April 22, 2016
2014
OSU System Saves $35 Million with Energy Program CNG PROGRESS
Your mileage may vary, but you might want to take a few tips from Oklahoma State University to cut your energy bill. After all, the OSU System has slashed $35 million from its utility bill in the last nine years. OSU’s Energy Management Program, which started in 2007, uses a variety of innovative practices to lead the way in reducing energy consumption. In 2013, OSU added sustainability to its energy portfolio when the 26-turbine Cowboy Wind Farm near Blackwell began producing electricity. Now, on average, the OSU-Stillwater campus uses 70 percent wind power per year. “Since 2013, we have successfully and consistently met or exceeded our goal of using 67 percent wind power to power the Stillwater campus,” said James Rosner, OSU energy services director. OSU has also implemented several other energy conservation practices, including providing energy guidelines for faculty, staff and students. FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016
With the focused efforts of the university, OSU has managed to save a total of more than $35 million across all campuses. The OSU-Stillwater campus averages a $3.5 million savings per year. “Ultimately, energy conservation equals saving money,” said Rosner. “The energy program helps every entity on campus because it helps reduce operating costs.” Energy management also tries to save money through it’s purchasing practices of electricity and natural gas. On average the Stillwater campus uses 652,155 DecaTherms of natural gas at a cost of about $3 million each year. Recently OSU energy services purchased 80% of the volume until the year 2020 in advance as natural gas prices fell to record lows. This locked in rate for natural gas is projected to save the university at least $520,000 each year. OSU’s energy savings also help the environment, a result noted by recognition for the third year in a row from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For 2015,
OSU was ranked #7 in the Top 30 Colleges and Universities and #51 in the National Top 100 for renewable energy. OSU was one of four organizations — and the only educational institution — named a Green Power Partner of the Year in 2014. For more tips on saving energy, visit the OSU Energy Management Program website.
By 2014, virtually all of OSU’s bus fleet had transferred from diesel to cleaner burning compressed natural gas. The motor pool fleet had been positioned to do the same with plans to lease additional vehicles as they become more competitively available from manufacturers, and Regents approved the purchase of a CNG station on campus that same year, which also offers considerable cost-savings.
Oklahoma State University Facilities Reach $1 Million Cost Reduction
The green transport movement on campus started small in 2010, when OSU Transit initially purchased nine CNG buses, a number that quickly grew after the first natural gas fueling station was added in 2011, thanks to OSU’s partnership with Clean Energy.
Read more at timeline.okstate.edu
For a second year, Oklahoma State University is acknowledging facilities which have reduced their cumulative building energy costs by $1 million. To recognize this accomplishment, facilities are awarded a “million dollar plaque”. The savings are reached through a team effort. Students, faculty and staff take part by doing such things as turning off lights and computers in addition to working closely with the OSU energy management team. While buildings with larger energy consumption generally accumulate the $1 million energy cost reduction more quickly than smaller buildings, every building has the ability by making small changes to impact energy conservation. Facilities that were recognized this year include: Willard, Edmon Low Library, Noble Research Center, Physical Sciences and Bennett Hall. The OSU-IT campus in Okmulgee was also recognized for reaching the million dollar mark in energy savings for the entire campus. THIS PAGE PRODUCED AND PAID FOR BY OSU COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Good luck to @britosu22 as she heads to San Antonio today as the latest Cowgirl to embark on a @wnba career!
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