News
By Maura O'Keefe
|
October 28, 2005
A recent study by the University's Energy Program and the Green Grounds Group shows that while the University is making efforts to prevent unnecessary expenditure of energy, it can do more to conserve energy and funds.
Last week, a group of students met to determine instances of wasted energy on Grounds, Energy Program Manager Paul Crumpler said.
Students observed 150 buildings on Grounds and noted the number of lights that were turned on inside various unoccupied buildings.
According to Crumpler, the Green Grounds Group, a Contracted Independent Organization, contacted him to ask for opportunities to collaborate on energy conservation projects, and one of the projects they discussed involved identifying buildings with lights left on at night.
Students were able to observe buildings across Grounds, from the Darden School to University Hall, as well as athletic facilities, that leave lights on at night when no one is there, according to Crumpler.
While Crumpler said he has yet to complete a synopsis of the students' findings, he was able to identify positive and negative energy consumption practices.
"In a majority of buildings, lights were turned off," he said.