APPA

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO Albuquerque, New Mexico Submitted by Matt Cherrin, Energy Conservation Specialist, Lobo Energy, Inc. IN-HOUSE PROGRAMMING OF BAS CONTROLS SAVES THOUSANDS e University of New Mexico has building automation controls installed throughout six campuses across the state in order to ensure the most opti- mal learning and working environment for students, staff, and faculty. UNM primarily uses Delta Controls and Automated Logic Controls, with a few building still with INET-7. While many organizations have building automation systems installed in their buildings, UNM is unique in that a team from the Physical Plant Energy Services Department installs and programs all of the systems in house, which has saved the university thousands of dollars in expenses. e Energy Services Department also has a team that commissions HVAC and lighting controls regularly to ensure that all the systems are running the way they were originally designed. Without these efforts, the university would not be able to implement many of the energy conservation measures that have helped lead to a 23.3 percent cost avoidance in utility expenses since May 2008. Energy Services help resolve comfort complaints and equipment mal- functions in efficient time periods that help optimize maintenance response time and minimize operations inefficiencies. ey are also responsible for implementing building-setback schedules that helps reduce energy consumption when buildings are unoccupied. UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE Knoxville, Tennessee Submitted by Preston Jacobsen, Sustainability Manager SUSTAINABILITY FOCUSED EXPERIENCE LEARNING: A MARRIAGE OF ACADEMICS AND OPERATIONS UT Knoxville has a rich history of operational sustainability dating back to 2007 with an ever-growing infusion into academics, be it re- search, internships, or hands-on learning. is evolving collaboration with academics has benefited sustainability efforts on campus and the surrounding community, with an emphasis on energy efficiency technologies that provide economic and GHG emission reductions. e Office of Sustainability adopted the experience learning model in 2014, using student environmental initiatives fees to deploy the Student Design & Research Fund, which provides monies to students and faculty to conduct sustainability focused projects that have an economic and/or GHG emission reduction benefit to UT. Projects range from a 3D Energy Model for all campus buildings to battery storage tech- nology research focused on reducing peak energy charges. e projects allow students to conduct research using a hands-on approach, and through this model Facilities Services is exposed to leading-edge technology solutions that will inevitably reduce operating cost, increase efficiencies, and provide a never before seen insight into our campus operations. In tandem with behavior change programs, UT has avoided over $5 million of energy cost since fiscal year 2009 by adopting the experience learning model, and there seems to be no end in sight. We look forward to future proposals and are proud to serve our student population in a manner that makes UT a more sustainable place to live, learn, and work. 26 MARCH/APRIL 2017 FACILITIES MANAGER Photo credit: Tommy Tafoya

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