Building Automation
Utilities delivered to MU buildings are metered to track energy consumption. We manage building use through a computerized automation system which controls and optimizes the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting systems and mechanical equipment in the buildings. The process control network allows constant monitoring, system adjustments, programming, troubleshooting, and trending. Energy Management also performs commissioning of HVAC systems for new and renovated buildings to ensure the systems are operating efficiently while providing comfort for the building occupants. Automated and physical re-commissioning is performed as needed to make sure buildings remain efficient.
Energy Conservation
Energy Management works very hard to reduce the amount of energy used at MU. Since the formal conservation was implemented in 1990, the campus has significantly reduced its utility costs. The primary goal of the program is to reduce energy costs in existing space by 1 percent annually and the campus has considerably exceeded the goal with an actual average annual reduction of 1.5 percent since the inception of the program. After the initial project investments are paid back through energy savings, the campus receives the ongoing savings through reduced utility costs. Additional benefits include reduced emissions and deferred capital investment in plant production equipment.
Energy conservation projects include:
- Upgrade interior and exterior lighting to high-efficiency lighting, like LED
- Replace inefficient building heating and cooling ventilation systems and equipment
- Install motion sensors to automate lights and thermostats by space occupancy
- Install networked energy controls which optimize efficiency and customer comfort
- Implement energy standards for new and renovated buildings to ensure continued efficiency
- Educating the campus community on the benefits of energy conservation