WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The University at Buffalo saves $9 million per year as a result of its creative strategies for energy conservation, according to a report released today (March 5, 1998) by the National Wildlife Federation.
Of the 23 case studies at 15 institutions of higher education outlined in the report, "Green Investment, Green Return: How Practical Conservation Projects Save Millions on America's Campuses," UB's energy-saving projects demonstrate the highest annual revenues and savings.
The report focuses on how conservation projects at colleges and universities are proving that decisions that are good for the environment also can be good for the bottom line.
"Environmental concern is not an afterthought at UB," said Robert J. Wagner, UB senior vice president. "We are genuinely committed to environmental stewardship, leadership and excellence, and that commitment has produced extraordinary cost savings."
The most critical component of UB's strategy is a $17 million energy-management project, launched in 1994 through a partnership with CES/Way International, a Houston-based energy service company, and the local electric utility, Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.
Wagner pointed out that in sharp contrast to less expensive, quick-fix projects, this package of energy-saving measures, which has affected virtually every one of the 45 buildings on UB's North Campus in Amherst, took a comprehensive approach.
It has resulted in estimated annual savings of $3 million, or about a 15 percent reduction in the $19 million UB previously spent each year on energy, and about as much energy savings as the university had achieved over the previous 10 years through important, but piecemeal efforts.
"Given that state resources will remain tight, this project gave us an
opportunity to reallocate on-campus money that would otherwise be required to
pay our utility bills," Wagner said. "It's a total win-win."
The payback period for the project was only 3.76 y
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Contact: Ellen Goldbaum
goldbaum@newsb.buffalo.edu
716-645-2626
University at Buffalo
5-Mar-1998