Energy Conservation

Working Group Minutes

Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2005

Attendees: John Bryant, Todd Holland, Nancy Apple, Aniela White, Carolyn Miller-Coulter

I. Vending Misers

Todd reported that vending miser installation on the 54 beverage machines on campus would cost about $13,000 and have a payback of 2 years. The vending misers have both occupancy sensors and temperatures sensors and shut the machine down when there is no activity in the area for 15 minutes. The temperature sensor ensures that the machine runs often enough to keep the product cold. Nancy agreed to set up a meeting to discuss options with Mark Garner, Doug Vanderpool, Russ Boudreau, Rick Bigelow and Todd.

II. Computer Use

The Million Monitor Drive is an EPA program to get institutions to enable Energy Star sleep features on monitors. Todd estimates that using this feature on 1500 machines could save $70,000 a year and reduce CO2 emissions by 600 tons. LITS enabled the feature on lab machines during J-term. An important part of this effort is education. It would be good to target students at the beginning of the year. Departments also have machines not directly controlled by LITS, so education would need to extend to those users as well. Nancy agreed to contact Deb Morrissey to set up a meeting with LITS to discuss further.

III. Lighting

Todd suggested we start a program to change out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. This could include an exchange program if we find a source for low cost fluorescents. The public utilities have low cost offeres for customers, but South Hadley Power and Light does not have a program.

IV. Equipment Purchases

Energy Star products are available for many types of equipment. We need a policy regarding purchase of energy saving models when equipment is being replaced. FM already has a standard for purchase of premium efficiency motors. John indicated they could buy Energy Star air conditioners when new units are purchased. A student education campaign for small refrigerators was also suggested.

V. Grease Cars

EAC is very interested in trying a grease car. There is a company in Greenfield that does conversions for about $1,200 per vehicle. Another option is biodiesel, which is grease with the glycerine removed. Deerfield Co-op Power is starting a program to collect vegetable oil to manufacture biodiesel.