Many efforts and initiatives are in place across the UAB campus as the University strives for energy efficiency and seeks to emphasize the importance of conservation around our campus and our community. Below are just a few ways that UAB is contributing to making the community eco-friendly and even more 'green"!
- Energy conservation initiatives implemented in recent years have resulted in estimated annual energy savings of over $910,000.
- A computerized Central Alarm Monitoring System, which was developed by UAB in partnership with three leading controls manufactures (Siemens, Johnson Controls, and Siebe), is used to monitor the energy efficiency performance of building equipment systems. This leading edge first-of-its-kind system allows the remote monitoring of air handling units, outside air economizers, as well as many other energy related systems, notifying the user when systems are not operating efficiently. Currently, more than 90 percent of Hospital Buildings have DDC/Computer Building Automation Controls. Approximately 25 percent of Campus Buildings are on CAMS.
- Occupancy sensors detect motion and/or heat in order to turn lighting off when a room is unoccupied. Timers and photocells can also be used to control the operation of lighting fixtures. Approximately 400-500 occupancy sensors, timers and photocells have been installed either by the Energy Management Department in existing buildings or as part of the new energy saving construction specifications for the very recent new buildings, such as Shelby, RSB, SEBLAB and Heritage Hall.
- More than 3525 incandescent light bulbs have been replaced with compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- By using Airside Economizer Controls, the air conditioning systems bring outside cold air into the building for cooling purposes during the winter months. Direct Digital Controls have been installed to allow up to 100 percent cool outdoor air to allow for free cooling of the building for about 2,651 hours per year. These controls have been installed in the Education Building, Business & Engineering Complex and North Pavilion.
- Water cooled equipment has been replaced with air cooled equipment or recirculation systems in eight buildings, resulting is a savings of 31,755,227 gallons of water per year.
- UAB has purchased and tested natural gas-powered vehicles, and purchased and tested several electric-powered vehicles. Energy Management has completed a project to charge these vehicles with solar power. The solar charging system was placed into service on 2-11-09, allowing the cars to be charged independently of the electrical grid with zero emissions.
- A campus recycling program was initiated on campus that is expected to recycle at least 50 tons of paper per year. Paper is picked up each Monday from campus building. Soon, the program will expand to include plastics and aluminum pickup at campus buildings. In the meantime, the campus community is encouraged to bring these items to the recycling center on Mondays. Check out more the recycling center on the web at http://www.fab.uab.edu/FacMngtRecycle.asp
- The Energy Management Department has begun an educational awareness campaign, "Think Green - Save Gold" to facilitate support for existing and new initiatives at UAB.
- The NAS is participating in a Cell Phone Recycling campaign to help keep old cell phones out of landfills. The NAS is given $1 from Charitable Recycling for each cell phone that is returned on behalf of the NAS!