UPGRADE ECOVERY
RENEWABL
WATER NSERVATION ENERGY The University of Alberta’s Energy Management Program (EMP) has been a leader in energy reduction since its inception in 1975, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2 million metric tonnes and generating savings of $274 million— with $15.9 million saved in 2010 – 2011 alone.
1975–1976
The beginning: Program initiated and University of Alberta’s Office of Energy Management comes into existence.
50M
UTILITY COSTS
40M 30M 20M
Without Energy conservation Measures
10M 0
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
With Energy Conservation Measures
Today, the initiative’s momentum is stronger than ever. The Next Generation EMP received approval from the Board of Governors in June 2011. As part of the launch of the new generation, the Energy Management Program was rebranded under the name Envision; a fusion of the words energy and vision. Envision speaks to the program’s commitment to adopting new technologies and approaches that advance sustainability on campus today, while continuously looking to the future and seeking out the most intelligent energy reduction solutions for generations to come.
1977–1986
Becoming efficient: $12.5 million invested to launch the University’s first major Energy Management Program.
As Envision continues forward, the program will focus on key initiatives to further establish the University as a leader in sustainability. Planned initiatives include: • Further energy reduction & infrastructure renewal, • Energy reduction throughout Ancillary Services, • Implementing renewable energy technologies, • Campus-wide water conservation, and • Creating awareness of sustainability practices through campus-wide education.
A Track Record of Success For almost four decades, the U of A has built the EMP into one of the most successful energy conservation programs in Canada’s post secondary sector. Here is a sample of past successes that helped pave the way for Envision, the University’s biggest, most ambitious energy reduction program to date:
consumption / M2
building area
1987–2002 While building area has increased 50% since 1975, utility consumption per square metre has decreased significantly.
Ongoing improvements: $6.5 million invested in various energy efficiency improvements.
The University of Alberta’s water consumption has decreased 70% per square metre, electrical consumption has been reduced 23%, and steam consumption has seen a decrease of 45%.
The last seven-year cycle of the EMP invested $25 million to reduce CO2 emissions by 27,000 tonnes and to generate $3.5 million in savings a year.
THE EnVision EFFECT
2003–2010
Momentum builds: Latest cycle of the Energy Management Program invests $25 million.
Envision will invest $35 million over the next seven years, and will reduce the University’s greenhouse gas emissions by 30,000 tonnes while saving the University approximately $3.8 million per year.
Energy-related upgrades to infrastructure provide better work/study environments, and as it continues, Envision not only advances campus sustainability, but also helps to address the serious challenge of deferred maintenance.
Additional Benefits • Helps reduce University expenditures, • Diverts funding to institutional programs rather than utility payments, • Reduces operating and maintenance costs, • Stewardship through reduced consumption of non-renewable resources, • Lessens impact on future generations, • Supports the goals and objectives of the City of Edmonton, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.
2011–2018
New beginnings: The $35 million Next Generation Energy Management Program approved.
EnVision & SUSTAINABILITY Envision’s launch renews the University’s long-standing commitment to energy conservation and sustainability. In 2008, the University developed an institution-wide Sustainability Commitment and Guiding Principles, ensuring the University’s integrated approach to sustainability that incorporates teaching, learning, research, outreach and the operations that support them. Through Envision, the University transforms its commitment to sustainability into action.
UPLIFTING THE WHOLE PEOPLE The University of Alberta’s first president, Henry Marshall Tory, challenged the university community to remember, “The modern state university has sprung from a demand on the part of the people themselves… The people demand that knowledge shall not be the concern of scholars alone. The uplifting of the whole people shall be its final goal.” Adopting a holistic approach to the advancement of sustainability on our campuses renews our commitment to Tory’s promise, and allows the learning, discovery and creative activity associated with the University’s engagement on this important issue to extend through Edmonton, Alberta and beyond.
2012
Envision is launched.
Contact Us Facilities and Operations works to minimize the environmental impact of the University of Alberta’s operations on behalf of all students, staff, faculty and all members of the University community. All questions, comments, and new ideas about energy management and other sustainability initiatives are encouraged. Len Sereda, P.Eng., Director, Energy Management & Sustainable Operations 780.492.2209 | len.sereda@ualberta.ca Michael Versteege, P.Eng., LEED AP, Energy Management Program Manager, Energy Management & Sustainable Operations 780.492.4024 | mike.versteege@ualberta.ca Shannon Leblanc, MSc, BSc, Sustainability Coordinator, Energy Management & Sustainable Operations 780.248.1489 | shannon.leblanc@ualberta.ca
September 2012