall of Science.  Each year the University saves over $400,000 in energy costs which are then used to pay off the initial project financing.  Viron Energy Services (now Chevron Energy Services) was our partner in the contract.

Heating & Cooling Policy

Oakland University heating and cooling policy.  Non-OU personal electric heaters are not allowed on campus.  They cover up HVAC issues, create fire hazards, and consume SIGNIFICANT amounts of electricity.

However, an innovative, controlled heater will be provided in cases where your HVAC cannot provide the proper heating.  Please read the OU Energy Newsletter, Issue 1.  Call the work control center at 2381 to report a problem or request a heater or click here for an on-line request.

West Campus HVAC Floor Plans Clickable campus map with color coded floor plans for HVAC.

Questions, Ideas, Comments ?    

Please contact the Energy Manager - Jim Leidel at leidel@oakland.edu 

phone 248.370.4990   fax 248.370.4442

(this web site was created and is maintained by Jim Leidel)