Energy Conservation Corner:

Which campus buildings use the most electrical energy and why?


Predominantly, the UI buildings with the highest electrical energy usage are the large research facilities. Some of the factors that lead to their high usage include: size of the facility; extended operating hours; number of computers (especially main frames); type and amount of heating, ventilating and air conditioning needed to meet the facility's demand; and the nature of the equipment needed for the labs (such as electron microscopes and lasers).


////////Top 10 Electrical Energy Users at the UI (FY 1995) ////////
(see chart on page 2 of 5/16/96 Inside Illinois)

Even though there are several factors that have caused these buildings to be high energy users, some conservation measures have helped. For example, the installation of variable frequency drives has allowed ventilation fans (as well as chilled and hot water pumps) to operate at less than full speed, while still meeting system demands. This has led to considerable energy savings.

The "Energy Conservation Corner" is published periodically in Inside Illinois. Questions about energy-conservation programs or practices on this campus should be directed to Jeff Buenting at 333-1364 or jdbuenti@illinois.edu.

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Comments to: Inside Illinois Editor Doris Dahl, (217) 333-2895, d-dahl2@illinois.edu

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