Energy & Environmental Conservation

• Installing new carpet tiles in several buildings that are 100% recyclable. When a carpet change is desired, the old carpet is palletized, and Shaw Carpet Mill picks it up at no cost to UDM, and then recycles all components of the carpet.
• Installing carpet tile and broadloom called Shaw ECOWORX, which has won the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Award.

• Switching T-12 lamps for lighting with T-8 lamps and switching ballasts to electronic.
• Replacing incandescent bulbs to compact florescent lamps for a 75% saving in energy.
• Installing motion and occupancy sensors to determine if lighting is needed in certain areas; for example, College of Health Professions Building.
• Changing out the main electrical switchgear room with new gear and capacitors; this is saving the University significant electrical energy.
• Adding Solar Panels on the Engineering Building helps reduce electrical needs, as well as educate students on solar energy.

• Replacing McNichols steam absorbers with centrifugal chillers.
• Repairing and replacing University condensate return system.
• Adding an adjustable burner on one of the boilers to allow natural gas to be used more efficiently in the transition and summer seasons.
• Changing out motors with more energy efficient models.
• Implementing the Tridium Energy Management System: a web based energy management system which allows equipment to be adjusted based on occupancy of areas.  Currently this system is tied to most major HVAC equipment.  It is Facilities' hope to add electrical and other mechanical systems to the Tridium System for better control and monitoring.
• Replacing city water-cooled air conditioning units with more efficient models.

• Converting high-use washrooms to sensor faucets to limit water consumption and reduce the spread of bacteria.
• Experimenting with the use of auto flush water closets.  Many claim they actually use more water due to the sensitivity of the sensor.

• Reroofing Student Center, Ford Life Science, Engineering, Powerhouse, and parts of the Library have resulted in the replacement of wet flat roof insulation.  Replacement of this insulation results in less heat loss through the roofs.
• Choosing sustainable tile roofing. The use of tile roofs which have lasted 80+ years has saved a landfill at least two conventional shingle tear offs.  From 70-90% of the tiles are reused in the reroofing process.  

• Replacing doors with greater insulating value, less draft, and better security.
• Upgrading to more energy efficient windows in Holden and Shiple Halls.

• Moving a tree, rather than cutting it down, when the tree becomes an obstacle for an approved project.
• Replacing trees lost to Dutch elm disease and the Emerald Ash borer as part of a University Arbor Program.