| The reliance on fossil fuels to generate most of the world's energy has led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the associated negative effects on the climate. The application of energy reducing retrofits allows for significant reductions in total energy use, providing the opportunity to achieve cost savings as well as emissions reductions. Students Planning Advanced Retrofit Technology Applications (SPARTA) was founded to pursue implementation of these retrofits at Michigan State University (MSU). Under this framework, lighting, device, and HVAC retrofits are examined. In commercial spaces, lighting comprises ~17% of total electricity used. The economic viability of retrofitting LEDs in place of fluorescent ceiling fixtures as well as various control methods are determined. The energy use intensity of the average office space on the MSU campus is also analyzed and equipment changes are recommended to decrease the total energy footprint. Conversion from electricity driven cooling to steam driven cooling is evaluated as a method for increasing efficiency of the co-generation power plant and decreasing total fuel consumption. Finally, activities aimed at engaging the public on renewable energy generation are described, which are based on the development of paintable luminescent solar concentrators that combine art and energy. A number of techniques for reducing energy use on the MSU campus have been analyzed which can be applied across a broad spectrum of spaces. Continuing to aggressively pursue the implementation of this framework as well as tracking key economic indicators outlined will ultimately make MSU cleaner and more sustainable. |
