University pledges to battle greenhouse gases

In a decision made earlier this month, the University moved to decrease its impact on the environment by limiting its contribution to the production of greenhouse gases.

On Feb. 12, the University joined 55 New Jersey educational institutions and 13 New Jersey organizations in signing the Sustainability Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.

The watershed plan is nationally pioneering in its efforts to establish explicit statewide reduction goals. It calls for a 3.5 percent decrease in emissions, below 1990 levels, by 2005.

Analysis done by the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection identified fossil fuel combustion as the primary culprit for greenhouse gas, contributing up to 80 percent of all greenhouse gases.

The DEP suggests energy conservation, innovative technological development and pollution prevention as effective methods to reach the 2005 target.

For the University, modifications in electrical power management will translate directly into less fossil fuel consumption. The GHG Action Plan "may present us with some challenges, but we have already taken some of the biggest steps," said Edward Borer, the University's facilities manager of mechanical systems.

In 1996, an on-campus cogeneration plant was installed. The University now has the capacity to produce its own electricity and heat.

Moreover, there has been a significant transition to the use of cleaner back-up fuel.

According to Borer, the University is persistently "seeking ways to trim energy use."

A lower life-cycle cost can be achieved by recognizing the long-term value of solutions which are capital-intensive up-front, he said, adding that the University is considering a further expansion of conservation initiatives.

New construction on campus will attempt to integrate heat recovery systems and improve insulation.

All mechanisms involving motors will possess variable speed drives, an alternative to functioning continuously at full speed, Borer explained.

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Light emmitting diodes will be substituted for regular lamps in many lighting fixtures. Exit signs are currently inefficient, consuming up to 80 watts of power. The use of LEDs can reduce this expenditure to only 8 Watts, Borer said.

Devices are being assessed which would reduce the power consumption of vending machines, designing them for more efficient refrigeration.

Motion detectors may also be mounted in rooms, ensuring that lights are off when spaces are vacant, Borer explained. These detectors are currently being used in the Frist Campus Center.

The action plan both endorses and extends the University's existing commitment to greenhouse gas reduction.

"We are a growing organization. To reduce our emissions in that context is more difficult, but definitely worth pursuing," concluded Borer.

As a university, it is important that we show leadership on this environmental front, professor Francois Morel, director of the Environmental Institute, said. "It's not so much the amount, but the exemplary notion. If enough people do it, then it will eventually have an effect."