College sets global best-practice energy standard through IEMP

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The Integrated Energy Master Plan (IEMP) is a 20-year partnership between HFC and Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) to achieve Global Best Practices in Energy Management and Education.

These changes promote a sustainable energy culture and a brand new energy-related curriculum that allows students to learn global best practices in real-time from the College's own systems.

The changes are highly measurable: They will result in 60-50-40 gains by the year 2040:

  • energy efficiency improvement of at least 60%
  • reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50%
  • water efficiency improvement of at least 40%

We are well on our way to reaching or exceeding these numbers, even in the early stages of implementation.

Campus-wide upgrades affect all uses of energy

The IEMP was approved by the HFC Board of Trustees in December 2019. The initiative includes $23 million in upgrades to every area of our campus. We are excited to share the improvements and vision of the Board. The IEMP scope includes upgrades to:

  • District Heating System: Upgraded system includes high efficiency boilers and integration of heat recovery from combine heat and power plant.
  • HVAC Upgrades: Many improvements to air-handling equipment for better control and air quality.
  • Controls: Complete system upgrade to ensure occupant comfort.
  • Lighting: Upgraded to LED lighting campuswide.
  • Solar: Generating our own power from the sun.
  • Water Conservation: Upgraded water fixtures and toilets.
  • Xeriscaping: Zero water landscaping and upkeep.
  • Building Envelope: Focused roof upgrades and window replacements.
  • Academic Programs: Coordinated approach to integrate performance improvements with academic curriculum.

For the HFC community: We cannot succeed without your help

We are asking for cooperation from our entire campus community during construction and implementation of this project. We want to raise awareness of energy use on campus and help each other learn how to take more sustainable actions.

Some of the immediate impacts of the IEMP you may notice include:

  • Heating and cooling upgrades and controls: New heating and cooling setpoints will include building temperatures being set at 68 degrees F, with an allowable adjustment of +/-2 degrees during heating season. During cooling season, building temperatures will be set at 74 degrees F, with an allowable adjustment of +/-2 degrees.
    • How you can help: Use the two-degree option if you need an adjustment to the normal setpoint. Please be patient and tolerant of temperatures that might be slightly above or below your preferred temperature. Let Facilities know if there are areas that are truly beyond an acceptable work environment temperature.
  • Lighting: Comprehensive retrofit to LED with select intelligent controls.
    • How you can help: Actively turn off lights when you leave an area such as a kitchenette or office, if the lights are still on. If you prefer natural lighting, turn off the automatic lights when they come on.
  • Solar: Photovoltaic Array
    • How you can help: Solar power is a sustainable source, but it is not free. Be conscientious about your overall uses of energy while on campus, and try to reduce your consumption where possible.
  • Water Conservation: Low-flow toilets, faucets, shower heads, etc.
    • How you can help: Be conscientious about your water use. Make sure faucets are turned off when you are done using them. Report leaks or running faucets to Facilities.
  • Xeriscaping: New landscaping around campus that eliminates potable water use with native planting, improves campus attractiveness, and provides native pollinator habitat.
    • How you can help: Be aware of the xeriscaped areas, and be patient as the new landscaping takes hold over the coming years and becomes more attractive. Stick to paved walkways and avoid walking through pollinator habitats.
  • Reducing Plug Load: Every device plugged into an outlet uses energy.
    • How you can help: Reduce the amount of energy consumed by equipment that is plugged into an outlet. Unplug it, turn it off when it is not being used, or remove energy-using equipment from campus (such as space heaters, personal fans, mini-refrigerators).

Much more to come

This is only a selection of practices that HFC will be adopting. We look forward to many more initiatives in the coming years.

As a member of the College community, you will have the opportunity to showcase the success stories and activities at our College. Your leadership will be essential to success! We appreciate your patience and we welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions as we continue to implement this important project.

For FAQs, performance targets, and other IEMP related content, please visit the Facilities website’s IEMP tab.