CUNY has approved and will fund three new energy-saving projects for Baruch:
We will be installing Permafrost in one of our chillers and HVAC systems. This will improve the efficiency of refrigeration systems, saving energy. If this change proves to be successful, permafrost will be installed throughout CUNY schools and will result in serious energy reduction and a smaller carbon footprint!
Because most of our exit stairwells are illuminated 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the replacement of the fluorescent lighting tubes with LED tubes will result in significant energy savings around the campus.
Steam trap replacements in the south campus will result in natural gas savings.
LED and Lighting
We are putting in LED lights as many places as possible, which will significantly cut our energy usage, as LED lights are super efficient!
Baruch’s Student Government has met with an LED lighting vendor, performed a pilot, and has approved the concept of replacing all of their fluorescent lighting in their offices, club rooms, and adjoining hallways. The vendor will provide the tubes, and Baruch’s electricians will perform the installation.
New LED lighting was installed in the pendent lighting over the main staircase of the Vertical Campus. This will save 25-50% of our energy usage!
Baruch’s electricians continue to retrofit motion sensors on light switches in the south campus which shut individual lights off, if no one is present, thereby saving energy. These installations will save up to 50% of energy used!
The Vertical Campus lighting is controlled by a software/hardware system (Microlite System) that is responsible for maintaining appropriate lighting levels when the building is occupied and unoccupied. However, the system has not been functioning as designed, and Baruch is contracting with the manufacturer to make corrections. Once these corrections are made, Baruch will see energy savings!
Elevators, Escalators and Touch Sensors!
- Kone has completed the replacements of all escalators in the Vertical Campus. The new escalators operate at one half the horsepower that the older escalators operated, saving energy.
- Baruch is also working with CUNY to replace the elevators in the Administration Building. The new elevators will be more energy efficient thereby saving electricity.
- Baruch’s plumbers are retrofitting flushometers and touchless faucet appliances in the Vertical Campus’ restrooms and Library that will not only improve the cleanliness of the restrooms, but will also save water!
Green Roofing
Although green roofing does not seem as if it would save energy, you would be surprised! The roofing ability to reflect light and deter heat reduces the need for electrically climate controlled buildings, and does this work naturally. CUNY is funding a Cool Roofs coating on older buildings. Baruch will submit a request for this application on the Administration Building and Newman Hall. This installation will result in lower air conditioning costs resulting in energy savings!