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Utilities and Energy Services strives to control and reduce energy consumption on CU Boulder’s campus by optimizing campus facilities to stabilize, reduce, and offset energy consumption.ÌýBy conducting energy audits and re-commissioning studies, Energy Management identifies facility improvement measures which will reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy management also promotes energy efficiency throughÌýcollaboration with the Facilities Management Organization, as well as providing expertise to University departments and auxiliaries.Ìý
By adhering to a three pronged, scalable approach to Energy Management of facility optimization, intelligent active energy management, and renewables, Utilities and Energy Services is an integral piece of CU Boulder’s commitment to sustainability.
Did you know
Do you have an energy related idea, question or concern? We would love to hear from you!Ìý Please contactÌýFM's Energy Manager: Ellen Edwards, CEM
For utility data requests, please complete our utility service inquiry form.
Current News
ASHRAE Student Chapter Introduced at CU
Students at CUÌýwho are interested inÌýEnergy andÌýthe HVAC&R fields nowÌýhave the opportunity to join a student chapter of the ASHRAE professional organization. The organization provides valuable learning and networking opportunities as well as opportunities to apply for ASHRAE scholarships; present at conferences; and participate in student competitions. Upon graduation, student members are able to transfer their membership to an Associate Grade ASHRAE membership. Interested students can find out more by checking out theirÌý page or following them on . Learn more about ASHRAE and the opportunities for students by exploring the .Ìý
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August 21stÌýSolar Eclipse
On Monday August 21st, the long awaited solar eclipse occurred.Ìý As expected, solar energy production decreased in direct proportion to the sun’s blockage during the roughly 3 hour event.Ìý If you happened to be watching the production dashboards on our Reporting Page, you saw this drop documented.Ìý Here’s a couple of snapshots from that day showing the dramatic drop in production:
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Multi-site Solar
The Multi-site solar project is in the first phase of development to add 2.3 MW of PV to locations on Main Campus and in the East Campus Research Park. Locations include carports, roof mount and ground arrays.Ìý Energy Services is evaluating power purchase agreements, lease purchase and direct purchase proposals to determine the most beneficial mechanism to acquire these arrays.Ìý Construction of the arrays is scheduled to begin this Fall with the second phase of development planning to run parallel with implementation.
The RFP for this initiative was posted last February seeking vendors to partner with the University to develop solar deployments on available flat roof space, parking and grounds with the intent to install up to an additional 8.5 MW of solar capacity on site. The initiative will be implemented over the next 3 years in multiple phases.
East Campus Resiliency
The CU-Boulder Microgrid (CBM) will expand and connect the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC), Wind Tunnel, the new Aerospace Building, CASA, LASP and BIOT.Ìý The intent will be to design-build an integrated sub-microgrid on the CBM that will include islandable renewable generation systems (e.g. PV, fuel cells, etc.), energy storage, and smart grid components under one control system hierarchy to optimize functionality, sustainability, and resiliency that will be interoperable with other utility control networks.Ìý Benefits include improved grid resiliency, reduced downtime, and emission reductions.
The East Campus sub-microgrid will provide a test bed for research in grid and community resiliency as well as grid cybersecurity.Ìý By partnering with the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI), research and academics, CU Boulder will provide a living lab to the campus community.
Read more about Campus Resiliency here.
NREL REOpt
The REOpt study of renewable opportunities on the CU Boulder campus is underway with compete report expected first quarter of 2018.Ìý This study will evaluate numerous renewable technologies, their feasibility and financial viability.Ìý The study will then provide direction in the creation of campus sustainability goals as they relate to carbon reduction thru renewables.Ìý
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Parking and Transportation Services, in collaboration with Energy Management, has completed the installation of the first dual charging station for East Campus located in front of the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex, SEEC. In its first month of operation, an overwhelming 76 charging sessions were logged. To access this station, Parking and Transportation has issued the following:
All CU chargers are on the ChargePoint network. If you plan to use them we encourage you to beome a ChargePoint member, though it is not mandatory. Non-members can pay to charge either via a contactless credit card, Apple Pay, or by calling the 800 number on the charger.Ìý
Costs
- If you are a CU permit holder, you are eligible for no-cost charging, but must be signed up for a ChargePoint membership. Once a member, you must set up a "Connection" through ChargePoint that will allow free charging (see below).Ìý
- If you do not have a permit, you will pay visitor parking rates of $1.75/hr (7am-7pm), or $1.00/hr after. Please note, the fee will be taken at the charger, you do not need to pay the parking meter.Ìý
Not a member of ChargePoint?
Sign up . The link to sign up is in the upper right corner of their homepage. Membership is free but you must have a credit card on file.Ìý
Setting up a "Connection" for permit holding ChargePoint members
Log in online or use the ChargePoint App to set up a "Connection" using the promocode "Buffcharge." You will need to have your license plate number in order to submit the code and verify your permit.Ìý
OnlineÌý
- Log in to your ChargePoint account.
- Click on the "Connections" tab.Ìý
- Enter the promocode "Buffcharge" in the box on the upper right, and click apply.
- Click "Request"
- Add your license plate information and check the Terms and Conditions box.
- Submit
Via the App
- Tap on the the three parallel bars in the upper left corner.Ìý
- Click on "Account" > "Connections" > "Browse Connections"
- Type, "Buffcharge" in the box and tap "Go".
- Select University of Colorado
- Input license plate number and check the Terms and Conditions box.
- Submit request.
More details about EV charging on campus can be found on .Ìý
If you have any questions, please email me at BuffsCommute@colorado.edu, or call 303-735-7874.Ìý
In addition to this station, CU Boulder was awarded state grant monies to support the installation of 7 additional dual stations, 5 of which will be located at SEEC and the remaining 2 to be installed at the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotec Building, BIOT. In addition to the State grant funding awarded, we have proposed additional funding in a request to the State Energy Office for consideration of fund distribution from the VW Settlement.
Solar EV
CU Boulder is also evaluating options for Electric Vehicle charging not only from the grid, but from solar.Ìý We hope to incorporate renewable opportunities in the planning of the Transportation Corridor and Transportation Center that is in development.
Re-Commissioning Studies
Energy Management is recommissioning multiple existing buildings on campus as part of our optimization strategy.ÌýÌý Projects completed include Gold, Porter and the University Memorial Center.Ìý The Recreation Center is currently underway, and additional buildings have been identified and will be studied in the future.
Read more about CU's Re-Commissioning studies here.