Energy Conservation

Working Group Minutes

Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2006

Attendees: Rick Bigelow, Todd Holland, Nancy Apple, Mary Fanelli, Molly Buermann, Tracy Zhu

I. Lighting

FM has installed a dozen occupancy sensors as a trial to check control setting requirements.

The meeting at the Library to be proposed by Deb Morrissey still pending.

Lauret Savoy and EAC talked about the schedule, in which case, Todd will organize light bulb exchange as a separate event in Blanchard.  Mid-November should be the target for the open house next year.

II. Vending Machines

Vending Misers for 20 machines are funded in next year’s budget. Todd to check with Dale on prioritizing machines and contract renewal schedule.

III. Biodiesel

Next year’s budget proposal included an increase for use of biodiesel. Mike Buckley is working on repainting and decaling equipment using biodiesel.  Todd will provide Nancy with information and a picture of vehicle and sticker for the web site.

IV. Web Site

Todd, Rick, Russ, Nancy, and Carol Prior met to discuss energy statistics for the web site. The goal is to develop a few key indicators that can be kept updated.  Todd is working on the charts agreed upon and will send to Carol to be put on the site.

V. Energy Conservation Heating Season Policy

The trial of space heaters and desk insulation in Skinner basement has been successful. Staff is please with the improvement.  The design is installation of reflective bubble wrap around the lower desk/wall area to reflect back heat.  The material is installed with Velcro so it can be removed after the heating season. FM will remove and store for use next year.

The EAC hall energy reps initiative did not get organized this year and will be revisited in the fall.

VI. Energy Conservation Cooling Season Policy

Rick, Todd, and Russ will prepare a draft for the next meeting, March 30th.  The policy will address target temperatures and standards for portable units.

VII. Computer Energy Use

Nancy will follow-up with Deb Morrissey on institutionalizing the expectation that all computers are set to energy saving mode. With the distribution of computers next FY, LITS will have set all monitors to energy saving mode when delivered.  Observation indicates that some users have disabled the setting when installing screen savers. We would also like to run EPA software to get information on how many computers on the network are actually set to energy saving mode. Todd has asked for a meeting with LITS to discuss. We should also have more direct language for students than that currently added to the computer registration form.  There should also be readily available information on the web, either on the Env. Stewardship site which LITS links to or on the LITS site which ES links to.

VIII. EAC Update

EAC would like to reevaluate the Kill-a-Watt program.  Issues include the time lag between the month being counted and the availability of the results, and the lack of enthusiasm about the $100 prize.  Todd will calculate how much green energy could be purchased with the prize money.

EAC will be conducting office environmental audits this semester, a separate meeting of EAC, the ECO-Reps, Todd, Roger, and Nancy has been set up to discuss the information to be collected and distributed.