College rewarded for reducing energy use across campus
By Samantha Thomson ’09 (Communications and Media)
Public Affairs Intern
The college’s participation in an energy savings program over the summer paid off financially and environmentally.
The Special Case Resource (SCR) Emergency Load Reduction Program called for the college to commit to a 300-kilowatt reduction, with a larger target of 333 kilowatts by performing such energy-saving measures as turning off lights where possible; closing blinds in unoccupied areas or where possible; turning off any individual air conditioning units; powering down any unoccupied equipment; and unplugging small appliances in break areas and lunch rooms.
During a test of the college’s energy use on July 28, the total amount of energy being used on campus was 2,740 kilowatts, which met the 300-kilowatt reduction target. For its efforts, the college received a payment from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) of more than $2,000.
“Reducing energy consumption at the college not only benefits the college, but also the New York state electricity grid,” said Brian Pine, director of facilities, operations and maintenance. “The process is about creating more energy readily available, and this is done by reducing energy use.”
