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Carleton University in Ottawa has released a new energy master plan, part of a strategy for reducing current energy and water consumption and ensuring the highest possible conservation levels are maintained as the campus evolves. Among the university’s goals are a co-generation energy plant, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting replacement, and equipment optimization.
“The new energy master plan builds on our progress since 2014. We now take a more holistic sustainability approach to our renovation projects, as well as when planning new buildings. We also know that by engaging our faculty, staff, and students in our sustainability efforts—such as the $1-million Green Revolving Fund—and the facilitation of research opportunities within the faculty of engineering and design, we will make continuous improvements in our sustainability efforts,” said Darryl Boyce, assistant vice-president of facilities management and planning at Carleton University.
As a result of a comprehensive review of utility data and campus growth, the 2018-2021 Energy Master Plan sets goals for the university, including:
- building a co-generation energy plant;
- developing a program to increase efficiency by optimizing equipment;
- completing light-emitting diode (LED) lighting replacement;
- increasing research opportunities;
- introducing a green engagement fund to support smaller programs with the intent to educate or engage the campus community on an element of sustainability;
- exploring private-sector partnerships to take early advantage of emerging technologies; and
- expanding access to energy data, including more energy display screens at key locations.
The first phase of implementing building energy retrofits has been completed and they have provided energy and water savings, as well wider environmental benefits. Carleton has achieved a 2,693,298 kWh reduction in annual electricity use, a 25,247 m3 (891,589 cf) reduction in annual water use and a 19,076 m3 (673,662 cf) reduction in annual natural gas use. This is the equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 440 passenger vehicles driven for one year.
