Rockefeller endeavors to reduce consumption of energy, fuel and water whenever possible. For example, recent efforts led to a 50% reduction in light electricity.
Lighting on Campus
- Light fixtures and bulbs have been standardized; fewer types of bulbs are needed, allowing purchasing by bulk and a corresponding reduction in packaging.
- Reflectors have been added to many lights, so lower wattage bulbs can be used to create the same amount of light.
- Motion sensors automatically turn off lights when rooms are empty.
- Use of low-energy compact florescent light bulbs has increased.
- LEDs (light emitting diodes) are used when possible.
Buildings & Machinery
- New piping installed in the chiller plant salvages water from condensation equipment and directs it back to boilers and chillers to be recycled.
- All chillers are tested for leaks at least once a month in order to eliminate refrigerant loss.
- Thermostats are turned down in office areas, hallways, classrooms and lobbies when the university is closed. In some cases, equipment is turned off altogether.
- Thermostats are set closer to outdoor temperatures.
- Every motor and pump (5 horsepower and greater) on campus is on a variable frequency drive so they only run as fast as they need to run at any time.
- A large percentage of air in administrative buildings is recycled so air conditioners do not need to cool outside air.
- Flue gas recirculation is used for the power plant boilers.
- Gas exhaust is burned from the boilers, which reduces nitrous oxide emissions up to 60%.
- Old air conditioners in Faculty House are being replaced with new, Energy Star compliant models.