Energy Conservation Projects

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.

This chart indicates carbon reduction since 1995 (based on information submitted annually to the Maryland Department of Energy). This has been accomplished while increasing the square footage of campus by 15 percent. Some fluctuation was due to severe/mild weather.

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 Conservation Through Renovation Projects

• Facilities Management Services converted domestic hot water systems to more efficient equipment that allows them to convert to gas, which reduces emissions.

Munchkin-brand boilers were installed in Froelicher Hall. These boilers are 84 percent efficient, compared with the old ones, which were 65 percent efficient.

• Fluorescent bulbs -- In 1991, FMS converted from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs where possible. BGE funded this effort.
• Windows -- FMS installed highly energy-efficient windows in all residence halls and in Van Meter Hall, Alumnae/i House, the Psychology/Music Annex, and in the FMS building.

• 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).
• Roof Replacement/Repairs -- FMS has upgraded roof insulation where possible.