Carbon
Reduction Plan (CRP)
Strategies for Averting Campus Greenhouse
Gas Emissions Output
Preface & Plan Scope
The University of Montana Western is pleased to submit to the ACUPCC the Montana Western Carbon
Reduction Plan (MWCRP).
It is not possible to determine a carbon neutral target date for the campus at this time. Our first
Greenhouse Gas Inventory included significant unknowns in estimates for air travel and commuting.
These large contributors to carbon release should be more accurate in subsequent reports. In addition,
current renovation projects on campus will modify the efficiency of a large percentage of our office and
classroom space. Both of these items will shift the campus carbon footprint significantly, therefore
UMW’s 2008 Greenhouse Gas Inventory is not the best baseline for this plan. In addition, the economic
impact of becoming carbon neutral must be thoroughly analyzed. It makes no sense for this institution
to commit to carbon neutrality if that fiscal commitment would interfere with completing our Mission or
compromise our ability to continue with our carbon mitigation efforts, especially during the current
difficult economic times.
UMW has pursued energy efficiency as part of our responsibility as a public institution for many years.
This process was formalized with the formation of an Energy Committee (now the Sustainability
Committee) on campus in 1999. The purpose of this committee is to review energy-related expenditures
and to promote conservation measures as well as alternative sources of energy for the campus. This
committee was primarily involved with reduction of energy usage.
The centerpiece of our energy conservation efforts is Montana Western’s Biomass Boiler. This project
was conceived in 2005, and completed in early 2007. The system gasifies waste wood (chips and
peelings) and burns the pyrolytic gasses to provide the campus with a cost-effective and carbon neutral
heating source.
Other past efforts include a recycling fee added in 2004 at the request of the Student Senate which is
used to fund recycling efforts on campus. Montana Western has also actively pursued other energy
conservation efforts which include upgrading lighting and provide occupancy sensors in classroom as the
opportunity arose. These efforts started to coalesce into a more structured format with the lighting
analysis of all buildings on campus performed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology in
2006, and an overall energy audit performed on Block Hall in 2008, which resulted in an HVAC retrofit in
that building in 2009.
The University of Montana Western became a signatory of The American College and University
Presidents Climate Commitment in 2007. Subsequent to this agreement, the campus committed to
adhere to an Energy Star procurement policy and Waste Minimization tangible actions for the ACUPCC.
The three waste minimization measures that were committed to are:
 Campus recycling program
 Replacing production of paper materials with online alternatives whenever possible.
 Implementing campus printing initiatives which prohibit or discourage unlimited printing in
computer labs and copy rooms.
1
The campus completed its first Greenhouse Gas inventory in December of 2008 using the Clean Air Cool
Planet Calculator. Although some
The Montana Western Carbon Reduction Plan is a natural evolution of Montana Western’s previous
conservation and recycling efforts into a more structured environment, with feedback from the
Greenhouse Gas Inventory providing an analytical tool to quantify our efforts.
In general the MWCRP will address three areas of focus for campus carbon reduction efforts. These
areas are:



Campus Physical Plant
Campus Waste Streams
Campus Transportation
The Campus Physical Plant is the area that will see the greatest increases in efficiency over the next 2-4
years, because of the resources available both from Federal Stimulus Funds as well as State A&E
assistance. In looking at the gains that were made in Block Hall, it is anticipated that HVAC retrofits will
increase the efficiency of the buildings by 20-30%. However, enhanced efficiency in buildings heated by
the biomass boiler will not significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the campus, as the biomass
burner is already carbon neutral. The campus can further reduce the carbon footprint with regards to
heating increasing the heat load carried by the biomass system. This can be accomplished by increasing
the load carried by the boiler through more up-time, thereby decreasing the load on the backup natural
gas boiler or adding buildings to the campus central steam system.
The primary strategy for buildings that cannot be added to the central biomass steam system is to
enhance their efficiency. Carbon footprint reduction will show up in this circumstance because the
reduced use of natural gas or electricity.
Campus Waste Streams are difficult to measure. At this time the campus waste streams are estimated
based upon the size of the containers and the frequency of emptying them. We will need to weigh the
waste as it is hauled off campus to get a true picture of this portion of our carbon footprint, as well as
quantify any waste stream reductions.
Campus Transportation is another area where we have some error in measurement. The campus fleet’s
fuel usage is well known, but air travel and commuting are estimates. Air travel should be more defined
in the future because of changing the way that we post air travel to the Finance system. Commuting
should be more accurate also, because of incorporating a commuting survey into the registration form
for campus parking. Increasing the accuracy of these two measurements will probably increase our
carbon footprint during our next reporting cycle.
An appropriate goal is a .5% yearly reduction in our carbon footprint, with the next Greenhouse Gas
Report (September 2010) to the ACUPCC being the baseline.
2
Contents
PAGE
Preface & Plan Scope
1, 2
Contents
3, 4
Introduction
5
The Greenhouse Gas Inventory
6
Process
6
Data Collection
6, 7
Calculating Emissions
7, 8
Analysis
8
Focus Areas & Strategies
9
Campus Building Performance
9
Classroom & Laboratory Space
10
Block Hall – Environmental Science
11
Business & Technology
12
Swysgood Technology Center (STC)
13
Lucy Carson Library
14
Industrial Technology – Metals
15
Main Hall
16
PE Complex – Straugh Gym & Keltz Arena
17
Administrative Buildings
18
Roe House
19
James E. Short Center
20
Student Services & Residence Buildings
21
Student Union Building (SUB)
3
22
South Campus Housing
23
Western Apartments for Families
24
Mathews Hall
25
Davis Hall
26
Jordan Hall
26
Clark Hall
27
Centennial Hall
27
Other Campus Buildings
Art Gallery/Museum
28
David Beier Auditorium
29
Facilities Services
30
Heating Plant
31
Curious Minds
32
Faculty & Staff Housing
33
Campus Waste Streams
34
Recycling Program
34
Food Service
35
Transportation
36
Passenger Car Fleet
37
Passenger Van Fleet
38
Employee Travel
39
Commuter Travel
39
Credits
40
4
Introduction
“No institutions in modern society are better equipped to catalyze the necessary transition to a
sustainable world than universities. They have access to the leaders of tomorrow and the
leaders of today. They have buying and investment power. They are widely respected, (and)
consequentially, what they do matters to the wider public.”
~David Orr, Author, “The Last Refuge: Patriotism, Politics, and the Environment in an Age of
Terror.
____________________________________
The 2010 Montana Western Carbon Reduction Plan (MWCRP) comes as a collaboration product
generated by representatives from the Montana Western Facilities Services, Student Senate
and Sustainability Committee. This plan not only recognizes the eminent danger of C02 output
quantities created by specific campus entities, it bridges into a framework Western can begin
using to integrate cost effective actions which effectively combat increasing CO2 output
amounts over time.
Momentum for this project was initiated by The University of Montana Western’s membership
in The American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC¹) and State of
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer’s request² of State agencies to reduce energy consumption
20% by the year 2010.
Due to budgetary restraints, inclusion of a carbon-neutral biomass heating system and intensive
building renovations currently under way and uncertainty with regards to our last Greenhouse
Gas Inventory, Montana Western can only commit to reducing its carbon footprint by .5% per
year for the next 10 years – 5% by 2020.
Reducing carbon output across an entire campus comes as an economically complicated and
intimidating assignment to UMW, but the university feels forging strategies comes with sound
rationale– preventing increased release of damaging CO2 generated by public entities while
seizing the opportunity to raise awareness about how humans can aid in preventing potentially
irreversible climate change.
5
The Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Process:
During fall semester 2008 a campus-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventory was performed
at Montana Western to determine sources and amounts of greenhouse gas emissions directly
related to institutional existence and operations. Since then, the inventory has provided data
sets essential to forming a platform from which to begin focused conversation about Western’s
contribution to concentrated C02 emissions AND institutional plans to minimize overall
negative planetary impact — a crucial first step towards sustainable comprehensive carbon
output reduction goal setting.
To complete the inventory our team utilized Clean Air Cool Planet’s Campus Greenhouse Gas
Emissions Inventory Calculator³, an MS- Excel-based spreadsheet tool, to prepare conclusive
data driving Western’s overall carbon footprint. The calculator is endorsed by the Association
for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE⁴) and, if perpetuated, will
ensure fair and extended analysis of next-generation Montana Western’s emissions source
categories; gas and electrical energy consumption, generated energy, transportation, waste,
agriculture and refrigerants.
The calculator workbooks were developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC⁵) and are specifically adapted for institutional use. It is our hope that new experiences
using the tool will reveal the ease of tracking emissions levels across Western’s carbon-output
categories and continually generate an understanding-to- dialogue-to-action cycle which better
integrates faculty, staff, students and administration into more encompassing and sustained
C02 output reduction planning.
Data Collection:
Data collection was the most challenging and time consuming phase of the inventory process
but encouraged meaningful conversation about carbon output between campus entities not
normally working towards a common goal; Sustainability Committee, Physical Plant/Motor
Pool/ Facilities Services, Registrars Office, Student Senate, Business and Human Resources.
A critical archiving element of the data collection process included forming a detailed account
of how and where certain information was accessed during the collection process. Our team
embraces the fact that data collection methods not only provide a means of generating
emissions-based data sets but foster opportunity to formalize and align key relationships,
ongoing access to facilities, personnel, administration, faculty and students engaging in
sustainability initiatives.
6
As anticipated, some data was not available from a given source so could not be included in the
inventory calculations. When this occurred, we simply gathered information as far back in time
as possible or created a completely new means of collecting information. For example, in the
Commuting portion of the inventory’s Transportation section we found it was more accurate to
conduct a campus-wide commuting survey and adapt already in-use vehicle registration forms
to track commuter trends rather than rely on outdated enrollment records or low exposure
online surveys. During the process we were pleased to discover how cases like these initiated
opportunity to diversify long-term enrollment records kept by Western’s campus Motor Pool
and Registrar - reinforcing a fundamental need to categorically track campus energy use as a
means of better clarifying information essential to projects like the MWCRP.
Calculating Emissions:
The Campus Carbon Calculator made the determination of Western’s greenhouse gas emissions
values relatively easy. Once data was entered into already appropriated spreadsheet cells,
calculations were made automatically. All formulas, conversions factors and emissions factors
are built in to templates so can be examined by any viewer familiar with basic Microsoft Excel
functions.
The calculator essentially was the technical creator of this report and eliminated the need to
involve costly third-party engineers. Specialized formulas automatically integrated complex
math and science typically involved with conducting institution-wide greenhouse gas emissions
inventories and, once appropriate data was identified and entered, the calculator instantly
charted, graphed, compared and summarized emissions output change and trends over time.
A sample Input Table, from which Transportation emissions values are tabulated by the calculator
MODULE
Input
Data
WORKSHEET
UNIVERSITY
Transportation
Fiscal Year University Fleet
Air Travel
Faculty /
Staff
Business
Natural
Gasoline Diesel
Electric
Gas
Fleet
Fleet
Fleet
Fleet
Other
Fleet
Gallons Gallons MMBtu kWh
MMBtu Miles
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
7
Student
Programs
Miles
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. transportation sector produces
approximately one-third of greenhouse gas emissions and is the fastest-growing major source
of greenhouse gases⁶. Although passenger vehicle emissions output makes up a small
percentage of Western’s overall carbon footprint our team felt it necessary to perform an
efficiency assessment of vehicles currently owned and controlled by the University. Through
the use of a direct mobile emissions performance analysis model we were able to better map
immediate and long-term emissions reduction strategies for campus owned vehicles. Specific
action planning ideas related to fleet vehicles are addressed in the Transportation, Focus Areas
& Strategies section.
Analysis:
Summarizing Montana Western’s carbon inventory and communicating C02 emissions action
plan strategies within a non-technical report such as this creates a network through which
general education and action can interconnect. Revealing transportation and building
inefficiencies, energy dependence and rising energy cost alone will result in the celebration of
working towards continued solutions which encourage environmental responsibility, promote
integration of larger community and advance innovative and interdisciplinary education – all
integral components of Montana Western’s overall mission.
Action Planning Team Members:
Jim Efta - Director, Montana Western Information Technology Services/ Sustainability Coordinator
Christopher Guttenberg – Instructor, Industrial Technology
Tom Wagenknecht – Montana Clean Energy Corps, U.S. AmeriCorps Volunteer
The remaining sections of this report are intended to:


Form a starting point to document strategies and quantify CO2 emissions prevention
progress at Montana Western
Develop proactive emissions prevention strategies the institution will need to prioritize
in order to achieve the goal of reducing carbon output by .5% during the year 2010 and
ultimately 5% by 2020.
8
Focus Areas & Strategies
Campus Buildings Performance:
The United State Green Building Council has determined that buildings in the United States
contribute to 38% of all C02 emissions⁷. Montana Western recognizes these output amounts
to be disproportionate and is open to readily incorporating economically viable strategies which
combat escalated C02output related to buildings owned by the institution.
According to 2008 Greenhouse Gas Inventory data, between 2003 and 2006 Western saw a 2%
increase in CO2 output per square foot of building space. Observing this increased trend has
initiated conversation about possible inclusion of high-efficiency building methods, in
remodeling and new construction projects, and how methods and materials used could present
sustainable long-term energy conservation and financial payback while simultaneously creating
a more evocative learning environment for faculty, staff, students and community members.
All contributing factions understand that careful consideration must be paid to additional costs
of consulting and processing fees intrinsically related to current green building methodology
but are open to how escalated costs might be offset by attracting new students for whom
sustainability and environmental stewardship is a major concern.
Although maximizing energy efficiency has been a continuing priority in both past and recent
building projects at Western no campus mandated efficiency standards, ensuring certain
ongoing performance levels, have been developed. So, as a means of improving efficiency
planning, reducing C02 emissions output AND initiating a Buildings and Planning Standard we
have included a comparative case-study which includes nearly every building owned by
Western. Simply put, the purpose of the following breakdown is to portray how specific
campus building space performance has improved or not improved over the last 2 decades
(yielding more or less C02 output) as a result of certain building construction retrofits. This
interactive quick-reference tracking model should help ensure a more efficient, less carbonemitting campus infrastructure over time.
To learn about how building performance affects natural environment and economy visit:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=5961
The Montana Western Carbon Reduction Action Plan team recognizes the United States Green
Building Council (USGBC) as an internationally recognized 501 c3 accrediting body prioritizing
high efficiency, environmentally conscious building construction solutions. “The USGBC leads
an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and designers, corporations and nonprofit
organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, teachers and students”.
9
Classroom & Laboratory Space:
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory maintains that, “Laboratory buildings cost about
five times as much to build and operate as office buildings. The premium for new laboratory
construction is $300–$1,000/ft2. Laboratories also have very high annual energy costs: $5/–
$16/ft. For campuses with multiple labs, these energy requirements can reach such
proportions that they tend to dominate entire carbon emissions profiles⁸.”
High operating costs and proportional C02 outputs related to Western’s laboratory buildings
are congruent to a variety of energy demands in the spaces; necessary electrical power for
work space ventilation fans, water heating, lighting, computing centers and fresh air mechanical
systems. Because most of Western’s buildings, lab spaces included, are currently heated by an
efficient carbon-neutral biomass heating system, HVAC efficiency strategies for these spaces
will be kept to a minimum throughout this report. Future HVAC planning, however, can be
better established once data reveals inefficiency in additional spaces. And, although water
conservation measures are not continually addressed they are and will be considered an
integral part of the environmental stewardship and human condition preservation tone
consistent with Western’s overall mission.
To lower cost input and C02 output related to buildings containing lab and classroom space we
recommend Western follow these general energy conservation measures:













Continue to avoid Phantom Lights - install power cut-off/start-up motion sensors in computing
labs, classroom space and corridors.
Move counter and write-up space out of lab areas and into less energy demanding space.
Share space - assess ways of incorporating space not normally shared and use these spaces
more efficiently.
Carry on regular replacement or remodeling of outdated inefficient lab space & equipment.
Continue upgrades to high efficiency ballasts, compact fluorescent bulbs & LED exit fixtures.
Continue installing hot water flow regulators and automatic on/off plumbing fixtures in
bathrooms AND labs.
Initiate building-wide waste prevention campaigns or competitions.
Instigate & sustain regular inspections of electrical power systems by Facilities Services
personnel.
Promote continued education training in laboratory energy conservation
Retrofit on-site renewable energy systems to supplement power demand and encourage
interactive learning.
Discourage inefficient electrical personal space heaters.
Utilize materials containing 100% post-consumer recycled materials.
Incorporate products which meet or exceed Energy Star efficiency ratings.
10
Block Hall – Environmental Science
1
1990
/
1995
2
/
2000
3
/
2005
4
/
5
2010
6
/
7
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Upgraded to rigid foam insulated rubber roofing membrane system.
2. Direct venting system upgrade including digital control system with night
setback ability.
3. Installed occupancy sensors in ½ of building space minimizing lighting
energy demand.
4. Lighting retrofit; magnetic ballasts replaced with electronic version and
transitioned from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs – 27 W to 32 W.
5. Completed HVAC retrofit yielding approx. 30% system efficiency gain.
6. Insulate masonry walls to improve comfort levels and minimize year-round
conductive heat transfer.
7. Replace outdated windows with an Energy Star rated product.
11
Business & Technology Center
1
1990
/
1995
/
2
2000
/
3
2005
/
2010
4
/
5
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. R13 fiberglass insulation added to the building’s entire attic space.
2. Elevator annex and building entrance corridor incorporating ‘Dryvit’ (R3)
insulation gain.
3. Office Simulation Center project:
- High-efficiency lighting systems; wattage reduction & occupancy lighting
sensors.
- Insulated interior walls.
- 100% post consumer recycled floor coverings.
- Office furnishings built with readily renewable materials – ‘Dakota Burl
Board’.
- New fresh air exchange system or 1/3 of the building space.
- High efficiency bathroom – lighting and plumbing fixtures.
4. Fresh air upgrade for remaining 2/3 of building space.
5. Add additional environment-safe (Thermafleece) insulation to attic space.
12
Swysgood Technology Center (STC)
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2
2005
3
/
2010
4
/
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Year built.
2. Lighting improvements – replaced all T-12 (32W) fluorescent fixtures with
more efficient T-8 (27W) units.
3. Photovoltaic system installed by Independent Power Systems, Bozeman, MT
- 16 SUNPOWER 205 Watt panels, 3360 Watt Net-metered. 25 year life
span projected to generate 116,000 kWh. The array size in kW is 3.36 and
the Ave. Monthly Production (kWh) is 386.
Real-time production data for this system can be viewed at:
http://view2.fatspaniel.net/PV2Web/merge?&view=PV/standard/Simple&eid=171391
4. Scheduled for HVAC Performance Review.
13
Lucy Carson Library
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
2
/
2005
3
/
4
2010
/
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Remodel - High efficiency bathroom fixtures installed.
2. South entrance breezeway annex -discourages cold air transferability.
3. Lighting assessment and retrofit performed; magnetic ballasts replaced with
electronic version and replaced T-12 (32W) fluorescent fixtures(bulbs) with
more efficient T-8 (27W) units
4. Scheduled for HVAC Performance Review.
14
Industrial Technology – Metals
1
1990
/
1995
2
/
2000
/
2005
/
3
4
5
2010
/
2015
6
/
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Inefficient garage door removed from southeast wall.
Insulated roof membrane added.
Wasteful windows removed, replaced with insulated wall framing, etc.
Insulate all interior walls (currently cinder block only).
Lower and insulate interior ceilings.
Update to Energy Star rated gas furnaces (3).
15
2020
Main Hall
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2
3
2010
/
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures: (under extensive renovation at time of
report)
1. Earthquake damage project – energy efficiency improvements made through
insulation and electrical wiring updates within north tower.
2. Phase I - planned energy conservation measures:
- Update to new plumbing & electrical systems and fixtures.
- Install Energy Star qualifying widows.
- Incorporate occupancy sensors for lighting.
- Replace attic & wall insulation.
- Integrate weekend, night and holiday air exchanger setback systems
resulting in less power demand during low occupancy timeframes.
16
PE Complex – Straugh Gym & Keltz Arena
2
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2010
4
3
/
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Replaced overhead infrared heat system with biomass fueled radiance
system.
2. Lighting assessment and retrofit performed; magnetic ballasts replaced with
electronic version and replaced T-12 (32W) fluorescent fixtures (bulbs) with
more efficient T-8 (27W) units throughout.
3. Integrated weekend, night and holiday HVAC setback systems throughout
resulting in less power demand during low occupancy timeframes.
4. Upgrade gymnasium and arena lighting; ballasts, fixtures & bulbs.
17
Administrative Buildings:
The buildings highlighted in the following section serve an invaluable purpose at Western providing
working space for a variety of campus functions; Business Services, Financial Aid., Registrar, Foundation,
Admissions & Media Relations. Because these buildings are occupied by a large portion of the campus
community on a nearly year-round basis they collectively demand 1/3 more energy than other buildings
on campus. Additionally, as a means of aiding resource waste prevention, minimizing energy costs and
related C02 emissions, we propose Western consider the following 5-point plan as the start to a
Maintenance and Operations Efficiency Reference Guide; a tool for greener administrative building
management planning and pursuit of their annual .5% emissions reduction goal.
General
 Track energy use and carefully analyze use patterns revealed in future carbon inventories. This
information not only verifies results from energy-saving efforts, it could alert campus to
developing problems that are wasteful and costly.
 Offer an incentive to employees who make concerted efforts to save the most energy and
promote energy conservation awareness.
Lighting
 Eliminate unneeded lighting – desk and task lights in addition to overhead lights.
 Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs wherever possible. They use one
fourth the energy and last ten times longer.
 Request that janitorial services only use lights in the areas they are cleaning and have them turn
all lights off at the end of each day.
Heating & Cooling
 HVAC tune-ups should be performed twice per year; clean and lubricate fan motors, verify
proper air flow, adjust pulley settings and fan belts and replace any inline air handling filters.
Equipment
 Choose energy efficient office equipment with Energy Star power management features.
 Install Energy Miser units on vending machines – these motion detectors turn off display lights
and slow cooling compressors when customers are not around.
 Keep water heater thermostats at 120 degrees.
Recycling
 Substitute reusable products for disposable products whenever possible. When using
disposables, be sure they contain 100% post-consumer recycled content.
 Reuse whenever possible; paper clips, rubber bands and one-sided paper and other energy
intensive products.
 Utilize and draw awareness to specific campus receptacles for recycling paper, steel &
aluminum.
Learn more about energy conservation, incentives and Montana awareness campaigns at:
http://www.deq.state.mt.us/energy/default.mcpx
18
The Roe House
1
1990
/
1995
/
2
3
2000
4
/
2005
/
2010
5
/
2015
6
/
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Building (100% recycled!) moved and installed.
R19 attic insulation added.
Crawl space insulated.
Replace incandescent bulbs/fixtures.
Move from electric hot water tank to central bio mass steam heating
system.
6. Upgrade windows with Energy Star rated product.
19
2020
James E. Short Center
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2010
2
3
/
2015
4
5
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Lighting assessment and retrofit performed; magnetic ballasts replaced with
electronic version and replaced T-12 (32W) fluorescent fixtures (bulbs) with
more efficient T-8 (27W) units throughout.
2. Scheduled for HVAC Performance Review.
3. Install occupancy lighting sensors
4. Install high efficiency bath fixtures.
5. Upgrade windows with Energy Star rated product.
20
Student Services & Residence Buildings:
C02 emissions output amounts attributable to the operation of Western’s dormitories will
remain relatively low because all incorporate central biomass boiler steam for water and living
space heating. Coincidentally, much of what drives campus dormitory energy demand and
related C02 output is no different from other buildings on campus, electrical energy for
computing, appliances and lighting.
Although not the most energy demanding on campus, Western’s fleet of buildings serving as
accommodations, because of outdated construction methods, are probably the least efficient.
Because dorms essentially are students’ homes, rather than places to go for work and classes,
these buildings can act as venues for encouraging social efforts towards keeping energy use to a
minimum. Energy does cost money, and regardless of how using less of it benefits the
environment, Western can benefit financially from reduced energy demand by students.
Collectively students can reduce their carbon footprint, and save Western money, without
spending a dime:







Turn off the lights and/or request that Facilities personnel install motion sensing
switches in rooms & hallways.
Let computers hibernate or sleep between uses.
Create a display board and incentives plan for students modeling how they save
energy.
Utilize common area appliances versus in-room microwaves, refrigerators, etc.
Initiate freshman orientation and visitor tours highlighting dormitory energy
conservation, recycling and other environment-safe student accomplishments.
Change to high efficiency washing machines and limit dry time to 1 hour.
Participate in Energy Star sponsored and other conservation competitions.
Inspiring case studies:




http://greenyes.grrn.org/2002/06/msg00064.html
http://www.csindy.com/colorado/the-battle-of-the-dormdwellers/Content?oid=1109502
http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/dorm.htm
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/higher_ed/ENERGYSTAR_Student_Activity_Gui
de.pdf
21
Student Union Building (SUB)
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
2
/
3
2010
4
/
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Insulated roof membrane added.
2. Light bulbs updated to 26 W CFL’s.
3. Lighting assessment and retrofit; magnetic ballasts replaced with electronic
version and replaced T-12 (32W) fluorescent fixtures (bulbs) with more
efficient T-8 (27W) units throughout.
4. Improve central heating efficiency by replacing the current heating system
with hot water from the James Short Admin Building heating system. This
would indirectly put the SUB on the central Biomass System thereby making
a significant impact on the campus carbon footprint.
22
South Campus Housing
A
B
A→
1
1990
/
B→
1995
2
/
3
2000
1
4
/
2005
2
/
3
2010
/
4
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
A – Housing & Campus Day Care Center:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Window upgrade throughout.
South wall insulation added to exterior.
Day Care Center renovations; updated wiring, plumbing and lighting.
High efficiency furnace upgrade.
Add Attic insulation.
Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs.
B – Housing:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
High efficiency furnace upgrade.
Added solid core doors throughout.
Attic and wall insulation added.
Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs.
Weather stripping added to all exterior doors.
Update east and west windows.
Replace any outdated windows.
23
5
5
6
2015
/
6
2020
7
Western Apartments for Families
1
1990
/
1995
2
/
2000
/
2005
/
3
4
5
2010
/
2015
6
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Insulated roof membrane installed.
Hot water pipes insulated throughout.
Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs.
Initiate a laundry facilities conservation program – limit drying time to 1
hour, install outdoor hanging lines, load machines to capacity, mandate
environment-safe detergents, water misers, etc.
5. Install weatherization kits on exterior doors.
6. Replace single pane windows with Energy Star rated units.
24
Mathews Hall
1
1990
/
1995
2
/
2000
/
3
2005
/
2010
4
/
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Thermo pane windows and insulated dormers added to 4th floor.
2. Cafeteria, library & office renovations:
 Insulation added to interior of south walls.
 Elevator tower annex prevents cold and hot outside air exchange.
3. Change incandescent bulbs to CFL bulbs.
4. Replace double-hung single pane windows with Energy Star rated units.
25
Davis Hall
Jordan Hall
D→
1
1990
J→
2
3
/
1995
1
/
4
2000
/
2005
2
/
5
2010
/
6
2015
3
/
2020
4
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
Davis Hall
1. Window removal and wall insulation improvements in northeast walls.
2. Insulated roof membrane added.
3. Upgrade from 32 W to 27 W fluorescent fixtures/bulbs.
4. Window removal and wall insulation improvement in all but 3rd floor space.
5. Begin basement window upgrade.
6. Install motion sensing units in low occupancy spaces.
Jordan Hall
1. Upgraded windows from single pane to thermo pane glass.
2. Upgrade from 32 W to 27 W fluorescent fixtures/bulbs.
3. Change from incandescent bulbs to CFL bulbs.
4. Install motion sensing units in low occupancy spaces.
26
Clark Hall
Centennial Hall
1
CLK →
1990
CEN →
/
1995
2
/
1
3
2000
2
4
/
3
5 6
2005
/
2010
5 6
4
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
Clark Hall
1. Insulated roofing membrane added.
2. Window upgrade.
3. Upgrade from 32 W to 27 W fluorescent bulbs.
4. In-room thermostats added.
5. Install occupancy sensor units in applicable areas.
6. Initiate laundry conservation program.
7. Change from incandescent bulbs to CFL bulbs.
Centennial Hall
1. Insulated roofing membrane added.
2. Window upgrade.
3. Upgrade from 32 W to 27 W fluorescent bulbs.
4. In-room thermostats added.
5. Install occupancy sensor units in applicable areas.
6. Initiate laundry conservation program.
7. Change from incandescent bulbs to CFL bulbs.
8.
27
7
/
7
2015
/
2020
Art Gallery/Museum
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2
2010
/
3 4
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Installed new roofing material.
2. Add attic insulation.
3. Full mechanical, electrical & lighting upgrade (Phase III, Main Hall
improvement project).
4. Replace current windows with Energy Star rated units (Phase III, Main Hall
improvement project).
28
David Bier Auditorium
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2
2010
/
3
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Performed full electrical main and subpanel upgrade.
2. Initiate HVAC system upgrade, Energy Star rated window replacement and
high efficiency lighting retrofit (Phase II, Main Hall renovation project).
3. Add ceiling insulation (Phase II, Main Hall renovation project).
29
Facilities Services
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2
2010
3
/
4
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Basic remodeling improvements; wiring, plumbing and aesthetic feature
upgrade.
2. Replace 32 W fluorescent bulbs with 27 W bulbs and incandescent with CFL
bulbs.
3. Add insulation to ceiling and basement walls.
4. Upgrade to Energy Star rated window units.
30
Heating Plant
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2
2010
/
3
2015
/
2020
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1. Houses Montana Western’s biomass heating system. Completed February
2007 as part of The DNRC & USDA Forest Service, Montana Fuels for Schools
Program.
2. Replace 32 W fluorescent bulbs with 27 W bulbs and incandescent with CFL
bulbs.
3. Upgrade to non-airtight thermo pane windows. The facility must provide
sufficient air flow for both the biomass and backup gas-fired boiler units.
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Curious Minds
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
/
2010
2
/
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Upgraded to high-efficiency gas furnace.
Add insulation (R19) to ceiling and basement (R11) walls.
Update wiring, light fixtures and plumbing.
Replace single pane windows with Energy Star rated units.
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3
2015
4
/
2020
Faculty & Staff Housing
A
B
A→
1
1990
/
1995
/
2000
/
2005
B→
/
2010
/
2
2015
1
2
3
/
2020
3
Past & Perspective Efficiency Measures:
A
1. Add insulation (R19) to ceiling and basement (R11) walls where needed.
2. Update inefficient wiring, light fixtures/bulbs and plumbing.
3. Replace single pane windows with Energy Star rated units.
B
1. Add insulation (R19) to ceiling and basement (R11) walls where needed.
2. Update inefficient wiring, light fixtures/bulbs and plumbing.
3. Replace single pane windows with Energy Star rated units.
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Campus Waste Streams
Recycling Program:
Montana Western is fortunate to have an efficient and rather expansive student run and
student funded recycling program servicing its entire campus. Since 1999 Western has collected
a $2.00 ‘Recycling Fee’ to cover related costs of the activity and, to date, the program targets
recycling of aluminum, steel, paper, rechargeable batteries, printer cartridges & cell phones.
Because of shipping limitations it is not yet cost effective to recycle campus plastics but
students do put a large amount of their energy and resources into plastic use prevention
programming.
On Thursday of each week 4 paid students can be found bustling around campus in an electric
golf cart filling large on-board recycling receptacles from smaller ones strategically located
inside each building. Collection estimates show 400-500 lbs of paper (6 – 33 gal. bins) gets
recycled twice monthly at Western. So, it is evident that paper recycling efforts play an integral
part of campus carbon reduction planning, especially when you consider, “Recycling 180 sheets
saves 1kg/2.2lbs of CO2 and using 374 sheets of recycled paper (as opposed to regular paper)
saves 1kg of CO2.⁹” Since 500 sheets of paper typically weighs 20 lbs, one month’s paper
collection saves Western 244 lbs of C02 emissions monthly and 2,933 lbs/yr. respectively. We
endorse this type of cost-effective educational programming and feel it will reduce Western’s
overall carbon footprint throughout the next decade.
“Electronic products are made from valuable resources, such as precious and other metals,
plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture them. Reusing and
recycling these materials from end-of-life electronics conserves our natural resources and
avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by
manufacturing new products”¹°.
In April, 2009 Recycling Program students, in partnership with the Montana Department of
Environment Quality, sponsored an all-community electronics waste recycling event at
Western. Their efforts prevented nearly 25, 000 lbs. of ‘eWaste’ from reaching the Beaverhead
County landfill and initiated opportunity to educate community members about potentially
harmful aspects of eWaste. A second collection event is already being planned to take place
during the Fall 2010 semester.
The most recent additions to campus recycling efforts, not accounted for in the 2009 carbon
inventory, include a cafeteria-dedicated steel and aluminum can crushing operation and
34
biodegradable food scrap composting program devoted to campus gardening and future soil
sciences programming.
Food Service:
Multiple effective waste-prevention measures have been recently added to the Montana
Western Food Services program that directly relate to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions
output and the reduction of the institution’s overall carbon footprint. For example, during 2008
the option to take food/utensil trays was eliminated from serving lines as a means of
preventing food being taken but not eaten. This simple cost effective measure has resulted in
tremendous food savings and according to Food Service Director, Cheri McCarthy, less food
waste and cleanup energy required. Other environment-safe measures include replacing fossil
fuel intensive plastic cutlery, plates and cups with dye-free sets containing biodegradable
plastics and post-consumer recycled paper materials. Evidence supporting dedication to an
overall campus recycling effort is very evident throughout the cafeteria facility; paper,
aluminum & steel collection bins are continually placed and filled in high-traffic locations. Once
food/cutlery composting logistics and steel/aluminum can recycling collections maximizes
operational efficiency Western’s Food Services could be operating as green as any campus in
the MUS system.
35
Transportation
“Transportation is the fastest growing use of global energy and petroleum and a major source
of GHG emissions. If we hope to arrest energy demand growth, petroleum dependency, and
global warming, we must deal with energy in transportation. Next time you fill up at the gas
station, think about these stunning facts¹¹:


Transportation and oil go hand in hand. Transportation relies almost exclusively, (96%)
on oil, and it uses more than two-thirds of the petroleum products consumed in the
United States and more than half of world oil.
Transportation produces one-third of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions and is the
primary source of urban air pollution.
Passenger Vehicles:
Montana Western offers course work incorporating an innovative experiential-learning model
called “Experience One” and due to the exploratory field-based, somewhat travel-intensive,
nature of this programming model means the institution must sustain a performance analysis of
the institution’s passenger car and van fleet.
The following graphs depict vehicle energy intensity (mpg) and related C02 emissions output,
collectively and singularly, for Western’s 2010 passenger vehicle fleet and communicate an
imperative need for the University to continually engage passenger car/van greenhouse gas
emissions reduction strategies.
36
2010 - Carbon Emissions Produced by
Montana Western's Passenger Car Fleet
7
1996 Toyota Previa Mini Van - 18 mpg
6
2002 Ford Taurus - 23 mpg
*C02,Tons/yr
5
2005 Ford Taurus - 24 mpg
2000 Chevy Malibu - 26 mpg
4
2000 Chevy Lumina - 26 mpg
3
2010 Ford Fusion - 28 mpg
2
1998 Chevy Prism - 31 mpg
2010 Fleet Average - 25.1 mpg
1
**2010 National Average - 21.5 mpg
0
*CO2 output totals based upon vehicle performance specifications, 90% hwy, 10% city and 9,897 miles/yr. @ $2.67/gal - www.fueleconomy.gov
Emissions output reduction strategies for Westerns cars:
1. Avoid aggressive acceleration and breaking, it can reduce gas mileage by 33% on the
highway and 10% in town.
2. Observe speed limits – each 5 MPH over 60 MPH can reduce fuel economy by 7-8%.
3. Avoid idling – idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Letting cars ‘warm up’ does not help fuel
economy and actually uses more fuel and creates more pollution.
4. Use cruise control on highways – constant speed saves fuel.
5. Fix cars noticeably out of tune.
6. Keep tires inflated to recommended pressure & wheels aligned and balanced.
37
2010 - Carbon Emissons Produced by
Montana Western's Passenger Van Fleet
9
1997 Dodge Ram - 12 mpg
8
2001 Chevy Startrans Bus - 14 mpg
7
2003 Ford Starcraft AllStar Bus - 15
mpg
2005 Chevy Van - 15 mpg
*CO2, tons/yr.
6
2007 Chevy Express - 17 mpg
5
2000 Chevy Express - 13 mpg
4
2009 Ford Van - 16 mpg
3
2001 Dodge Ram - 14 mpg
2
2010 Fleet Average - 14.5 mpg
**2010 National Average - 17.2 mpg
1
0
*CO2 output totals based upon vehicle performance specifications, 90% hwy, 10% city and 9,897 miles/yr. @ $2.67/gal - www.fueleconomy.gov
Emissions output reduction strategies for Western owned Vans:
1. Avoid carrying unneeded items on field trips. An extra 100 lbs. can decrease fuel
economy by 1-2%.
2. Plan and combine field trips. Many shorts trips taken from a cold start can use twice as
much fuel as one multipurpose trip covering the same distance.
3. Carry equipment inside vans whenever possible. Loaded roof racks and trailers
increase aerodynamic drag, cause strain and can decrease fuel economy by 5%.
38
Employee Travel:
Most employee travel at Western is related to professional development training and when
paired with the fact that Dillon lies in a remote part of Montana an intrinsically high amount of
energy demand exists in this area.
Because employee travel-related data was inconclusive during the carbon inventory process,
Western should consider the following travel emissions factors¹² related to employee travel as a
means of reducing carbon output related to typical travel methods available to campus
employees.







Short flights are calculated to be 500 miles round-trip with emissions of 0.53 lbs C02 per
passenger mile.
Medium flights are calculated to be 1,500 miles round-trip with emissions of 0.42 lbs
C02 per passenger mile.
Long flights are calculated to be 4,000 miles round-trip with emissions of 0.397 lbs C02
per passenger mile.
Train trips are calculated 0.35 lbs C02 per passenger mile.
Bus trips are calculated at 0.18 lbs C02 per passenger mile.
Continue using webinars, training and conference calls via phone or World Wide Web as
a cost effective, nearly carbon-neutral, means of providing professional development
training.
Maintain the idea of ride sharing and combined trips which divide C02 emissions across
additional passengers.
Commuter Travel:
Data revealing commuter travel trends at Western was also spotty during the carbon inventory
process but, it is widely understood that many Western students, faculty and staff drive
considerable distances to and from campus each day. As a means of studying commuter
induced C02 emissions, and creating a means of tracking commuter trends, the Montana
Western Facilities Office added a survey to parking permits in Spring 2009. Results from this
data collection method should be more conclusive in Western’s next carbon inventory process.
Lastly, our team recognizes a new Student Senate sponsored, green bike program (DAWGPowered Bikes) as a clear attempt by Montana Western to encourage it’s campus community
to engage in a healthy, fun, educational and interactive means of recognizing carbon neutral
travel.
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Credits:
1. ACUPCC –“American College & University President’s Climate Commitment”
2. 20 x 10 Initiative - Montana Governor, Brian Schweitzer
3. Clean Air Cool Planet’s Campus Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator
4. AASHE – “Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education”
5. IPCC – “Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change”
6. EPA – “Environmental Protection Agency”
7. USGBC – “United State Green Building Council”
8. NREL – “National Renewable Energy Laboratory”
9. http://www.carbonneutral.com/pages/reducingCO2.asp
10. http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm
11. John Randolph and Gilbert M. Masters. “Energy for Sustainability”. Island Press, 2008
12. http://www.carbonfund.org/site/pages/carbon_calculators/category/Assumptions
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