| Level | Energy Data Management |
Energy Supply Management |
Energy Use in Facilities |
Equipment Efficiency |
Organization Integration |
| I Basic |
– Accessiblity – Monthly Bills – Reporting – Benchmarking – Key Performance Indicators(KPIs) |
– Error Resolution – Rate Optimization – Account Management |
– Facility Walkthrough – Benchmarking – Ranking |
– Corrective Maintenance Program | – Awareness Program – Energy Committee |
| II Intermediate |
– Load Profiling – Interval Data – Reports on usage to end users – Flagging of unusually high/low usage |
– Supplier choice – Supplier Reliability and Quality – Action plan for utility deregulation |
– Diagnostic Evaluation – Operating procedures – Maintenance Procedures – PM Procedures |
– Preventive Maintenance Program – Lighting upgrades – Water Conservation Measures – Alternate Fuels |
– Energy Planning – Performance goals – Training – Resource Management – Alternate funding sources of projects |
| III Aggressive |
– Submetered data |
– Demand/Supply Optimization |
– Investment grade Audits – Commissioning – Continued Monitoring |
– System upgrades – Standards – New technologies – System Cost tracking |
– Project Approvals – Financial Incentives – Accountability – Review |
Red indicates completion
Green indicates in progress
Black indicates future goals
Scorecard Results
An assessment of current energy management efforts is being performed; current performance falls primarily into AGGRESSIVE category on the Energy Scorecard. GMU has initiated action in all of the (five) key focus areas and is poised to obtain solid results in each area. In particular, the assessment revealed the following Strengths in the current efforts and initiatives:
- Energy Data Management – The University has established a comprehensive program for collecting and analyzing monthly energy billing information, utilizing a desktop software program called EnergyCap.
This effort will produce a comprehensive database of facility, usage and cost information that is available for use in monitoring excessive variations, identifying and recovering billing errors, and targeting facilities for follow-up evaluation. Load profiles are available for each building on the Fairfax, Arlington and Prince William campuses. - Energy Supply Management -All facilities have been placed on individual meters to track energy consumption and demand. Competitive gas supply contracts are already in place. Current sources of electricity and natural gas have been reliable and competitively priced. While current prices can and will change in the future, we will seek ways to minimize the volatility of market pricing through contracts or in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Energy Use in Facilities – All facilities have at least minimal control for key systems, e.g. time clocks and manual overrides for HVAC and lighting; All facilities have more sophisticated control systems installed.
Recommended temperature ranges have been established – 70 degrees Fahrenheit for heating mode and 76 degrees Fahrenheit for cooling mode. Usage and cost of energy and utilities is being tracked and reviewed for each facility. Energy reduction opportunities have been identified and implemented where financial benefit was established. - Equipment Efficiency – Checklists have been developed to require that equipment is placed in optimal condition when facilities are shutdown. A maintenance program is in place to ensure that equipment and systems are operating reliably; HVAC system maintenance includes filter changes, coil cleaning and quarterly inspections. HVAC systems are being rehabilitated or replaced in conjunction with optimization efforts to improve energy use and cost where such action is shown to be cost-effective.
- Organization Integration – An energy management team is in place to monitor day-to-day operations for energy management. Some elements of a University wide energy awareness program are being developed and will include involvement of the administration, students, faculty and employees. All operating units whose activities affect energy use and cost will be identified. Financing options for energy related projects will include performance contracts, and profits from the energy curtailment program.