Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Drew University has taken steps to address the goal of cost reduction through energy conservation. The capital improvements previously undertaken include implementation of the philosophy of plant clustering for heating and cooling, replacement of older windows with newer, more insulating windows, and the installation of occupancy sensors combined with the replacement of older, inefficient light sources, i.e. light bulbs, ballasts, fixtures, and other lighting components.
The philosophy of plant clustering has been implemented through the Baldwin Mini-Plant, Commons Mini-Plant, and most recently the Welch Mini-Plant. The upgrade of the Central Heating Plant would also fall into this category. The implementation philosophy can reduce electric and natural gas consumption. This reduction in consumption is dependant upon a number of factors, including, but not limited to, efficiency of the systems being replaced and the habits of the occupants.
The University has replaced many older single pane windows with double pane thermal windows in Riker, Hoyt-Bowne, Brothers College, Hall of Sciences, Seminary Hall, Lewis House, Hannan House, Wendel, Tipple, Baldwin Hall, Haselton, and Welch-Holloway within the last 15 years. The replacement of single pane with storm windows with double pane windows can reduce average heat loss through the windows by approximately 20%. These savings represent the heat lost through the glazing only, and do not include infiltration (air leakage) which will most likely also be reduced. Finally, in S.W. Bowne, many broken windows were repaired, the stained glass window in the Great Hall was rebuilt, and the office windows had fixed storm panels installed.
The occupancy sensors are installed where they will not present a safety hazard, including offices, classroom, corridors, mechanical rooms, and restrooms, in Brothers College, the Hall of Sciences, Learning Center, and Simon Forum.
General Heating Information
Day Schedules for the most of the buildings on campus, whether they are academic, residential, or auxiliary, are set at a target temperature between 68° and 70°.
Night Schedules for many of the academic buildings vary depending on the night classroom schedule. As a rule the buildings are set back at their scheduled closing time and return to normal heating schedule several hours before they are open for business. The night set-back temperature is approximately 65°.
Night Schedules for the residential buildings vary depending on their size, constitution, material, and heating history, but generally follow a cycle similar to the academic buildings. The night set-back temperature is 65° between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
