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Focusing on efficiency to save energy, money
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Environmentally sound initiatives being taken at MUSC are translating into a lot of green through money saved in utility costs.
To reduce its carbon footprint and overall energy consumption, MUSC is
participating in an energy efficiency capital improvement performance
plan that will guarantee a savings of $2.5 million a year.
MUSC has contracted with Ameresco Inc., to implement a comprehensive
water and energy reduction project during the next 18 months. Ameresco
will base its performance on an audit it had conducted on MUSC’s energy
and water use to determine projects that would give a quick payback.
 A
newly designed jet toilet was installed in Engineering & Facilities last
week. The toilet ejects, all at once, 1.3 gallons of water saving 2
gallons from every flush. The bathroom faucet was also fitted with an
aerator that reduces water consumption by 50 percent.
Under
the contract, Ameresco engineers are providing design, procurement,
installation, modification and maintenance of existing and/or new
energy and water-related equipment and systems with specific cost
savings projections. The contract also includes annual training of MUSC
staff on routine maintenance and operation of all improvements; and
resident education on conservation methods and procedures.
“Ameresco has the experience and knowledge to develop a package of
efficiency and renewable energy projects that will deliver a beneficial
long-term impact to our institution and the community that we serve,”
said John Malmrose, chief facilities officer for the university. “We
look forward to working with this team of experts to improve the
quality of life for our patients, students and staff.”
Ameresco will upgrade lighting, boiler controls, fume hoods, and air
conditioning and heating equipment. It also will undertake water
conservation projects, such as installing water efficient toilets,
shower heads and sterilizers.
The entire performance contract with water and energy conservation
measures and related capital improvements is divided into 21 smaller
projects. Each of these smaller projects is called an Energy Efficiency
Measure (EEM) and will take place in almost every building on campus.
The lighting EEM will consist of replacing existing lamps and lighting
fixtures with more energy efficient lights and lighting components. The
domestic water EEM includes replacing existing toilets, urinals,
faucets, dish washing machinery, sterilizers and just about anything
else that uses city water to operate more efficiently.
“This project has the potential for a double win,” said Ray Greenberg,
M.D., Ph.D. “If we can reduce our consumption of energy, we can save
money, which obviously is crucial in these tough financial times.
Equally important, if we can reduce energy consumption, we will be more
environmentally responsible and serve as a model for other
institutions. If we can do better financially, and at the same time, do
better environmentally, this will be a very important effort.”
The performance contract was financed through a low interest loan,
which will be paid back from future energy and water conservation
savings. MUSC is among many institutions of higher education embarking
on contracted energy and water savings initiatives, including Winthrop
University in Rock Hill, The Citadel and the University of South
Carolina.
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009
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