Upgrade allows staff to track, improve campus energy efficiency
New energy software will help the college operate more sustainably and save money.
During the last several months, new meters and software have been installed that will help Seattle Central and the Seattle Colleges District conserve energy and save more than $700,000 over the next eight years. Once completed, the new system will monitor energy consumption – including data from electric, gas, steam and water meters — helping the college make smarter choices regarding the optimal use of facilities and equipment.
The software uses advanced algorithms to provide comprehensive real-time energy usage data that will help staff to understand projected cost impacts of equipment issues and focus on the best solutions to repairing equipment. For example, David Ernevad, director of capital projects, says it’s possible the current HVAC system is heating air in one location only to cool it in another, which wastes energy. The new software will identify these inefficiencies so operating engineers can make adjustments to streamline efficiency.
The college received a $150,000 energy efficiency grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to offset the total cost of $630,000. The upgrade encompasses nearly every building at Seattle Central and its satellite locations, as well as the Siegal Center. Both South Seattle and North Seattle colleges will also receive the same upgrades.
To support the final delivery of this project, a scheduled power outage occurred on Saturday, April 2.