University of Rochester's Greenhouse Gas Emissions History

Sustainable energy is at the forefront of agendas across the world, where communities and local organizations are stepping up to address global climate change. Noticeably, the University of Rochester has taken effective measures to do its part in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through targeted facility upgrades and intelligent planning. Shown below is the interactive story map but be sure to check out the text format.

Lighting upgrade visuals

Below are the two different spaces on campus before and after the LED light Upgrade. Drag the arrows left and right to better visualize the change.

The University plans to continue its efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. Currently, there are a number of upgrades in the works, ranging from building conversions to energy management systems and long-term outlooks. A few of them are highlighted below.

• Following the successes of the fraternity quad and Spurrier Hall, Wilson Commons, half of Rush Rhees Library, and Eastman Dental School are undergoing an economic feasibility study for the conversion from steam to hot water. The GAC conversion will be completed by the end of Spring 2021.
• An energy meter information system (EMIS) is being implemented in the Summer of 2021. This system will have a public interface to allow the user to track building energy intensity, building GHG intensity, and cost intensity. The system works by tracking, coordinating, and analyzing energy usage data. This information will allow the community, in addition to stakeholders, to interact with and understand energy usage at the school. This project was paid for by an incentive through NYSERDA and Rochester Gas and Electric.
• The school is studying and reviewing paths for reaching various levels of reduction in GHG emissions on campus.
• The UEM team is initiating a retro-commissioning program at the University. This process allows the team to reduce the energy usage and costs of each building by restoring the building’s operations and maintenance (O&M) procedures.

The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of sustainability-related measures implemented by the UEM Team. Members of the school and community will easily be able to capture an idea of the improvements in efficiency and sustainability, in the past, present, and future at the University. These improvements include upgrades to the Central Utilities Plant, like the addition of cogeneration, and upgrades to buildings, like the transition from steam to hot water. The UEM Team plans to continue its efforts by expanding the transition from steam to hot water and implementing a public-facing energy system.

We would like to recognize the assistance of the Utilities and Energy Management Team at the University of Rochester emphasizing the help provided by Energy Engineer Tim Vann and Director of Utilities and Energy Management Mike Whitmore. We would also like to acknowledge the help and guidance provided by Associate Professor in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Karen Berger. Further, we would like to recognize the assistance of Professor Morris Pierce who was an advocate for the original Cogen system, initiated the energy metering system, and provided historical GHG data.