Oakland wins statewide award for energy efficiency

Representatives from Honeywell stand with Amy Butler, executive director of the OU INC, as she accepts the 2014 Leaders in Efficiency Award from Energy Service Coalition board member Dick Williams.

For its commitment to sustainability, Oakland University was named a recipient of the 2014 Leaders in Efficiency Award from the Energy Service Coalition-Michigan Chapter. The award recognizes significant investment into energy efficiency systems and demonstrable energy cost savings at public buildings throughout the state.

Oakland was recognized for several energy projects that helped boost energy efficiency in buildings across campus. These projects were completed within the last two years and will result in an annual cost savings of $146,087.

“Oakland University is continuously making an effort to increase energy efficiency for the existing systems in our campus buildings,” said Siraj Khan, director of engineering. “This effort is one more step towards sustainability and making our campus green. Energy efficiency also protects the environment, saves fossil fuel and reduces the carbon footprint of the campus. It is really a win-win situation, and our energy team is excited about it.”

• A water condenser system was modified to save energy and increase efficiency in North Foundation Hall, South Foundation Hall, The Oakland Center, Wilson Hall, Meadow Brook Theatre and Graham Health Center. This $15,128 investment resulted in an annual cost savings of $3,000.
• Chilled water plant piping and controls were modified to save energy and increase efficiency in the Science and Engineering Building, Dodge Hall of Engineering and Hannah Hall of Science. This $238,831 investment resulted in an annual cost savings of 46,363.
• Chilled water plant piping and controls were modified to save energy and increase efficiency in Elliott Hall and Varner Hall. This $44,359 investment resulted in an annual cost savings of $64,563.
• Pipe insulation was added to reduce heat loss and improve heating hot water system efficiency across campus. This $160,718 investment resulted in an annual cost savings of $32,161.

Joining Oakland, the other recipients of the Leaders in Efficiency Award were the City of Battle Creek, Lenawee County, St. Clair Community College and the Detroit Zoo. The winners were recognized this fall at the Energy Service Coalition Fourth Annual Awards event.

To learn more about efficiency efforts at OU, visit the Facilities Management website at oakland.edu/facilities.