Purpose: There is a great interest in developing eco-friendly operations as alternative uses of resources in the university campus, making the employment of technologies more sustainable. Practices such as energy management and efficiency initiatives have been encouraged to meet these sustainability goals. The purpose of this paper is to describe…

Active learning is widely recognized as superior to traditional passive, lecture-based techniques for fostering learning in STEM courses. Interactive, hands-on learning where students interact with their peers and physical systems is an effective type of active learning. As the need for scientists and engineers continues to grow, understanding and…

The project models the conductive heat loss through the ceiling of a home. Students are led through a sequence of tasks from measuring the area and insulation status of a home to developing several functions leading to a net savings function where the depth of insulation is the input. At this point students use calculus or a graphing utility to…

Building owners are caught between two powerful forces--the need to lower energy costs and the need to meet or exceed outdoor air ventilation regulations for occupant health and comfort. Large amounts of energy are wasted each day from commercial, institutional, and government building sites as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)…

Perhaps more than many other industries, today's universities and colleges are beset by dramatically rising costs on every front. One of the areas where overhead can be contained or reduced is in the operation of the chilled water systems that support air conditioning throughout college campuses, specifically the cooling towers. Like many…

Understanding the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is the backbone of developing an effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. Poor IAQ can lead to a large variety of health problems and potentially affect comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. In recognition of tight school budgets, this guidance is designed…

Explains how Cornell University is using lake water to cool 40 percent of the space in its central campus. Payback cost estimates and design and engineering issues are examined. (GR)

The superior insulating characteristics of an exterior wall system has enabled a Massachusetts school district to realize a savings on electric heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems. (Author/MLF)

Some common sense energy conservation suggestions that can immediately lower energy use in school buildings. (MLF)

A new variable air volume system in a highrise educational building cut fuel bills $50,000 in the first year. (Author/MLF)

Discusses how schools can use geothermal technology to conserve energy and save money. How geothermal climate control works and its payback are examined, and examples of development and use are highlighted. (GR)

A closed-loop geothermal heating system in a Minnesota school uses the earth's temperature as a counterweight to the extremes of temperature on the surface and in the school. The system is expected to recoup its extra investment in fewer than five years of service. Cites statistics concerning energy management in schools. (MLF)

A computer system at Kent State University that controls the temperature in nine campus buildings saves the university thousands of dollars. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the organizational and contractual concepts behind making a school's central plant's production more reliable and cost effective. A description of the Energy Services Coalition's contribution to the process and its services are highlighted. (GR)

Considers the value of colleges and universities upgrading their energy infrastructure and using outsourcing energy management functions to save money and gain greater control of energy operations without substantial investments in staff and resources. (GR)