Energy Conservation Projects

Energy Star Policy

To reduce campus energy consumption, Goucher College enacted a policy in 2007 that requires the purchase of Energy Star-certified equipment whenever the equipment was available.

Energy Star is a joint certification program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that certifies products that are more energy efficient than the average.

Heating and Cooling Plants

Goucher's heating and cooling plants distribute hot and chilled water to most campus buildings through a system of underground pipes.

The plants make ice during non-peak hours of energy consumption, which is then melted and used for cooling during the day. This allows the college to buy the electricity at a reduced rate and allows the utility to shed load during its peak periods and operate its most efficient plants.

New boiler being installed in Heating and Cooling Plant I

• Goucher's Facilities Management Services (FMS) reduced the number of boilers on campus from 21 to 14.
• The college's heating and cooling plant uses 84 percent-efficient equipment, compared with 65 percent efficiency at individual boilers.
• FMS converted from oil-burning boilers to natural gas, which helps reduce emissions.
• The college also has eliminated underground oil tanks.

Central Controlled Energy Management

Centrally controlled energy management systems have been installed in all buildings constructed or renovated since 1993. This allows FMS to control the heating and cooling from a central location, turning the heat and cooling off and on as spaces are occupied, shedding loads as appropriate, and using outside air to cool a building.

Energy-Conserving Renovation Projects

• FMS converted domestic hot water systems to more efficient equipment that allows them to convert to gas, which reduces emissions. The new hot water system boilers were installed in Froelicher, Stimson, and Mary Fisher residence halls. These boilers are 95 percent efficient, compared with the old ones, which were 84 percent efficient.
• Windows – FMS installed highly energy-efficient windows in all residence halls and in Van Meter Hall, the Alumnae/i House, the Psychology/Music Annex, and in the FMS building. Plans are in place to replace the windows in the Julia Rogers Building, Hoffberger Science Center, and Dorsey Center.

• HVAC and Electrical Efficiencies -- Since 1992, Goucher has performed $85 million worth of renovation and construction. All of this work has been based on criteria established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The standard governs equipment efficiencies (kilowatts/ton, high-efficiency motors, etc.) and mechanical and electrical system efficiencies (variable speed control of water and air flow).
• Fluorescent bulbs – In 1991, FMS converted from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs where possible. BGE funded this effort.
• Roof Replacement/Repairs – FMS has upgraded roof insulation where possible.

Ongoing Projects

• Goucher will switch existing equipment to variable speed control models, which allow for much more efficient management of energy flow.
• The college will convert the inefficient air-cooled chillers in the Meyerhoff Arts Center and Sports and Recreation Center to the college’s heating and cooling plant chiller loop