Smarter. Cheaper. Greener.
One of the University of Baltimore's most critical sustainability initiatives is reducing UB's energy consumption. Through its energy performance contract with Energy Systems Group (ESG), UB aims to cut energy consumption by 30 percent by 2010—surpassing Gov. Martin O'Malley's goal of achieving a 15 percent statewide reduction by 2015.
Energy Performance Contracting and Sustainability
Energy performance contracting is simpler than it sounds. First, the University contracted with ESG to analyze the University's current consumption levels and utility systems. ESG then projected the energy and costs that UB could save by switching to more energy-efficient equipment—an estimated $11 million over the next 15 years. ESG handles installation of cutting-edge equipment, such as
- more efficient lighting
- skylight units with photovoltaic solar panels that use captured daylight to produce energy
- automatic on-off sensors for electrical equipment, including vending machines
- plumbing fixtures that conserve water.
The projected savings that will result from this upgrade will finance its cost. In other words, going green will pay for itself.