Energy Conservation

Working Group Minutes

Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2006

Attendees: Rick Bigelow, Russ Boudreau, Todd Holland, Nancy Apple, Deb Morrissey, Dale Hennessey

I. Green is the new Red, White and Blue

Todd referenced Thomas Friedman’s op-ed piece in the Springfield Republican describing energy conservation as a pro-growth and national security imperative.

Todd reported on the brown bag lunch he hosted sponsored by the Staff Council, about 12 people attended, many of the questions focused on home energy conservation.

Current energy prices are 10.5 cents/kwh and $57 – 58/ barrel.

II. Energy Conservation Heating Season Policy

The group discussed the perceived increase in electric heaters and blankets noted by Lee Bowie.  It was pointed out that the policy in residence halls actually has more hours at occupied temperatures than in the past, the difference is in the stricter adherence to the policy and less likely response to complaints by automatically raising the temperature.  Heaters should not be in student rooms unless they are supplied by FM to address a problem area. The WG feels strongly that the policy should be given a chance before revisions are considered.

Skinner basement will be used as a trial for use of the new heaters.  Initial reports are that the heaters do not provide sufficient heat.  FM to look at design of ‘leg ovens’ to reflect heat back toward the person.  Current construction for prototypes is not practical for wide spread use. One option may be using insulating bubble wrap available in hardware stores.

III. Computer Energy Use

The EAC Million Monitor Drive campaign achieved its goal of getting 75% of students to set their computers to energy saving mode. A pizza party will be give for the top 4 dorms.  Discussed venue for a campus wide award ceremony including presentation by EPA for MMD and green energy certificates to EAC.  A community breakfast would provide a good forum at an existing event. Melanie from the CE has agreed to coordinate events.

IV. Vending

Todd and Dale will prioritize vending machines for vending miser.   We need to make an energy consumption standard part of the next contract with the vendor.  Todd will investigate programming options for controlling lights on machines.

V. Lighting and Other Conservation

The Energy Hog Campaign before break was well received and appeared to raise awareness and produce results.  Russ observed that the campus was ‘dark’ over break. Data is not yet available for comparison. 

Todd proposed the next campaign be “The Big Turn-Off” to focus on energy conservation across campus. Recognized as an important campaign, the group concluded that no one had the time to lead the campaign this semester.  Focus will be on addressing specific areas of concern, e.g., library lights, and further discussion of campaign for the fall. Deb will set up a meeting to look at lighting in the Library.

FM is planning a CHP open house for student volunteer energy coordinators and other interested students, staff and faculty for February 1st.  There will be displays with energy use and conservation information, and the hope is to have a light bulb exchange.

Nancy will talk with EAC about a student campaign for energy conservation education with the faculty and offices.

VI. Biodiesel

FM will now be using biodiesel in their off-road vehicles (e.g., tractors) purchased from Alliance Energy in Holyoke.  They will be painting and putting decals on the vehicles to publicize.