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Energy Efficiency: Case Studies

Portland State University (PSU) has taken many steps to conserve energy now, and to continue conservation and sustainability practices in the future. One very simple way PSU cut back on energy consumption was through the President’s Energy Initiative. In 2003, the president of PSU directed the university’s Facilities Department to turn down all building thermostats by four degrees. Merely two months after this initiative was put into practice, the campus had saved over 10,000 dollars in energy bills.[i] A letter was also sent to all faculty and staff explaining the initiative’s success and encouraging other helpful energy-saving tips. The suggestions included discontinuing the use of personal space heaters, shutting off computers when leaving for the night or for and extended period of time, and collaborating evening event locations so that fewer buildings are in use after hours.

PSU’s commitment to energy conservation continues through their new building plans. The nearly-completed Broadway Housing Project will have a Silver LEED rating and will reduce energy consumption in the building by 31 percent.[ii] Its large eco-roof reduces stormwater runoff as well as providing insulation to the building, reducing energy needed for heating and cooling. Increased wall insulation, a condensing water heater, and overall ENERGY STAR rated water-efficient appliances are some of the other energy-saving contributors for this building.

The 2000-2001 energy crises, complete with its soaring energy bills, revealed to PSU the need of diversifying the university’s energy sources and the importance of investing in new energy technology. Renewable energy sources – solar power and microturbines in particular – are now being considered into the “big picture” at PSU.[iii]

By promoting sustainable awareness, sustainable education and sustainable policy, Bowdoin College works hard to live up to its environmental mission statement. As it is directly stated, “Bowdoin recognizes its responsibility to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship by promoting environmental awareness, local action, and global thinking.”[iv] The college integrates sustainability into its academic programs and extra-curricular events. It even has a full-time Sustainability Coordinator constantly working to improve environmental performance.

In keeping with its mission, Bowdoin has begun to incorporate sustainable design into its campus buildings. A major dining hall renovation project took place in 2000 that included passive design, energy conservation concepts. Large operable windows with operable shades allows for maximizing solar heat gain during the winter while minimizing it during hot summer months. The large windows heat the floor and radiate thermal energy. [v] Natural daylighting and premium efficiency motors on equipment were also incorporated into the design. Bowdoin also integrated sustainable design in the new buildings it put up in 2001 and 2002.

Like the Portland University example, Bowdoin College shows that sustainable practice not just for new buildings or renovation projects; it begins with individual actions. In 2002, Bowdoin reduced its total campus energy load by 18 percent just by individual practice, saving the college. Turning off lights, shutting down computers, setting the heat at 68°F in the winter and 74°F in the summer, and buying Energy Star appliances really does have an immediate impact