Carleton University has released its inaugural Energy Master Plan as part of a university-wide strategy to increase sustainability.
The strategy aims to reduce energy usage and water consumption in order to achieve the highest possible conservation levels during the continued expansion of the campus.
The Energy Master Plan uses analysis of historical energy and water consumption to evaluate future utility requirements as buildings are added to the campus. The analysis identifies the potential for energy savings of 17 per cent and water savings of three per cent in existing buildings.
Carleton also released an update on its first in-depth building assessment. The multi-year assessment program implemented energy, water and waste reduction across campus.
During the past year, Carleton has cut 242 tonnes of annual carbon dioxide emissions from Robertson Hall, the administrative building. This is equivalent to taking 81 mid-size cars off the road. Upgrades to the water fixtures, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning have also led to utility and operational savings in the building that totals $120,000.
“We have made a great start on our long-term strategy to reduce the university’s environmental footprint,” says Darryl Boyce, assistant vice-president of facilities management and planning. “Our next project in the Athletics Centre will provide even greater savings.”
Upgrades to the athletics facilities are expected to lead to annual savings of 459 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and $137,000 per year. After this project, the university will move on to other buildings across campus.
“Carleton University is taking a progressive, proactive approach to reducing energy use and emissions,” says Luis Rodrigues, vice-president of energy and environmental solutions at Honeywell, which worked with Carleton on the building assessment. “Along with providing ecological benefits, the upgrades are designed to enhance the comfort and functionality of the buildings on campus. Plus, the energy and operational savings the improvements deliver are guaranteed to match the university’s investment.”
Carleton has also committed to ensuring new construction and major renovations achieve a minimum Green Globes rating of three out of five.