Hiram College Reduces CO2 Emissions With Energy Efficiency Programs

Hiram, OH (PRWEB) - Hiram College’s new energy efficiency programs helped the College to save more than 20 percent in natural gas and electricity costs during the first six months of 2015. By using less energy, the College reduced CO2 emissions by 2,550,601 lbs. which is equivalent to the emissions produced by 243 passenger vehicles, 130,184 gallons of gasoline, or 105 homes’ annual electricity usage.

The College utilized the Ohio Development Services Agency’s Energy Loan Fund to assist with paying for costs of the project. The Energy Loan Fund is a competitive loan program which provides financing for energy efficiency projects. The loan can only be used for existing buildings in Ohio businesses, non-profits, and public entities. Projects must demonstrate a minimum of 15 percent energy savings, result in a return on investment of 15 years or less, and must improve environmental quality.

By providing design-build, construction, commissioning and audit services for 797,000 square feet of campus buildings and facilities, the Energy Services Group of The Brewer-Garrett Company, was able to save the college more than $156,000 in just six months.

The largest source of energy savings resulted from the building automation system. In the first six months, the automation system reduced electricity consumption by 332,886kWh and has reduced natural gas consumption by 3,340 MMBTU for a total energy reduction of 4,476 MMBTU.

The second largest source of energy savings resulted from mechanical upgrades which included replacing boiler plants, two air handling units, a chiller plant, and a cooling tower. Between January and June of 2015, these upgrades saved 128,559kWh of electricity and 2,490 MMBTU of natural gas for a total energy reduction of 2,929 MMBTU.

Savings are on track to meet the performance contract guarantee. For more information contact The Brewer-Garrett Company at http://www.brewer-garrett.com or 800-686-6869.