Climate Action Plan - University of Rhode Island

Table of Contents
Authors and Acknowledgements……………………………2
Executive Summary…………………………………………. 3
Introduction……………………………………………………4
Emissions Inventory………………………………………….5
Progress to Date…………………………………………….. 6
Reduction Goals……………………………………………...17
Recommended Mitigation Strategies………………………19
Projects………………………………………………19
Policies……………………………………………….33
Implementation……………………………………………… 36
Financing Strategies………………………………. 33
Tracking and Reporting…………………………….34
Education, Research and Outreach……………………….. 38
Appendix A: Assumptions for Assessing Projects ……….. 41
Appendix B: Emissions by Project Category………………42
Appendix C: Project Ranking Tables……………………….43
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Authors & Acknowledgements
AUTHORS
Rachel Ackerman, URI Energy Fellow
Michael Bailey, URI Energy Fellow
Kristina DiSanto, URI Energy Fellow
William Frost, URI Energy Fellow
Rachel Sholly, Energy Fellows Coordinator
Kevin Silveira, URI Energy Fellow
Sarah Sylvia, URI Energy Fellow
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL ON SUSTAINABILITY
Robert A. Weygand, Chair and Vice President for Administration and Finance
Brittney Austin, Undergraduate Student, Environmental Science and Management
Dr. Stanley Barnett, Professor of Chemical Engineering
Liliana Costa, Assistant to Vice President for Administration and Finance; Council Coordinator
Douglas W. E. Creed, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Thomas Frisbie-Fulton, Director of Capital Planning and Design
Dr. Marion Gold, Director of the Outreach Center; Co-director of the URI Energy Center
Will Green, Professor and Chair of Landscape Architecture Department
David Lamb, Utilities Engineer, Facilities Services
Dr. Brian Maynard, Professor of Plant Sciences
Todd McLeish, URI News Bureau
Dr. Arthur C. Mead, Professor of Economics
Dr. S. Bradley Moran, Assistant Vice President for Research Administration; Professor of Oceanography
Dr. Frederick A. B. Meyerson, Associate Professor of Natural Resources Science
Rachel Sholly, Energy Fellows Coordinator
Judith Swift, Director of Coastal Institute; Professor of Communications Studies and Theatre
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Andy Alcusky, Construction Projects Manager, Facilities Services
Mary Brennan, Capital Planning and Design
Robert S. Cerio, URI Energy Center
Dr. Robert Drapeau, Director of Public Safety
Dr. Brett Lucht, Associate Professor of Chemistry; Co-director of the URI Energy Center
Peyton Gibson, Facilities Services
Dr. Allan Graham, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Nancy Hawksley, Recycling Coordinator
Wendy Lucht, URI Energy Center
Jerome B. Sidio, Facilities Services
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Executive Summary
BACKGROUND
In 2007, President Robert Carothers signed the American College and University President’s Climate
Commitment (ACUPCC), which committed the University of Rhode Island (URI) to achieving climate
neutrality (no net greenhouse gas emissions) as soon as possible. The first phase of the commitment,
completed in the fall of 2008, was to inventory the greenhouse gas emissions emitted by the University’s
four campuses. The next phase of the commitment was to develop a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that would
serve as an evolving framework to guide the process of reducing URI’s greenhouse gas emissions. To that
end, this document presents a wide array of potential projects, policies and programs that can be
implemented over time and sets reduction goals based on assessed projects.
TARGETS
By implementing the suite of mitigation strategies described in this report, URI can achieve significant
reductions in a relatively short period of time. The University will aim to achieve reductions of 2005 levels
(80,660 MTCO 2 e) by 2015, 10% below 2005 levels by 2020, 40% by 2030, 45% by 2040 and 50% by 2050.
These reduction targets are based on conservative estimates of emissions savings for all analyzed projects
and policies, taking into consideration time for project development.
The primary challenge associated with meeting these targets will be securing funding for projects with high
capital costs. In general, projects with lower initial costs and quicker paybacks were scheduled for
implementation in the earlier years. It was assumed that the cost savings realized from these initial projects
could be used to support the implementation of projects with higher costs and longer payback periods.
With constant improvements in energy efficiency and alternative energy technologies and ever-changing
economic conditions it is impossible to forecast an exact path to climate neutrality. This plan will be
updated every three years to reevaluate proposed projects and add new projects for future implementation.
RECOMMENDED MITIGATION STRATEGIES
This report recommends a wide array of projects that URI can implement to achieve its reduction goals,
from no- or low-cost conservation projects to renewable energy projects with high capital costs. URI has
been engaged in a performance contract with NORESCO since 2007, which has resulted in an emissions
reduction of 10,575 MTCO 2 e. Many of the efficiency projects presented in this report have been proposed
by NORESCO for future contracts. Constructing a 10MW combined heat and power plant could reduce
URI’s total emissions by 27,142 MTCO 2 e. Computer shutdown policies, temperature setpoint adjustments,
summer building consolidation and real-time energy monitoring are low-cost projects with short payback
times that will easily reduce URI’s emissions. Installing renewable energy systems such as solar thermal
for hot water and wind turbines and photovoltaic systems to produce electricity can not only reduce
emissions, but can also demonstrate sustainable energy technologies to educate our students and the
Rhode Island community. Recommended transportation projects and policies focus on transitioning URI’s
diesel fleet to a biodiesel blend and incentivizing alternative transportation options for commuters. An array
of policies is recommended to supplement proposed projects. It is important to note that the
recommendations presented in this report are simply suggestions; many projects will require complete
feasibility studies before implementation can occur.
TRACKING & REPORTING
The URI President’s Council on Sustainability will oversee the tracking of emissions reductions from
implemented projects as well as reporting progress to the ACUPCC. Benefits from the Climate Action Plan
will be evaluated annually through an update of the University greenhouse gas inventory and a progress
report to the ACUPCC. Every three years the University of Rhode Island will reevaluate its goals and
projects and formulate an updated Climate Action Plan.
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INTRODUCTION
Climate change is upon us. The level of atmospheric carbon and the average global temperature are
increasing more rapidly than they have in tens of millions of years. This rate of change is so rapid that our
ecosystems may not be able to adapt and we cannot predict the consequences. We are already seeing the
impacts of the current warming trend on our ecosystems and we are likely to experience serious human
health and economic effects in the coming years. Scientists agree that humans must significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst effects of climate change.
The University of Rhode Island (URI) has been at the forefront of environmental research for decades,
helping to develop a greater understanding of ecology while also examining the impact of human activities
on ecosystems as varied as the deep sea and suburban backyards. The operations of the campus itself
have not always kept up with the advanced research and teaching taking place within its buildings; but that
is rapidly changing.
URI recognizes the unique responsibility that institutions of higher education have to demonstrate
sustainable practices to their students and communities and in educating the people who will develop the
social, economic and technological solutions to reverse global warming and help create a thriving, civil and
sustainable society.
In 2007, URI was among the first institutions to join the American College and University President’s
Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) when former President Robert Carothers signed on to the commitment.
The ACUPCC is a national network of colleges and universities that have committed to achieving eventual
climate neutrality and integrating sustainability into the curriculum. Climate neutrality, as defined by the
ACUPCC, is “having no net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, to be achieved by eliminating net GHG
emissions, or by minimizing GHG emissions as much as possible, and using carbon offsets or other
measures to mitigate the remaining emissions.”
To provide strategic guidance and oversight of the University's commitment, President Carothers
established a Council on Sustainability, led by Vice President for Administration Robert Weygand. The
Council reviews plans, provides advice on best practices, supports initiatives and imagines solutions for the
greening of URI.
The first major milestone of the commitment was to conduct an inventory of the greenhouse gas emissions
emitted by URI, which was completed in the fall of 2008 by Dr. S. Bradley Moran, Assistant Vice President
for Research Administration and Professor of Oceanography. The inventory estimated the total amount of
greenhouse gases emitted in a year from all activities on URI’s four campus including electricity, heating
and commuting to campus by faculty, staff and students.
Dr. Moran’s work paved the way for the second major milestone of the commitment, which was to develop a
Climate Action Plan to guide the University of Rhode Island through the process of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions. The URI Energy Fellows, an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate
students, were enlisted to compile this report, which sets emissions reduction goals and presents a variety
of projects, policies and programs that URI can implement over time to meet those goals.
With constant improvements in energy efficiency, alternative energy technologies and ever-changing
economic conditions, it is impossible to forecast an exact path to climate neutrality. This plan is intended to
serve as an evolving guide that will be updated every three years to reevaluate goals and proposed projects
and add new projects for future implementation.
President Carothers had the vision to set URI on the path to climate neutrality. Now, as URI’s 11 th
president, Dr. David Dooley carries on that vision through the formal adoption of a Climate Action Plan that
will guide the integration of sustainability into the culture of the University and allow our campuses to serve
as models of sustainable energy practices for the rest of society.
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Emissions inventory
HISTORICAL EMISSIONS
One of the first steps of developing this plan was to update URI’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory. Dr.
Moran’s initial efforts to inventory emissions between 1996 and 2007 made it easy to collect the necessary
data for 2008 and 2009. We used Clean Air Cool Planet’s Campus Carbon Calculator Version 6.4., a
popular tool designed to facilitate the emissions inventory process specifically for colleges and universities.
Energy consumption data is not available prior to 1996, so emissions between 1990 and 1996 have been
extrapolated based on 1996-2009 emissions.
The majority of URI’s greenhouse gas emissions come from purchased electricity at 36%, on-campus
stationary at 31% and commuting at 28% (Figure 1). On-campus stationary represents the steam plant on
the Kingston Campus, which burns primarily natural gas to heat most of the Kingston Campus buildings.
Emissions from solid waste and our vehicle fleet are much lower. It should be noted that Universitysponsored
travel is not included in these estimates due to a lack of centralized records. Because these
emissions, especially air travel, could represent a significant percentage of URI’s total emissions, attempts
should be made to quantify them in future inventory updates.
2009 URI GHG Emissions by Source
Purchased
Electricity
36%
Solid Waste
4%
On-Campus
Stationary
31%
Commuting
28%
Fleet Vehicles
1%
Figure 1. Sources of greenhouse gas emissions from URI’s four campuses based on FY09 data.
Both emissions per capita and emissions per square foot have remained relatively stable since 1996
(Figures 2 and 3), however, URI’s total emissions have increased over this time. This means that increases
in emissions have been due to increasing population, increasing building square footage or both.
25
Emissions Per Building Square Footage
7
Emissions Per Capita
6
20
kgCO2e Per Square Foot
15
10
MTCO2e Per Capita
5
4
3
2
5
1
0
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Figure 2. URI’s estimated emissions per square
foot between 1996 and 2009 (includes both
operations and commuting emissions).
0
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Figure 3. URI’s estimated emissions per capita
between 1996 and 2009.
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BUSINESS AS USUAL PROJECTION
To see where URI would be headed if it did not take any additional action to reduce emissions, we
projected two possible “business as usual” trends (Figure 4). The first method we used was a simple
projection based solely on historical emissions, which is the method used by the Clean Air Cool Planet
calculator (represented by the dark green dashed line on Figure 4).
We also developed a second possible projection that takes into account planned building growth through
2017 and an expected population cap at 2009 levels (represented by the light green dashed line on Figure
4). The resulting business as usual trajectory increases with building space until 2017 and then levels off
as no new buildings are currently planned after that year. This trajectory assumes that the University will
not increase square footage after 2017 or that any building expansion will not increase emissions, while
neither may be the case. While there is uncertainty associated with both projections, it is likely that our
business as usual emissions would be somewhere between the two projected BAU lines in Figure 4.
It is important to note that predicting the future is nearly impossible and the business as usual projection is
simply an estimate of what could happen. As more precise calculations can be made based on actual
population and square footage in the future, a more precise business as usual projection will be developed.
While the key number in relation to reductions is our base year (2005) emissions level, an approximate
business as usual trend can also help evaluate our future reductions.
140,000
URI Historical and Business As Usual Emissions
130,000
120,000
Projected Historical Emissions
Actual Historical Emissions
Projected BAU based on pop. & sq. ft.
Projected BAU based on 1996-2009
Emissions (MTCO 2 e)
110,000
100,000
90,000
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
2017
2020
2023
2026
2029
2032
2035
2038
2041
2044
2047
2050
Fiscal Year
Figure 4. Historical emissions and two possible emissions projections if URI did not implement any emissions
mitigation strategies. The Projected BAU based on pop. & sq. ft. (dark green dashed line) includes an expected
population cap at current levels and planned building growth. The Projected BAU based on 1996-2009 (light
green dashed line) is based solely on historical emissions.
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Progress to Date
TANGIBLE ACTIONS
One of the initial requirements of the ACUPCC is to immediately implement two or more tangible actions
from a list of recommendations to begin reducing greenhouse gas emissions while the Climate Action Plan
was in development. URI agreed to three tangible actions:
1. Establish a policy that all new campus construction will be built to at least the U.S. Green
Building Council’s LEED Silver standard or equivalent.
2. Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students
and visitors at our institution.
3. Participate in the waste minimization component of the national RecycleMania competition,
and adopt 3 or more associated measures to reduce waste.
LEED Silver Building Construction Policy
On August 22, 2005, Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed Executive Order 05-14, which mandates that “the
design, construction, operation and maintenance of any new, substantially expanded or renovated public
building shall incorporate and meet the standards developed by the United States Green Building Council’s
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Each such public building shall endeavor to
qualify for certification at or above the LEED Silver level.”
In compliance with these regulations, URI has constructed several buildings that are either certified or in the
process of being certified, including Hope Dining Hall, the new residence halls, the Center for Biotechnology
and Life Science and the Bay Campus’ Ocean Sciences and Exploration Center. Planned LEED buildings
include a new laboratory and education facility for the pharmacy department, scheduled for completion in
2012, and a new residence hall.
Public Transportation
URI partners with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to provide public transportation for the
campus communities. The 66 bus route provides hourly service from Providence (including URI’s
Providence Campus) to Galilee making many stops along the way, including URI’s main campus in
Kingston. The 64 bus route runs from URI’s Kingston Campus to Newport, stopping at URI’s Narragansett
Bay Campus on the way. Both routes also service the Kingston Train Station, which will be connected to
Providence and Boston via high-speed light rail in the near future. To incentivize use of public
transportation, the University offers a 50% subsidized bus pass for all students, faculty and staff. Intracampus
shuttle service, which runs throughout the day and into the evening, is also contracted with RIPTA.
These shuttles provide connections between various on-campus locations, such as residence and dining
halls, academic buildings, the student union and the athletic center. URI also encourages commuters to
form carpools by taking advantage of RIPTA's RideShare program and AlterNetRides, a free online ridematching
system.
Waste Minimization
The University also committed to enhancing existing initiatives and undertaking new initiatives to reduce its
waste stream. Since the initial commitment in 2007, URI has replaced paper documents with online
alternatives whenever possible, including switching to online directories, course catalogs, grade distribution
and bill pay systems. In 2006, URI began participating in RecyleMania, a nationwide campus recycling
competition, and now boasts a 40% recycling rate. An office supply exchange program has been
established, along with a system to report wasteful practices and offer waste reduction suggestions.
Finally, an educational program on waste minimization has been developed and is featured in new student
handbooks, orientation materials and public displays.
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PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING
In May 2007, URI entered into an $18.1 million performance contract with NORESCO, an energy service
company, to systematically implement efficiency and conservation measures. The cost of implementing
these measures was fronted by NORESCO and will be paid back with the realized cost savings.
NORESCO conducted comprehensive building energy audits, measured energy consumption and
implemented the most cost-effective measures to increase energy efficiency on all four URI campuses.
This work happened in six phases: Athletic Center, Memorial Union, Providence & Bay Campuses, Housing
and Residential Life, Academic and Administrative Buildings and “Project 6”. The last phase is scheduled
for completion in October 2010. These projects will result in a reduction of 12,854 metric tons carbon
dioxide equivalent (MTCO 2 e) (see Appendix A for definition). For the purposes of this report these
reductions are considered achieved and therefore are not included in the future reduction goals.
Table 1. Energy and emissions savings to date from projects completed under the current performance
contract.
Energy
Source
Units
Athletic
Center
Memorial
Union
Bay &
Providence
Campus
Housing &
Residential
Life
Academic Project 6 Total
Electricity kWh 1,626,102 504,136 1,309,598 1,291,724 4,471,542 (336,019) 8,867,083
#2 Oil Gal 0 0 0 (81) 14,309 275 14,503
Natural Gas-
Steam
Natural Gas-
Other
CCF 252,439 66,129 0 141,325 170,356 40,605 670,853
CCF 0 0 47,089 26,331 2,894 615 76,699
Propane Gal 0 0 0 0 568 0 568
TOTAL MTCO 2e 2,785 771 1,052 1,959 3,869 140 10,575
Note: Parenthesis indicates a negative number.
ATHLETIC CENTER AND MEMORIAL UNION
Keaney Gymnasium Building, Mackal Field House, Tootell Aquatics Center, Memorial Union
The building’s original lighting fixtures were replaced with fixtures containing high efficiency bulbs, 30-watt
T8 lamps, and the original magnetic ballasts were replaced with high efficiency electronic ballasts. Original
fixtures already containing T8 lamps and electronic ballasts had lamps replaced with new 30-watt T8 lamps
for energy savings and consistency, with the original ballast unchanged. The original gym lighting fixtures
were replaced with new fixtures containing T5 high efficiency lamps and electronic ballast. This measure
improved the quality of light, provided more uniform light, better color rendition as well as energy savings.
Occupancy sensors were installed in areas where feasible.
New lighting systems in the Mackal Field House were also tied into a daylight harvester to further reduce
fixture energy consumption on days where substantial illumination is provided from sunlight coming through
the translucent panels. The harvester was set to maintain the desired light levels and fixtures automatically
adjust as necessary.
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PROVIDENCE AND NARRAGANSETT BAY CAMPUSES
Lighting and Lighting Controls
NORESCO proposed to optimize the existing light systems using the most current energy conservation
products. This was accomplished through installing occupancy sensors, retrofitting existing components,
and installing new high efficiency fixtures. NORESCO’s strategy was to provide a premium efficiency
lighting system that would save kilowatt (kW) demand by upgrading or replacing the existing system. They
then evaluated the occupancy and lighting control strategies where applicable, to further reduce the kilowatt
hour (kWh) consumption. NORESCO identified a scope of work that generated energy savings and
provided optimum light levels. Additional electricity savings resulted from the reduced heat given off by the
new lights which reduced the air conditioning usage for the buildings that have cooling. The interactivity
between the lighting and the cooling and heating systems has been accounted for in the savings
calculations.
Energy Management Systems and Retro-Commissioning
NORESCO provided a combination of new and upgraded direct digital control energy management systems
at the URI Narragansett Bay Campus. With the exception of buildings and areas that were provided with
programmable thermostats, this measure included web-based control and monitoring of the buildings,
implementation of updated energy savings strategies and scheduling of HVAC equipment, the proper
functioning of existing energy management system software/hardware and equipment control components,
and a budget for the repair or replacement of control equipment identified during retro-commissioning.
NORESCO also reviewed the existing direct digital control hardware to ensure that the buildings’ systems
were operating properly and utilizing the most efficient control strategies available while all damper and
valve actuators were tested and calibrated. NORESCO installed new direct digital control energy
management systems in designated buildings which reduced energy consumption, increased system
reliability, and improved occupant comfort. Both the energy savings and peripheral benefits were achieved
by optimizing the function of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including
modulation of air handling unit fans and adjustment of both system water temperatures and heating zone
temperatures according to facility use and occupancy. The result was reduced electric, heating, and
cooling energy consumption, and the increased ability for the operating and maintenance staff to monitor,
control, operate and maintain individual buildings’ HVAC and controls systems.
Weatherization
The lack of a weather-tight seal on exterior penetrations on buildings throughout campus contributed to
unnecessary energy loss on a year round basis. NORESCO installed new heavy-duty weather stripping on
exterior doors and sealed other identified penetrations in these buildings. This measure reduced heating
and cooling consumption, and improved occupant comfort by reducing drafts and localized space
temperature variations.
Variable Frequency Drives and New Premium Efficiency Motors
NORESCO retrofitted the existing Watkins Lab (Bay Campus) variable air volume make-up air unit (MUA-1)
with a new premium efficiency supply fan motor, variable frequency drive, and direct digital controls. This
upgrade reduced the energy consumption of the existing system while improving overall performance. In
addition, NORESCO upgraded the MUA-2 supply air fan motor and a hot water pump with new premium
efficiency motors. Energy-efficient electric motors reduce energy losses through improved design, better
materials, and improved manufacturing techniques. With proper installation, energy-efficient motors run
cooler and consequently have higher service factors, longer bearing and insulation life, and less vibration.
New Chiller and Boiler at the Coastal Institute (Bay Campus)
NORESCO removed the existing gas-fired chiller/heater absorber and installed both a new high efficiency
electric chiller and a gas-fired condensing hot water boiler. The original chiller/heater struggled to meet
existing cooling load variations particularly, and these deficiencies resulted in costly maintenance and
service issues as well as comfort condition complaints. The new equipment installed under this measure
has reduced energy consumption costs through improved hot and chilled water system efficiencies,
improved performance under varying conditions, and reduced current maintenance and service costs. Both
the new chiller and boiler included new direct digital controls and monitoring interfaced with the existing
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uilding energy management system. Modifications to the existing primary loop system, such as new
piping, service valves, hangers and insulation were included, as were new electrical wiring, conduit, and
related materials.
Heating System Improvements at Horn Laboratory
The Horn Laboratory building used a ten-stage electric preheat coil for its constant volume air handler unit,
which provided make-up air for the building’s laboratory spaces. These laboratories also had twenty-four
electric reheat coils in the air distribution system for local zone control of space temperature. These
systems were at least forty years old and were increasingly costly to service and maintain. The electrical
infrastructure of the building was approaching its useful service life limits, and at current rates electricity was
not the most cost effective method of providing building heat. NORESCO replaced the existing air handler
and reheat coil systems with a new variable air volume air handler and reheat coil system utilizing hot water
heating, including a new high efficiency condensing boiler and hot water distribution system. These new
systems, coupled with a new direct digital control energy management system, reduced energy
consumption and costs, increased the controllability of the heating system and comfort conditions and
reduced maintenance, service and repair costs.
Replaced the Paff Auditorium Ceiling Tiles and Install Demand Control Ventilation
The Paff Auditorium at the URI Providence Campus’ Shepard Building suffered from poor air quality when
the ventilation system was not used for extended periods. Students as well as faculty and staff noticed an
unpleasant odor in the room following reduced ventilation events such as weekend setbacks and routine
maintenance. In an attempt to eliminate or dilute this odor, the facilities personnel were forced to increase
the minimum outside air ventilation rate and to cycle the air handler unit unnecessarily during normally
unoccupied hours. After extensive investigation by the facilities staff and an indoor air quality consultant,
the odor was traced to the ceiling tiles currently installed in the auditorium. Evidence suggests that the tiles
may have been manufactured with butyric acid concentrations above the manufacturer’s specifications,
which led to off-gassing and the resultant foul odor. NORESCO removed and disposed of these ceiling
tiles, replacing them with new tiles that met the original material and finish specifications. Additionally,
NORESCO installed a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) demand control ventilation (DCV) system, as well as an
additional space temperature sensor, integrated with the existing energy management system that controls
the auditorium air handler. These control upgrades, in conjunction with the new ceiling tiles, allow the air
handler to run using more efficient operating schedules as well as optimizing the auditorium’s air quality.
This measure significantly reduced heating and cooling costs while improving the air quality and comfort
conditions in the Paff Auditorium.
Replaced Ticket Booth with New Doorway to Provide Efficient Operation
Visitors to the Paff Auditorium at the URI Providence Campus’ Shepard Building once entered the seating
area by travelling through the student lounge. This required the operation of two air handling units to
provide ventilation air for the separate spaces. By replacing the existing auditorium ticket booth with a
dedicated entrance, the student lounge and the air handler that served it no longer need to be utilized. This
allows a reduction in the air handler run hours and reduces energy consumption and costs associated with
operating the unit.
HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
Lighting Upgrades and Controls
Although many of the lighting systems in URI’s dorms were already efficient, NORESCO identified
significant opportunity for additional savings. As part of these improvements, NORESCO:
• Installed a high efficient lighting system and replaced human interface device luminaries with new,
energy-efficient high-output linear fluorescent luminaries.
• Replaced regularly used incandescent fixtures with new compact fluorescent lamps and new linear
fluorescent fixtures.
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• Replaced the few remaining fluorescent and incandescent exit signs with new high-efficiency exit
signs containing LED lamps.
• Installed occupancy controls to turn off lighting in specific areas including all dormitories and office
areas, as well as halls and bathrooms.
Steam Trap Upgrades
High pressure steam generated at the central boiler plant and distributed throughout the URI campus is
used in many of the Housing & Residential Life buildings for space conditioning and domestic hot water
heating. An integral component of this steam system is the method of removing condensate from the
distribution system and end use equipment for return to the central boiler plant. During the detailed audit,
NORESCO performed a survey of the steam traps throughout the URI Kingston campus and found a
significant number of traps that were not operating properly. They replaced faulty steam traps with new,
properly functioning traps which improved comfort conditions and reduced thermal energy losses.
NORESCO also replaced mechanical steam traps with new venturi type steam traps to reduce energy and
maintenance costs.
Weatherization and Attic Insulation
A significant number of the exterior doors on the Housing and Residential Life and auxiliary buildings have
inadequate weather stripping. The lack of a weather-tight seal on exterior penetrations contributes to
unnecessary energy loss on a year round basis from both conditioned air exfiltration and unconditioned air
infiltration. It is essential that external penetrations be sealed against these conditions.
Additionally, NORESCO engineers noted that some buildings had insufficient levels of attic insulation. This
deficient condition primarily contributes to excess transmission and conductive heating and cooling energy
losses. Providing additional insulation in these spaces is a cost effective way to reduce these losses while
also improving comfort conditions.
NORESCO installed new weather stripping and perimeter sealings on the single, double, and overhead
doors of the selected buildings. In addition, leaky penetrations such as at the roof/wall joints identified in
the scope of work were sealed. NORESCO also installed attic blown-in cellulose to an overall R38
insulation value. These measures significantly reduced air infiltration, exfiltration, transmission, and
conductive energy losses, effectively reducing heating and cooling consumption while improving occupant
comfort by reducing drafts and localized space temperature variations.
Energy Management System Improvements
NORESCO provided a combination of upgraded direct digital control energy management systems and
retro-commissioning for the existing-to-remain direct digital control systems and control end devices for the
Housing and Residential Life buildings. These improvements:
• Provided web-based control and monitoring of selected buildings (“Replace Old energy
management systems”).
• Implemented updated energy savings strategies and scheduling of HVAC equipment.
• Provided proper operation and functionality of existing energy management systems
software/hardware and control components.
• Provided a budget for the repair or replacement of control equipment end-devices identified as
deficient during the retro-commissioning process.
These improvements resulted in reduced electric, heating, and cooling energy consumption, and an
increased ability for the operating and maintenance staff to monitor, control, operate and maintain HVAC
and controls systems for buildings included in the scope of this measure.
Boiler Controls
NORESCO installed new boiler control systems in the University Gateway Apartments Service Building and
the Dining Services Distribution Center to provide increased functional efficiency of the heating system
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oilers. This measure reduced heating energy consumption while improving occupant comfort by avoiding
overheating on mild days.
Programmable Thermostats
NORESCO installed new programmable thermostats to provide the University the ability to schedule
occupied/unoccupied periods and space temperature setpoints for the selected systems. This measure
reduced energy consumption while improving occupant comfort by providing more accurate space
temperature control.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves
NORESCO installed new thermostatic radiator valves in the University Gateway Apartment Buildings to
provide occupants with the ability to manually adjust and automatically regulate individual emitter heating
output. This measure reduced heating and cooling energy consumption while significantly improving
occupant comfort by allowing for greater space temperature control.
Energy Conservation Through Behavior Change
In the fall of 2008, NORESCO implemented a campus-wide conservation behavior change program
specifically tailored for the University of Rhode Island. This holistic approach facilitates interaction with, and
increases the effectiveness of, all existing URI and NORESCO Energy Conservation Measures. It also
engages students and staff in generating additional energy savings on their own. By motivating individuals
to voluntarily engage in specific energy conserving behaviors the program promotes a culture of energy
efficiency while complementing other existing facility-based conservation activities.
Figure 5. Results of NORESO’s pre- and post-program surveys to students living in residence halls.
Shortly after move-in day in early September 2008, students residing in on-campus dormitories were
surveyed on their knowledge and awareness of energy use and conservation techniques. NORESCO
focused on three behaviors: shower time, computer use and fan/AC use. Residential Advisors in residence
halls were trained on ways to promote and encourage energy conservation among their students. At the
end of the fall semester, students were given the same survey and the results were overwhelmingly
positive. Substantially higher numbers of students reported awareness and practice of energy conservation
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measures such as turning off their computers and fans/ACs when not in use. Students even reported
increased adoption of behaviors that were not targeted by the program such as turning off lights and TVs
and recycling.
ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS
Lighting Upgrades and Controls
Although many of URI’s lighting systems were already efficient, NORESCO identified significant opportunity
for savings associated with the lighting systems. As part of these improvements, NORESCO:
• Installed high efficient lighting systems replacing the existing inefficient lamps and magnetic ballasts.
• Replaced regularly used incandescent fixtures with new compact fluorescent lamps and new linear
fluorescent fixtures.
• Replaced the few remaining fluorescent and incandescent exit signs with new high-efficiency exit
signs containing LED lamps.
• Installed occupancy controls to turn off lighting in conference rooms, office areas, classrooms, halls
and bathrooms.
Steam Trap Upgrades
NORESCO performed a survey of the steam traps throughout the University of Rhode Island campus. This
survey found a significant number of traps that were not operating properly. NORESCO replaced faulty
steam traps with new, properly functioning traps to improve comfort conditions and reduce thermal energy
losses. Further, NORESCO provided a long-term maintenance and service program for the installed steam
traps to ensure proper operation and savings persistence.
EMS Improvements
NORESCO provided a combination of new, expanded, or replacement direct digital control energy
management systems and Retro-Commissioning for the original-to-remain direct digital control systems and
control end devices for the Academic and Administrative buildings. These improvements:
• Provided new, web-based control and monitoring of selected buildings (“Install New energy
management systems” and “Replace Old energy management systems”).
• Implemented updated energy savings strategies and scheduling of HVAC equipment.
• Provided proper operation and functionality of existing energy management systems
software/hardware and control components.
• Provided a budget for the repair or replacement of control equipment end-devices identified as
deficient during the retro-commissioning process.
The result was reduced electric, heating, and cooling energy consumption, and an increased ability for the
operating and maintenance staff to monitor, control, operate and maintain HVAC and controls systems for
buildings included in the scope of this measure.
Boiler Controls
NORESCO installed new, automated boiler controls to provide for optimization of the buildings’ boiler
system. This measure reduced fuel consumption while improving occupant comfort by allowing for
increased heating system control.
Variable Frequency Drives and Efficient Motors
NORESCO identified several systems across campus that would benefit from variable frequency drive
installations and premium motor upgrades. Variable frequency drives were installed in Chafee, Food
Science, and the Cancer Prevention and Research buildings which reduced the energy consumption of the
existing systems and improved overall performance. Upon completion, the variable frequency drive and
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motor upgrade allowed for reduced energy consumption and tighter response to transient zone conditions,
effectively providing the building occupants with increased comfort.
In addition to variable frequency drive installations, NORESCO installed motor upgrades at several
locations across campus. In each location a new, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
rated premium efficiency motor reduced energy losses through improved design, better materials, and
improved manufacturing techniques. With proper installation, energy-efficient motors run cooler and
consequently have higher service factors, longer bearing and insulation life, and less vibration.
Programmable Thermostats
NORESCO installed new programmable thermostats to provide the University the ability to schedule
occupied/unoccupied periods and space temperature setpoints for the selected systems. This measure
reduced energy consumption while improving occupant comfort by providing more accurate space
temperature control.
Comprehensive Library Improvements
NORESCO provided an expansion and retro-commissioning of the existing-to-remain direct digital control
energy management systems and control end devices for the Library building. These improvements:
• Added variable frequency drives, control hardware and software components to the existing
energy management systems.
• Implemented updated energy savings strategies and scheduling of HVAC equipment.
• Provided correct operation and proper functionality of existing energy management systems
software/hardware and control components.
• Provided a budget for the repair or upgrade of control equipment end-devices identified as
deficient during the retro-commissioning process.
• Provided turnkey Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing services and an as-built report for both the air
and hot water systems.
The result was reduced electric, heating, and cooling energy consumption, and an increased ability for the
operating and maintenance staff to monitor, control, operate and maintain the HVAC and controls systems
while improving comfort conditions for the occupants.
PROJECT 6
Project 6 is the sixth phase of the NORESCO contract and consists of an assortment of various efficiency
projects for all campuses.
Lighting Upgrades and Controls
URI and NORESCO identified additional opportunities to reduce energy consumption of lighting systems. In
addition to reducing utility costs, these improvements improved lighting quality.
• Rodman Hall Drafting Room: Retrofit the existing incandescent pendant mounted fixtures and
incandescent task lights with fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps and ballasts.
• Lighting Improvements in White Hall, Bliss Hall and Ranger Hall: Install high-efficiency lighting
systems replacing the existing inefficient lamps and magnetic ballasts.
Aquaculture Recirculation System
The University’s Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science uses East Farm’s Building 14 as
its Aquaculture Center. The facility houses a large stock of fish to carry out its various ongoing research
grants and initiatives. The center originally utilized a single-pass flow-through system to provide life support
for the specimens. This system used municipal water from the Kingston water district (drawn from the
Chipuxet Aquifer), which flows through the tanks and immediately down the drain. The effluent water is
piped to a nearby settling pond on the campus.
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The flow-through system used over 50 million gallons of fresh water per year to provide life support for the
fish (this volume was projected to increase as research activity at the site continues to grow). This not only
caused a financial burden on the University, but also a resource burden on the local aquifer. Via the
execution of this measure, NORESCO furnished and installed research grade water recirculation systems
to treat and condition the water used in the tanks. The implementation of this measure provided the
Aquaculture Center with reduced operating costs and helped foster an image of resource conservation.
The systems also allowed students to learn the technology of recirculation aquaculture systems, a valuable
tool for students graduating from the program.
Variable Frequency Drive for Well Pump #4
NORESCO retrofitted the existing pump at East Farm with a new premium efficiency inverter-rated motor,
new variable frequency drive, and associated controls. The variable frequency drive control system was
integrated into the existing SCADA system and incorporated the existing Ross valve. Consistent with the
current operating practice and to prevent stagnation of the tank, the variable frequency drive and motor
cycles to maintain storage tank level between 31 and 33.5 feet as measured by the existing sensor located
at the storage tank. The new variable frequency drive and premium efficiency motor reduced pump energy
and provided improved control and monitoring capability.
New Windows for Tyler Hall
NORESCO installed new windows to decrease the buildings’ heating and cooling requirements, which
reduced energy costs and improved comfort for the building occupants through reduced outside air
infiltration and thermal transfer of heat energy. Additionally, NORESCO provided 16 new Energy Star air
conditioning units installed on the old wing.
Thermostatic Radiator Valves
NORESCO installed new thermostatic radiator valves to provide occupants with the ability to manually
adjust and automatically regulate individual emitter heating output. This measure reduced heating and
cooling energy consumption while significantly improving occupant comfort by allowing for greater space
temperature control.
STUDENT LED EFFORTS
Students are a major driving force behind URI’s sustainability movement. Here are some examples of
student-led initiatives that have contributed to emissions reductions and sustainability on campus.
Carpool Parking Lot Pilot Project
During the spring and fall 2009 semesters, students piloted a carpool program as part of a class project.
They worked with Parking Services to reserve about 50 carpool spaces for two weeks in a lot that is
normally reserved for faculty and staff, offered Subway sandwich coupons to participants and staffed the lot
in the morning hours to enforce the two-people per car rule. Despite limited promotion resources and short
trial periods, the projects were successful demonstrated that providing some simple carpool incentives
could encourage commuters to carpool more often.
Green Campus Coalition
Most recently, a group of students formed the Green Campus Coalition, a monthly forum for URI students,
faculty, staff, administrators, and local community members and businesses to share ideas and find support
for projects aimed at improving our university's environmental stewardship. Organized by URI students, the
Green Campus Coalition evolved out of a growing need for unified efforts on projects and initiatives that are
seeking to promote the changes that society must make in order to ensure an ecologically and economically
stable future. Many members of our community have already taken steps toward this goal, but there
remains the critical need for a forum where all of our efforts can be made known, find wider support and,
most importantly, operate on the same wavelength. There's strength in numbers, and we hope you will want
join others in the community in these important efforts.
Monthly meetings are open to all interested individuals and groups, and will provide an opportunity for
student groups (academic and extracurricular), faculty and staff to inform the community of current and
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future projects, seek feedback, make connections, and find community support in the form of project
participation and funding. We think that this forum is necessary so that interested community members can
get regular updates on the numerous "green" initiatives that are going on and how they can get involved.
Student Sustainability Fund Projects
In 2009, Provost Donald DeHayes established a competitive grant program to fund student sustainability
projects that focus on energy, transportation, water or recycling. This program will be continued in the
future and will likely target whole classes that are interested in taking on projects guided by their instructor.
Interested classes could be encouraged to undertake projects recommended in the Climate Action Plan to
simultaneously provide students with experiential learning and reduce URI’s carbon footprint.
URI Student Action for Sustainability
Student Action for Sustainability is a student senate recognized organization focused on increasing
awareness of environmental issues on campus and organizing initiatives that address these challenges. In
fall of 2009, SAS was awarded a grant from the Student Sustainability Fund to implement a compact
fluorescent (CFL) light bulb exchange program in two dormitory buildings on campus. Members of Student
Action for Sustainability went door-to-door in Adams and Browning Halls asking residents to switch their
incandescent desk lamp light bulbs for energy-saving CFL light bulbs that were provided to them for free.
This was part of a pilot project to encourage dorm residents to be more energy conscious. The pilot project
was so successful that Student Action for Sustainability plans to expand program to include all freshman
dormitories on campus as part of move-in week.
Student Action for Sustainability also plans URI’s annual Earth Day Festival which is traditionally limited to a
one-day event in April that features educational workshops, environmental vendors and organizations, fun
activities and music on the quad. For 2010, Student Action for Sustainability is planning an Earth Week that
will include the original festival on April 22 and also a gubernatorial debate on environmental issues, an
environmental movie screening and a community dinner featuring foods from local farms. These events will
engage URI students and the Rhode Island community in environmental and energy issues and encourage
a collaborative effort in developing and implementing local solutions for these global challenges.
URI Green Links
URI Green Links is a central web-based directory (www.uri.edu/greenlinks) that offers a current listing of
web links to all “green” initiatives being undertaken by URI students, faculty, staff and the administration.
Launched on Earth Day 2009, the site was created by Jill Diehl a graduate student in the Master’s of
Communication Studies program. Community members are encouraged to contact the web administrator to
add new or missing initiatives. This centralized collection of sustainability initiatives works to stimulate
opportunities for multidisciplinary research and academic collaborations; enhance visibility, build
awareness, and integrate communication across campus; enhance development of alternative energy and
green products; increase awareness and use of alternative transportation; promote sustainable ideas and
initiatives by students, faculty, and administrators; and encourage public and private support for green
initiatives.
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Reduction goals
By implementing the suite of recommended projects, policies and programs described in this report, URI
can achieve significant reductions in a relatively short period of time. The University will aim to achieve
reduction targets of 2005 levels by 2015, 10% below 2005 levels by 2020, 40% by 2030, 45% by 2040 and
50% by 2050 (Figure 5). A base year of 2005 was selected because it was prior to implementation of largescale
energy efficiency measures. These goals have been set based on conservative estimates of
emissions savings for all analyzed projects, taking into consideration time for project development and
implementation (Table 2).
This reductions trajectory is just one of many possible scenarios. In general, projects with lower initial costs
and quicker paybacks were scheduled for implementation in the earlier years. It was assumed that the cost
savings realized from these initial projects could be used to support the implementation of projects with
higher costs and longer payback periods.
140,000
URI GHG Emissions Reduction Goal
120,000
Emissions (MTCO 2 e)
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
Projected Historical Emissions
Actual Historical Emissions
Projected BAU based on pop. & sq. ft
Projected BAU based on 1996-2009
Emissions Goal
0
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
2017
2020
2023
2026
2029
2032
2035
2038
2041
2044
2047
2050
Fiscal Year
Figure 5. Tentative emissions trajectory if URI implements all proposed mitigation strategies.
The primary challenge associated with meeting these targets will be securing funding for projects with high
capital costs (see Financing section). Additionally, with constant improvements in energy efficiency and
alternative energy technologies and ever-changing economic conditions, it is impossible to forecast an
exact path to climate neutrality. For these reasons, this document is intended to serve as a guide or a
starting place. Reduction targets and recommended projects will be reevaluated every three years.
A date for climate neutrality has not been set as more projects would have to be analyzed and it is difficult
to predict what those projects might be on such a long timeline. This plan will be updated every three years
to reevaluate proposed projects, add new projects for future implementation and update our reduction
goals. A date for climate neutrality will be set as soon as possible.
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Project
Avg. Annual
Cost
Avg. Annual
Benefits
MTCO 2e/year
Reduced
% of Total
Reduction
5 YEAR TARGET – 2005 LEVELS BY 2015
Biodiesel Fuel Transition $2,748 $0 3,734 7%
NORESCO Project 7 - Option A $701,170 $1,246,233 3,259 6%
Nightly Desktop Shutdown $0 $423,098 1,323 2%
Increased Bus Trip Frequency $0 $0 1,125 2%
Real-time Energy Monitoring $14,482 $205,565 610 1%
Heating Setpoint $9,091 $174,133 445 1%
Transportation Marketing Program $5,000 $0 319 1%
Cooling Setpoint $9,091 $814,539 240

Recommended Mitigation Strategies
In order to create realistic reduction targets, we developed and analyzed a variety of potential projects and
policies that would reduce our GHG emissions. The projects section, broken down by efficiency,
conservation, renewable energy and transportation projects, describes how we envisioned these initiatives
in action and estimates associated costs and carbon mitigation potential. We also list additional projects
that were not analyzed but should be considered in the future. The policies section suggests a suite of
protocols and procedures relating to construction, purchasing, computers and electronics, residence halls,
space utilization and transportation. When possible, potential emissions savings from these policies have
been estimated in the projects section.
PROJECTS
The following projects have been assessed based on best available data and conservative assumptions.
These assessments are intended as initial evaluations to guide the process of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Many projects will require additional analysis and in some cases large-scale feasibility studies
before implementation can begin, especially for projects beyond the 5-year target. For transparency and to
assist future project reevaluations, we have attempted to document all assumptions and analytical methods.
140,000
URI GHG Emissions Reductions by Project Category
120,000
100,000
Projected Historical
Emissions
Actual Historical
Emissions
Projected BAU based
on pop. & sq. ft.
Emissions (MTCO 2 e)
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
1990
1993
1996
1999
2002
2005
2008
2011
2014
2017
2020
2023
Fiscal Year
Conservation 5% of Total Recommended
Efficiency 60%
Renewables 19%
Transportation 16%
2026
2029
2032
2035
2038
2041
2044
2047
2050
Projected BAU based
on 1996-2009
Reductions from
Conservation
Projects
Reductions from
Efficiency Projects
Reductions from
Renewable Energy
Projects
Reductions from
Transportation
Projects
Figure 6. Cumulative estimated emissions reductions for each project category (measured against the
business as usual projection based on population and square footage).
Figure 6 depicts the reductions that could be achieved by implementing all recommended projects right
now. While not intended to be realistic representation of URI’s emissions reduction trajectory, this graph
clearly shows the overall impact of each category of projects (relative to the business as usual trend based
on population and square footage). All recommended conservation projects would reduce emissions by
2,795 MTCO 2 e, efficiency by 31,802 MTCO 2 e (primarily as a result of the proposed combined heat and
power plant), renewable energy by 10,348 MTCO 2 e and transportation by 8,154 for a total of 53,459
MTCO 2 e reduced below our business as usual trend (Appendix B).
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EFFICIENCY PROJECTS
Having been engaged in a performance contract with NORESCO for the past few years, URI has gotten a
jumpstart on increasing the efficiency of its building operations. It is estimated that this work has resulted in
a 10% decrease in URI’s total energy consumption. Current NORESCO projects are scheduled for
completion in October 2010 and additional work has been proposed but not confirmed. Because
NORESCO’s work is so comprehensive, there were few additional projects to be recommended by this
plan. Our major efficiency-related recommendation is to convert the existing on-campus steam plant into a
highly efficient combined heat and power system. While this project would be a major capital expense, it
has a payback of just seven years after which time the University would begin saving millions in avoided
energy costs. If URI were to implement all recommended efficiency projects, it would reduce its total GHG
emissions by 33,029 MTCO 2 e, representing 61% of the total reductions proposed in this plan.
Table 2. Financial analysis of proposed energy efficiency projects.
Project Name
NORESCO
Project 7A
(Combined)
NORESCO
Project 7B
(Academic)
NORESCO
Project 7C
(HRL)
NORESCO
Project 7D
(Auxiliary)
NORESCO
Project 8 and
Beyond
10 MW
Combined Heat
& Power Plant
Vending and
Snack Misers
Duration
(years)
Total Initial
Cost
Average
Discounted
Annual
Cash Flow
Net Present
Value
Discounted
Payback
Period
(years)
Annual
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Total
Lifetime
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
15 $6,839,000 $535,063 $5,806,347 11.6 3,259 48,885
15 $6,316,000 $494,008 $5,284,226 12.2 2,858 42,870
15 $283,000 $149,718 $1,584,875 12.5 125 1,875
15 $240,000 $34,516 $369,993 4.8 276 4,140
15 $7,115,000 ($454,237) ($4,869,205) No Payback 1,293 19,395
40 $32,000,000 $2,162,945 $88,680,759 7 27,142 1,085,680
25 $17,740 $18,785 $488,411 1 105 2,627
Outdoor Lighting 25 $325,000 $8,195 $213,077 13 3 81
Note: Parenthesis indicates a negative number.
NORESCO Project 7 and Project 8
NORESCO has proposed additional energy efficiency and conservation measures for future implementation
at the University of Rhode Island. While these contracts have not yet been awarded, they are included in
this Climate Action Plan to show potential future projects that may help achieve our reduction goals. Project
7 includes several options. Option A is the combined option, where all measures in Options B, C and D are
included. Option B includes measures for Academic buildings only. Measures in Option C are for
additional upgrades to Housing and Residential Life buildings. Option D describes measures for the
University’s Auxiliary buildings. Project 8 provides additional measures for Academic buildings located on
the Kingston and Bay campuses. The proposed measures are discussed below.
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Combined Heat and Power Study (NORESCO Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO will perform a study to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of installing a
combined heat and power system. The objective will be to conceptually develop a combined heat
and power system that would operate year-round to simultaneously generate electricity and steam
heat to serve the University’s electric and steam heating needs, therefore reducing utility costs.
Lighting Upgrades at Satellite Campuses (Project 7, Option B)
Opportunities remain to improve the efficiency of the remaining older lighting systems, primarily at
the satellite campuses including East Farm, Peckham Farm, and W. Alton Jones. This upgrade
would provide the University with standardized, high efficiency systems across all campuses, such
as the 30 watt T8 fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts already installed at the Kingston,
Providence and Bay Campuses.
Lighting Occupancy Sensors (Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO has installed lighting occupancy sensors in the largest buildings throughout the
Kingston, Providence and Bay Campuses to shut off lights when not in use. However, there are
further additional opportunities in select locations. Additional cost effective occupancy sensors will
be installed in the remainder of the buildings without sensors. Potential sensor applications in the
Library and the lobby of the Fine Arts Center will be reevaluated.
Weatherization and Attic Insulation (Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO installed weather stripping and attic insulation in the Housing and Residential Life
buildings. This measure will expand the scope to the academic and administrative buildings.
Throughout these buildings, NORESCO will weather strip exterior doors, seal roof penetrations
such as exhaust fan openings, and install attic insulation to save heating and cooling energy.
These improvements will reduce cold drafts in the winter and hot drafts in the summer, improving
occupant comfort. Additionally, the cost savings from these quick payback improvements will help
fund other projects with longer payback periods.
Expand Energy Management Systems (Project 7, Option B, C)
In prior projects, NORESCO worked with the University to prioritize select buildings with the
greatest need and benefit from expanding and installing new energy management systems.
However, many buildings still have older control systems which are not capable of providing the
level of precision building control as compared to modern systems. NORESCO will investigate
upgrading these energy management systems or installing new direct digital control systems in
additional buildings to deliver energy savings as well as improved monitoring and control capability.
Retro-Commission Existing Controls (Project 7, Option B, C)
NORESCO will retro-commission existing energy management systems in buildings not included in
prior phases. Additional opportunities in buildings included in prior phases will be explored upon
the University’s request. Retro-commissioning existing control systems reduces wasted energy use
and uncovers maintenance problems through: review of control sequences; functional testing of
end devices; point-to-point checkout of existing hardware; sensor checkout and calibration; and
repair of selected failed or malfunctioning control devices.
Steam Traps (Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO installed venturi steam traps throughout the Kingston Campus in prior phases of work.
However, the traps that serve the distribution system and located in the manholes have not been
retrofitted. Steam traps will be replaced in the manholes with mechanical or conventional steam
traps.
Programmable Thermostats (Project 7, Option B, C)
NORESCO successfully installed programmable thermostats in earlier phases of work. The
University has indicated an interest in installing programmable thermostats in any additional
buildings that may benefit from setback controls, such as Graduate Student Housing and
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University-owned houses. NORESCO will investigate both conventional and occupancy-based
programmable thermostats for these locations as appropriate.
Boiler Controls (Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO plans to install automated boiler controls in the following locations: Gordon Research
Center, East Farm, Peckham Farm, and West Alton Jones Campus. This measure will reduce fuel
consumption while improving occupant comfort by allowing for increased heating system control.
Variable Frequency Drives and Efficient Motors (Project 7, Option B)
Installing variable frequency drives and premium efficiency motors can significantly reduce electric
energy use. As an added benefit, variable frequency drives provide a “soft start” for the motors,
reducing the wear-and-tear on bearings and belts. Buildings with variable frequency drives and
premium efficiency motor opportunities include Ballentine Hall, Kirk Center, White Hall and Pastore
Hall.
Fume Hood Improvements (Project 7, Option B)
Many of the University’s research facilities utilize fume hood systems to contain and exhaust fumes
and chemicals. These fume hood systems require significant quantities of outside air which is
heated and cooled year-round at a substantial cost to the University. Installing automatic controls
or replacing the conventional fume hoods with low-flow hoods can save energy and provide
improved monitoring and control capability. NORESCO will investigate opportunities to reduce
energy through controls or other improvements, such as Aircuity Optinet and other conventional
fume hood control technologies.
New Chiller at Morrill Hall (Project 7, Option B)
The chiller and boiler at Morrill Hall are inefficient and in need of replacement. Installing a new high
efficiency chiller and boiler will reduce energy and maintenance costs.
New Boilers at Food Science and Turf Research (Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO will assess the potential for installing new efficient heating systems at the Food Science
and Turf Research facilities to reduce heating and maintenance costs.
Library HVAC Improvements (Project 7, Option B)
NORESCO is currently performing a retro-commissioning study to identify improvements to the
existing controls such as dampers, actuators, and sensors. However, these retro-commissioning
improvements may not address other problems related to the HVAC systems. During the next
phase, NORESCO will review the results of the retro-commissioning and energy management
system improvements currently underway with the University to identify additional needs and
improvements to the Library HVAC systems.
New Rooftop Units at Middleton Building (Project 7, Option B)
The rooftop units at the Bay Campus’ Middleton Building are old, inefficient and nearing the end of
their useful lives. NORESCO recommends replacing these units with more efficient systems to
reduce energy and maintenance costs. They will also investigate coatings, materials, and other
options that are designed to better withstand harsh coastal environments.
Kitchen Hood Controls at Hope and Butterfield Dining Halls (Project 7, Option D)
Uncontrolled kitchen hoods exhaust a constant volume of conditioned air regardless of cooking
activity. We will study installing control systems on the hoods and the ventilation systems to
modulate the exhaust and makeup airflow rates based on cooking activity to reduce heating,
cooling, and fan energy.
Walk-In Cooler Controls (Project 7, Option D)
The University uses numerous walk-in coolers and freezers for food refrigeration. Energy use of
the cooler fans, electric anti-sweat door heaters, and refrigeration equipment can be reduced via
control systems (such as the CoolTrol Systems) that monitor temperature and humidity and shut
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equipment off when not required. Utility incentives offered by National Grid have the potential to
reduce the installed cost and provide a shorter payback.
NORESCO Project 8 and Beyond
The following projects have been proposed to follow work completed in NORESCO’s Project 7:
• New Aluminum Frame Windows
• New Chiller at Chaffee Hall
• New Windows in Gilbreth/Kirk
• New Chiller at Fogarty Hall
• New Windows in Wales
• New Chiller at Watkins
• New Windows in Woodward
• New RTUs at Horn
• New Windows in Crawford
• New Boiler at Watkins
• New Windows in Morrill
• Mid-Campus Condensate Pump Station
• New Chilled Water System at White Hall • Weatherization and Attic Insulation
• New AHUs and Heating at Fine Arts
Center
10 MW Combined Heat and Power Plant
Combined heat and power can be a great way to significantly reduce and in some cases eliminate the
purchase of electricity from the grid. This system produces electricity and captures the excess heat, which
would normally be wasted, to heat buildings. A 10 MW combined heat and power plant at the University of
Rhode Island would meet the base load consumption of electricity at a cost of 5 cents per kWh (estimated
cost of production from maintenance costs). The University currently pays 13 cents per kWh for commodity
and transmission from National Grid.
Combined heat and power shows considerable potential for the University because it would run hand in
hand with the central steam plant that currently provides the campus with heat and, in many cases,
domestic hot water. The implementation of a plant this size would save the University over $2 million per
year with the possibility to sell energy back to the grid.
Vending and Snack Misers
The average vending machine can consume anywhere from 3,000-4,000 kWh per year. A Vending Miser
or Snack Miser is a combined motion and thermal sensor used to shut down the light and compressor in a
vending machine when the machine is not in use. The Vending Miser costs about $180 and the Snack
Miser around $80. The University would need to purchase about 75 Vending Misers and 53 Snack Misers.
These products have the potential to reduce the machine’s electrical consumption up to 48% and 58%
respectively and do not have any installation or expected annual costs.
Outdoor Lighting
The University of Rhode Island currently spends approximately $50,000 annually on outdoor lighting.
Outdoor lighting consumes over 380,000 kWh yearly, including floodlights, parking lot lights and walkway
lighting. Emerging technology in high efficiency LED lighting fixtures can reduce energy consumption from
lighting by an average of 30%. If URI were to install new high efficiency LED lighting fixtures, annual
savings of $15,000 could be realized.
EFFICIENCY PROJECTS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION
Laboratory Refrigerators and Freezers
Recent technological advances in refrigerators and freezers suggest that updating these appliances in
campus laboratories and for dining hall food storage could lower emissions substantially. These higher
efficiency refrigerators and freezers are said to be up to 45% more energy efficient than existing models.
The EPA will soon release Energy Star standards for all laboratory refrigeration products, at which point
upgrades will be mandatory. Although a full study was not conducted at this time, it is suggested that a
refrigerator and freezer efficiency study be completed within the next several years.
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Fine Arts Center Air Handlers and Heating Conversion
The Fine Arts Center uses two indoor split air handlers with electric heat in Building H with a small
multizone unit serving mixed use spaces and a large constant volume unit serving an auditorium. These
systems are at least forty years old and have become increasingly costly to operate, service and maintain.
The air handlers are approaching their useful service life limits, and at current utility rates electricity is not
the most cost effective method of providing building heat. This measure would replace the existing
multizone air handler with a new variable air volume air handler with hot water reheat coils. The constant
volume unit would be replaced with a new outdoor air handler with indoor hot water heating coils, and the
condensing units for both air handlers would be replaced with new units. Heating hot water would be
provided by a new high efficiency boiler and hot water distribution system.
Improve Efficiency of Washers and Dryers in Residential Halls
Many of the washers and dryers currently in use in the Universities’ residential halls are outdated and not as
efficient as they could be. New washers and dryers use up to 65% less energy. New washers use nearly
75% less water than those installed as recently as five years ago.
Upgrade Inefficient Water Fixtures
As water fixtures (both sink tap and shower heads) age the stopper can deteriorate and allow water to leak
through even if the water is off. Water fixtures are a utility that should be changed every 15 to 20 years.
URI can reduce water consumption by replacing old and leaking fixtures in academic buildings and
residence halls.
Individual Building Meters
Installing individual utility meters on all campus buildings would provide a variety of benefits. This could
identify the most inefficient buildings, monitor real-time consumption on energy dashboards, show savings
from building-specific improvements and have the ability to detect signs of system failures. Steam is one of
hardest utilities to meter, but even estimates can show valuable trends.
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CONSERVATION PROJECTS
The terms conservation and efficiency are sometimes used interchangeably, but for the purposes of this
report the two words generally mean two distinct things. While efficiency involves more effective use of
energy by systems through improved technologies, conservation involves more responsible energy use by
people through actions. Conservation efforts often have low costs because they involve simple behavior
changes like using programmable thermostats to better regulate temperature, shutting down appliances
when not in use and . Energy conservation is an important part of this Climate Action Plan, because it calls
upon URI students, faculty and staff alike to help the University achieve its goal of becoming a climate
neutral institution.
As described in the Progress To Date section of this report, NORESCO has been very successful in their
efforts to promote conservation behavior in campus dorms. They have also piloted a Green Champion
program, which will request volunteers to serve as leaders in energy conservation for their building or
department (see Policies section).
Table 3. Financial analysis of proposed energy conservation projects.
Project Name
Duration
(years)
Initial
Investment
Average
Discounted
Annual
Cash Flow
Net
Present
Value
Discounted
Payback
Period
(years)
Annual
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Total
Lifetime
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Nightly Desktop
Shutdown
Real Time Energy
Monitoring
5 $0 $296,323 $1,777,937 1 1,323 6,615
10 $139,300 $122,179 $1,343,970 1 610 6,100
Heating Setpoint 10 $100,000 $123,756 $1,127,387 1 445 4,449
Cooling Setpoint 10 $100,000 $44,870 $493,568 2 240 2,397
Summer Building
Consolidation
Nightly Monitor
Shutdown
10 $0 $27,930 $307,234 1 124 1,241
5 $0 $11,853 $71,117 1 53 265
Temperature Setbacks for Heating
The current heating temperature range is 66-72°F between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM and 55-60°F at night,
lasting from October to April. The proposed new day-time temperature range would be decreased by 2°F to
64-70°F for the next 5 years. For the following 5 years, the maximum temperature range would be reduced
another 2°F to 64-68°F (this is calculated as a 1°F temperature reduction). By reducing the temperature
ranges in stages, it is believed there will be fewer complaints by the campus population. This analysis
assumes an average of 3% energy savings for every 1°F change.
Temperature Setbacks for Cooling
The current cooling temperature range is 72-76°F, generally lasting from May to September. The proposed
new range would be increased by 2°F to 74-78°F. In the available energy consumption data for URI,
cooling is not separated from the total electric consumption and cost. It was assumed that cooling accounts
for 35% of the total electrical usage for all campuses (May to September). This analysis assumes an
average of 3% energy savings for every 1°F change.
Computer Monitor Shut Down
There are over 3,000 computers in several labs across campus as well as an estimated 7,000 personal
computers utilized by faculty, staff and students. It was assumed that 25% of the personal computers are
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laptops; therefore, there is no associated monitor and no associated savings. Turning a computer monitor
from its nightly stand-by mode to off can save 4 watts per computer per hour. If all computer monitors are
turned off for 10 hours each night, this can save almost 125,000 kWh per year. There can be additional
savings from longer periods, such as weekends and holiday breaks, but there may also be increased use
throughout the semester, especially around mid-terms and final exams. It is assumed that the duration is 5
years based on the average life of a computer.
Computer Desktop Shut Down
This conservation project follows the same assumptions as the computer monitor shut down project. On
average, a desktop uses 100 watts per hour; therefore a desktop can save 100 watts per hour when it is
shut down.
Summer Building Use Consolidation
Overall, 27 buildings were listed as holding summer classes. Based on previous summer sessions, several
buildings are only used for 1 or 2 class sections. By consolidating the underutilized buildings, 9 buildings
could potentially be reduced to 25% of original electrical consumption. It is assumed that a building using
25% of power would be enough to power security lights and maintain a higher cooling range. There are
several logistical problems that may add costs to this project; therefore, a more in-depth review will be
needed.
Real Time Energy Monitoring
Lucid Design Group© produces a Building Dashboard for Schools, which tracks real time energy
consumption. A basic starter package costs $9,950 and supplies everything needed to get two buildings’
energy consumption online. While actual energy savings cannot be predicted, it is estimated that this
software will save 5-15% of electrical consumption. Yearly maintenance costs are $2,000 for two buildings.
CONSERVATION PROJECTS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION
Campus Composting Initiative
URI currently composts a portion of its landscaping waste. This program should be expanded to
incorporate all landscaping and agricultural waste. Composting can be used to offset greenhouse gas
emissions by reducing landfill emissions and increasing carbon sequestration through improved soil
condition and increased crop productivity. Also, when compost is applied to plants and crops, the need for
artificial fertilizers is reduced.
Green Roofs
A green roof was constructed on the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences building, which is on track
for LEED certification. URI should continue this precedent by installing green roofs on existing and new
buildings for added insulation, stormwater management and wildlife habitat.
Bioheat in Student, Staff and Faculty Homes
URI should encourage the use of bioheat (biodiesel blended heating oil) in student, faculty and staff homes
by negotiating with local oil providers. If a student, faculty or staff member chooses to purchase bioheat,
the provider would donate a small amount of money to a fund established for future energy projects at the
University. The provider would likely see increased business and URI would see lowered emissions.
Energy Dashboards in High-Traffic Campus Buildings
In high-traffic buildings, such as the Library and the Memorial Union, energy dashboards could be installed
to display the energy consumption of the building. This can serve as a mechanism to increase awareness
of energy consumption on campus and will likely lead to increased conservation behavior among students,
staff and faculty.
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Residence Hall Competitions
Organizing energy conservation competitions in residence halls not only reduces emissions but it also
educates and engages students in a fun way. Energy dashboards, both online and on lobby monitors, allow
students to watch their real-time consumption drop as they strive to conserve the most energy.
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RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
Renewable energy technologies are rapidly advancing and are being used all over the globe as a cleaner
alternative to fossil fuels. Because URI is a tax-exempt institution, it is not eligible for any state or federal
tax credits that bring down the initial cost of installing renewable energy systems, however, it is eligible for
rebates. Currently, wind and especially solar are very expensive technologies, but their costs are coming
down. For this reason, the majority of the renewable energy projects have been recommended for
implementation in the later phases of the Climate Action Plan. URI should use these initial cost and
emissions estimates as preliminary assessments of potential renewable energy projects for its campuses.
Table 3. Financial analysis of proposed renewable energy projects.
Project
Name
Duration
(years)
Initial
Investment
Average
Discounted
Annual
Cash Flow
Net Present
Value
Discounted
Payback
Period
(years)
Annual
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Total
Lifetime
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Purchased
Wind Power
Wind 1.5MW
XLE @
7.5m/s
Wind 1.5MW
XLE @ 6m/s
30 $0 ($469,687) ($14,560,287) No Payback 4,498 134,940
30 $3,200,000 $343,346 $10,643,738 5 3,278 98,340
30 $3,200,000 $120,060 $3,721,869 11 1,639 49,170
Wind 1.5MW
XLE @
4.5m/s
Solar
Thermal
One Dorm
(Oil)
Geothermal
for New
Pharmacy
Building
Solar
Thermal
One Dorm
(Steam)
50kW
Photovoltaic
System
30 $3,200,000 $8,417 $260,934 26 820 24,600
30 $450,151 ($2,751) ($85,280) No Payback 66 1,980
30 $38,900 $1,066 $33,052 13 12 360
30 $450,151 ($4,752) ($147,299) No Payback 24 708
30 $300,000 ($5,456) ($169,147) No Payback 11 330
Note: Parenthesis indicates a negative number.
Purchased Offshore Wind Power
An offshore wind farm is being constructed off the coast of Rhode Island. A small scale system will be in
place by 2012 with a much larger second phase most likely completed by 2018. These systems will
produce 15% of RI’s electricity through wind power. Therefore, 15% of the University’s electricity will come
from the wind farm. There will be a slight price increase to make up for the electric company’s added costs
of purchasing renewables. It has yet to be determined what the additional costs to URI will be when
National Grid begins purchasing power from the wind farm. To be conservative, it was assumed that the
cost of this electricity would be 24 cents/kWh for the entire project lifetime, which is the price agreed upon in
the first phase contract. It is likely, however, that the cost of this wind power will be lower when phase two
is completed.
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Wind Power on Campus
Three areas with different average wind speeds were identified as possible wind turbine sites. The lower
agricultural fields at the Kingston Campus see an average of about 4.5 meters per second (m/s) average
wind speeds, the top of the Kingston Campus has about 6 m/s and the Bay Campus has 7.5 m/s. This
analysis assumes that prices will be roughly equivalent to the 1.5MW turbine erected at Portsmouth High
School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. This is an initial investment of 3.2 million dollars and maintenance
costs of about 2 cents per kWh produced.
Solar Thermal
Residence halls are an ideal application for solar thermal because of their high demand for hot water. This
project analyzes one solar thermal system that can be applied to most dorms that house 200+ students
using about 25 gallons per day per person; there are about 27 of these dorms on the Kingston Campus. An
evacuated tube solar thermal system was chosen for this analysis because of its ability to withstand
freezing temperatures while maintaining high efficiency. It will produce 70% of the domestic hot water in
place of an oil or natural gas system. The installation cost is based on prices from a local distribution and
installation company. The Rhode Island incentive for solar thermal was deducted from this price using a
one-time rebate of $3 per therm of estimated first-year savings. Maintenance was estimated to be the
same as the current conventional system over its lifetime.
Geothermal
A geothermal system is planned for the new pharmacy building. It will heat and cool the lower-level
pharmaceuticals lab build-out, but will not be sufficient to serve the entire building. The system will tap the
constantly flowing foundation drainage system and run the ground water through heat exchangers to cool
and heat lower level spaces. A complete analysis and design of the small scale system will begin in
February 2010. A preliminary assessment was conducted for this report based on available information and
data from an average house-sized system. Cost savings are very conservative and depend on drilling
depth and any changes in size of the system.
Solar Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic (PV) systems can be installed on southern exposure rooftops throughout the campus. System
costs were quoted by a reputable, local PV distribution and installation company. In order to realize a
payback within the lifetime of the PV systems, government subsidies would be necessary. Unfortunately,
no subsidies can be guaranteed at this time. As the size of the system increases, the cost per watt installed
decreases.
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION
Landfill Methane Recovery
A project that URI should consider in the future would use methane from a nearby landfill as an alternative
fuel source. It would have to be determined whether there is enough methane production to make the
biomass system worth the initial costs. If this system is viable, the methane can be used at our current
steam plant or at a proposed combined heat and power plant. This project would have high capital costs
because it would be necessary to install a methane recovery system at the landfill, a pipeline from the
landfill to the University, a pumping system to transport the gas and a methane processing plant.
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TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
The majority of proposed transportation projects and policies address emissions from commuting because it
accounts for about 28% of URI’s total emissions (Figure 1). The vehicle fleet accounts for just 1% and is
therefore not an initial target area. Many of the commuting projects do not pay back over the project
durations because they mean that fewer parking passes will be purchased, resulting in revenue losses.
These losses could be partially or totally recovered by increasing parking fees. These no-payback projects
can also be supported by cost savings from other projects that have quick and substantial paybacks.
Table 5. Financial analysis of proposed transportation projects.
Project Name
Duration
(years)
Initial
Investment
Average
Discounted
Annual
Cash Flow
Net Present
Value
Discounted
Payback
Period
(years)
Annual
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Total
Lifetime
Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Biodiesel Fuel
Transition
Fully
Subsidized Bus
Passes
Increased
RIPTA Bus
Trip Frequency
Carpool
Parking Lot
Freshman
Parking Ban
Alternative
Transportation
Marketing
Program
Employee
Telecommuting
Car Sharing
Program
Infrequent
Parking
Permits
25 $6,000 ($1,409) ($36,644) N/A 3,734 93,350
25 $0 ($28,223) ($733,790) N/A 1,127 28,186
25 $0 $0 $0

eport. The cost of biodiesel was assumed to be 20 cents per gallon greater than the price of petrol diesel
based on current costs.
As the University fleet is considered part of the state fleet, all vehicles on campus must be refueled at state
designated refueling stations. While URI has a state diesel filling station on its main campus, current state
purchasing policy shows no support for purchasing and distributing a biodiesel blended diesel fuel. This
policy may present a challenge, however, new legislation is being proposed that could mandate the use of
biodiesel for state vehicles in the near future.
Transportation Demand Management
The concept behind transportation demand management principles is simple: rather than increasing the
supply of parking to meet increasing demand, work to lower demand for parking. URI could employ a wide
array of TDM measures to reduce single-occupancy vehicle commuting and lower greenhouse gas
emissions from transportation. Several recommended options are described below.
RIPTA Bus Trip Frequency
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service to URI via the 66 route, which
travels from Providence to Galilee (stopping at URI in between). Currently, most of the ridership on this line
is from Providence to URI. The other portion of the route, which runs from URI to Galilee, has lower
ridership despite a large population of URI students living in this area. This project would add two buses
per day to this route. Adding two buses would mean a 66 bus would stop at URI every hour. Adding
another two buses in two years to meet increasing demand would mean that a bus would stop at URI every
half hour. Since this is a service provided by RIPTA, there would be no cost to URI. RIPTA’s cost would be
approximately $200,000 annually (at $100,000 per bus) in the first two years and then $400,000 in the
following years. URI could provide an incentive for RIPTA to add these buses by fully subsidizing bus
passes for URI commuters and increasing transit marketing (see below).
Annual GHG savings is estimated at 1,125 MTCO 2 e per year, assuming that 5% of single-occupancy
vehicle trips taken by student, staff and faculty commuters would be converted to bus trips.
Fully Subsidized Bus Passes
URI currently subsidizes 50% of all RIPTA bus passes purchased on campus at the Memorial Union by
students, staff and faculty. Since this program began in 2007, RIPTA ridership has increased substantially.
A fully subsidized bus pass, while more costly to the University, would provide a highly attractive incentive
that would encourage campus community members to ride the bus. Assuming an additional 5% of all
commuters (student, staff and faculty) and 2% of on-campus students begin riding the bus as a result of this
program, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 1,127 MTCO 2 e per year. This analysis also
assumes that all participants purchase a monthly pass at the cost of $55 per pass, completely convert all
trips from single-occupancy vehicle to bus and that 3% of all commuters already take advantage of the
current subsidy and would continue to participate in the full-subsidy program. Under these assumptions,
the total annual cost to URI for a fully subsidized bus pass program would be approximately $57,402.
Carpool Parking Lot
Two recent student-run trials of a carpool parking lot have demonstrated that there is demand for carpool
incentives among student commuters. A permanent carpool lot is estimated to cost $32,600 to install a
gate and booth on the west section of the Fine Arts south parking lot. Staffing would cost $47,956 for a fulltime,
academic year campus patrol person and a full-time, academic year student to monitor the lot.
Assuming a 10% increase in the number of two-person carpool trips at the University, this initiative could
save 880 MTCO 2 e per year.
Car-Share Program (ZipCar)
ZipCar is a business that provides car-sharing services to cities, businesses and universities. Car-sharing
programs can supplement transportation demand management programs by allowing campus community
members to rely less on a personal vehicle. For example, if a freshman parking ban were to be instituted,
freshman living on campus would be reliant on public transportation to get around. However, this limits the
areas they can access. With the ZipCar program, a freshman student could borrow a car for $8 an hour
and an annual membership fee of $35. ZipCar would initially provide URI with two cars at no cost to the
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University. There are no direct costs to the University, however, promotion of the ZipCar program could be
included in the alternative transportation marketing campaign discussed below. Assuming 5% of students
living on campus used ZipCars instead of bringing a car to campus and reduced their annual transportation
emissions by 50%, URI could mitigate 180 MTCO 2 e each year.
Employee Telecommuting
A policy encouraging all faculty and staff to work from home one day a week could decrease URI’s
emissions by about 181 MTCO 2 e annually. This assumes that 15% of employees would take advantage of
this opportunity.
Infrequent Parking Passes
Many commuters do not travel to campus often enough to warrant the purchase of an annual permit for
$160. Many students travel abroad for one semester of the year and sometimes sell their permits to
students who are going abroad for the other semester. An infrequent parking pass would allow students to
forgo an annual parking permit and opt for 30 single-day passes sold for $50. Including the annual revenue
loss and printing of new single-day passes and assuming 5% participation, this program would have a
yearly cost of about $49,100 and would save around 158 MTCO 2 e per year.
Freshman Parking Ban
Many schools, especially those with limited parking, have instituted a policy that prohibits freshman living on
campus from bringing their cars. URI’s main campus is located in a rural/suburban town with limited
walkability and bikeability, so this policy would only be fair if there were other ways of getting around. By
ensuring adequate supply of public transit and providing ZipCar service, it would be possible to ban
freshman cars. While it will likely be controversial initially, URI can advertise the policy as a Climate Action
Plan mitigation strategy that will reduce our environmental impact. It might also be possible for some
freshman to petition for a parking permit under special circumstances.
The cost to the University would be revenue loss from parking permit sales. Approximately 900 freshman
purchase parking permits each year at $235. Assuming 90% participation, this would be a $190,350
decrease in yearly revenue, however, it would mitigate an estimated 810 MTCO 2 e annually.
Alternative Transportation Marketing
None of these programs will be successful without adequate marketing and promotion. This project
assumes $5,000 would be dedicated to student intern time and materials to promote new incentives for
alternative transportation use. Assuming these efforts would result in a 1% mode shift from singleoccupancy
vehicle (SOV) trips to bus trips and a 1% mode shift from SOV trips to carpool trips, URI could
reduce emissions by 319 MTCO 2 e per year.
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION
Increasing On-Campus Housing
URI should strive to become more of a residential campus than a commuter campus. Increasing and
diversifying on-campus housing options will reduce emissions from commuting, however, it will likely
increase on-campus emissions. On the other hand, it is much easier to regulate emissions from campus
operations than it is to regulate personal vehicle emissions, so getting more students on campus would be a
step in the right direction. Given the current economic climate, private developers may be interested in
constructing and operating “green” apartments on campus because it represents a guaranteed residential
population. This is just one of many ways in which private sector partnerships can be leveraged to achieve
carbon reductions at minimal cost to the University.
Increased Online Classes
URI can continue to increase courses offered online and increase the use of communication technologies to
reduce the need to drive to campus.
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True Cost of Parking
URI should ensure that parking permit fees are based on the actual cost or value of a parking space. The
University could also consider alternative rate designs, such as tiered rates based on distance to campus
core.
Off-Campus Park and Ride Lots
URI and RIPTA should work with proprietors of beach parking lots in the Town of Narragansett to utilize
them as park and ride lots during the months when the beaches are closed but school is in session.
Because such a large percentage of URI students live in Narragansett, it is an easy target area for
promoting carpooling and bus riding. One or two Narragansett park and ride lots would allow students living
in near-by neighborhoods to drive a short distance to a lot, park their car (ideally for free) and either meet
their carpool or catch the bus. This initiative would be a low- or no-cost way to alleviate traffic congestion
on-campus and on surrounding roads, lower demand for on-campus parking and significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
Alternative Fueled On-Campus Shuttles
Currently, on-campus transportation is provided by RIPTA. Emissions could be significantly reduced with
the use of alternative fuel buses. The University could either purchase their own buses for transportation
around the campus or hire an outside company to supply the alternative fuel fleet. There could be
additional mandates on the new bus fleet such as using only student drivers. This would help to create
local jobs and reduce costs.
Scheduling of On-Campus Shuttles
On-campus RIPTA shuttles often have low ridership in early morning and evening hours and on weekends.
Conducting a simple study to analyze ridership levels at different times of the day and days of the week
could inform a more efficient schedule that is based on actual usage. This will ensure that shuttles avoid
wasting fuel and emissions.
Bike-Share and Maintenance Program
Offering a program where students, faculty and staff can borrow campus-owned bicycles could encourage
biking as an alternative to single occupancy vehicles. To prevent abuse of the program, bike borrowers
should be held accountable for the bike they take out through some form of collateral system.
RI Commuter Rail Connection
In 3 to 5 years, the Kingston train station will be connected to Wickford and Providence with high-speed
light rail, presenting additional opportunities to reduce emissions from transportation. When the connection
is complete, URI should assess potential incentives that would encourage URI commuters to ride the train
instead of driving alone to campus.
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POLICIES
CONSTRUCTION POLICY
LEED Standard for New Construction
Through recent legislation, Rhode Island has been proactive in augmenting regulations related to new
public building construction to include heightened building efficiency and sustainability. Executive Order 05-
14, later supplemented by General Assembly Act S 0232, calls for “all major facility projects of public
agencies to be designed and constructed to at least the LEED certified or an equivalent high performance
green building standard”. In compliance with these regulations, URI has constructed several buildings that
are either certified or in the process of being certified, including Hope Dining Hall, the new residence halls,
the Center for Biotechnology and Life Science and the Bay Campus’ Ocean Sciences and Exploration
Center. Planned LEED buildings include a new laboratory and education facility for the pharmacy
department and a new residence hall.
PURCHASING POLICIES
Fleet Vehicles
In 2005, Governor Carcieri issued Executive Order 05-13, which mandates the purchase of alternative fuel
and hybrid electric vehicles when possible. Because URI must adhere to state purchasing policies, URI
makes every effort to purchase low emissions vehicles for its fleet.
Sustainable Purchasing
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
(EPP) policy, which sets a standard of “pursuing products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect
on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the
same purpose”. This includes consideration of lifetime environmental impacts of products and services
from “cradle to grave.” URI should develop a purchasing policy that not only includes guidelines such as
those described in the EPA’s EPP policy but also requires local purchasing, when possible, to promote the
state’s economy and reduce emissions from transportation of goods.
COMPUTER AND ELECTRONICS POLICIES
Energy Management
Use of computer and electrical devices should be studied to determine periods of peak and off-peak activity.
It should be the policy of the University’s Information Technologies department to enforce overnight and
vacation shut downs and reduction of activity for all computers on campus and under University control.
This includes monitor and hard drive power down after a period of inactivity.
Printer Consolidation/Networking
The utilization of networking printers should enable the reduction of printers individually paired with a
computer. High efficiency printers that are centrally located in office buildings would decrease the energy
necessary to power individual printers as well as decrease the amount of ink, toner and paper supply the
University requires.
Data Center Consolidation
There are many departmental servers on campus, which must remain on at all times and often have more
capacity than they need. Consolidating these individual servers to URI’s main data center would save
energy by sharing space and processing capacity.
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RESIDENCE HALL POLICIES
Off-peak Energy Management
Student residence halls are virtually unoccupied for 4 out of 12 months of the year (January, June, July and
August). The University should institute a residential off-peak energy management plan including resident
consolidation, appropriate temperature adjustments and reduced lighting.
Student Appliance Mandates
A mini-refrigerator, commonly used in resident rooms, costs the University about $36 per year to operate.
With 30 residence halls on-campus, the University can save money and reduce emissions by regulating the
number, size and efficiency of appliances in resident rooms. Prohibiting incandescent light bulbs in studentowned
lights would also reduce emissions.
Eco-Reps Program
Eco-Reps are students (paid or unpaid) who volunteer to serve as energy and environmental leaders in
their residence halls. Eco-Reps conduct energy and environmental awareness programs to encourage their
peers to conserve energy and water. Additionally, Eco-Reps could be given the authority to submit
maintenance work orders for dysfunctional heating systems, lighting fixtures, water faucets, windows, etc.
SPACE UTILIZATION POLICIES
Off-peak Energy Management
Building and space use should be consolidated in off-peak times. This includes night heating and lighting
settings as well as summer and vacation settings. Staff responsible for scheduling events and classes
should be trained in protocols that would facilitate building consolidation in off-peak times. Consolidation of
events and classes would lessen the heating, cooling, and lighting demand.
Space Heater Policy
Reductions in winter thermostat settings may tempt faculty and staff to heat their own personal workspace
with inefficient space heaters. A policy should be developed to discourage this practice by requiring
facilities to audit the workspace in question and determine that there is a heating malfunction, and either fix
the malfunction or allow space heater use for an interim period while a long term solution is sought.
Laboratory Efficiency
Understanding the difficulty of imposing energy and emissions policies in laboratories without obstructing
the scientific validity of the setting, the team suggests hood, oven and refrigerator storage consolidation as
well as powering down inefficient storage systems that are not in use.
Green Champions
A Green Champion program would request one volunteer per academic building to serve as a leader in
energy conservation. Green Champions would work with their departments to institute conservation
policies and hold annual departmental seminars to train other faculty and staff in energy and water saving
practices. URI began its Green Champion program in the Fall 2009 semester with an IT staff member in
the art department. Our first Green Champion has baselined energy consumption in the department’s
computer lab and has instituted power management and shut down policies.
TRANSPORTATION POLICIES
Transportation Demand Management
The concept behind transportation demand management principles is simple: rather than increasing the
supply of parking to meet increasing demand, work to lower demand for parking. URI could employ a wide
array of transportation demand management measures to reduce single-occupancy vehicle commuting and
lower greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Several recommended options are described below
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and in the Projects section. URI should adopt a policy of implementing transportation demand management
projects and programs before increasing parking supply.
Parking Space Cap
A key transportation demand management measure is setting a cap on or reducing the number of parking
spaces on campus. Limited parking spaces would encourage commuters to take advantage of public
transportation and carpooling and reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles traveling to campus.
This disincentive should be paired with simultaneous incentives to carpooling commuters such as premium
parking locations and reduced parking pass prices.
Parking Cash-Out
A parking cash-out policy would give students, faculty and staff commuters the opportunity to forego an
annual parking pass in exchange for a monetary benefit. This type of policy is most effective when a
University is considering building new parking facilities, as it is usually less expensive to pay individuals not
to drive than it is to add and maintain parking.
Preferred Parking for High-Efficiency Vehicles
URI should designate a certain number of spaces in a desirable parking lot, perhaps the Fine Arts south lot,
which would be reserved for high fuel-efficiency vehicles only. These vehicles could be registered when
purchasing a parking permit online.
Tracking University-Sponsored Travel
A centralized, web-based system should be developed to track travel mode (car, plane, train, etc.) and
distance for all student, staff and faculty travel. This system will be used to estimate greenhouse gas
emissions from University-sponsored travel.
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Implementation
The URI President’s Council on Sustainability will oversee the implementation of this plan as well as
subsequent emissions tracking and progress reporting. The Council consists of students, faculty and staff
representing a variety of academic, administrative and operational departments. Additionally, the University
is in the process of creating a sustainability officer position that would provide staff support to the Council.
FINANCING STRATEGIES
It is important to note that the financial analyses in this report assume that URI would fund recommended
projects internally. It is more likely, however, that most projects will be funded through mechanisms that
lower the initial investment and spread costs out over time. Potential financing strategies in addition to
those listed here include tax-exempt bonds, federal and state grants and other innovative methods, such as
an internal carbon cap and trade system.
Performance Contracting
In 2007, URI entered into a performance contract with NORESCO. The current projects are set for
completion in October 2010; however, it is likely that URI will enter into additional performance contracts to
continue implementation of efficiency, conservation and renewable energy projects.
Lease Purchase Agreements
URI can also enter into lease purchase agreements to fund projects with high initial costs. In a lease
purchase agreement, URI would lease equipment for a pre-determined finance period. At the end of the
finance period, URI would own the equipment.
Power Purchase Agreements
The University is unable to apply for tax benefits from energy projects. It can, however, enter into powerpurchase
agreements with private companies. Private companies can fund the capital costs for renewable
energy projects located on University grounds. The private companies will receive guaranteed income and
the benefits from the tax credits, while the University receives the benefits from a fixed utility price and
eventual ownership of the project.
Student Green Fees
A small increase in student fees will greatly contribute to financing “green” projects. For example, an
increase of $10 per year will result in over $150,000 to create and maintain a green budget.
Revolving Loan Fund
The University will create a revolving loan fund for energy and sustainability projects. Capital costs are
invested into one project and the benefits generated from that project are deposited back into the fund to
become the capital investment for another project.
State Utility Rebates
The University will apply for any available state rebates that are associated with the potential installation of
renewable energy and efficiency projects.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
After the installation of any renewable energy projects, the University can sell Renewable Energy Credits
(RECs) to third parties needing to fulfill emissions reduction commitments. RECs provide an added
financial benefit to the installation of renewable energy systems. It should be noted, however, that URI
cannot claim the environmental benefits of the RECs it sells.
Green Alumni
University of Rhode Island alumni are important contributors to the University. In an effort to include alumni
in helping the University achieve its climate goals, donations could be specifically directed toward ‘green’
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purchases. Currently, alumni can pledge donations and receive their names engraved onto bricks that form
walkways around campus. In the future, alumni might be able to pledge a donation toward energy efficient
or renewable projects, such as a high-efficiency LED streetlight. In return, the donor names would be
engraved onto plaques located at the base of the new light.
Student Sustainability Project Fund
In 2009, Provost Donald DeHayes awarded modest grants to students who proposed ambitious projects
that addressed one or more campus sustainability issues including but not limited to energy, transportation,
water and recycling. In the future, the program could support class projects in which students guided by
their instructor implement projects that reduce campus emissions.
University-Sponsored Travel Offset Fund
The University of Vermont developed an innovative mechanism for offsetting travel emissions while funding
on-campus carbon mitigation strategies. When a community member travels for a purpose related to
University activities, they must enter their mileage and mode in an online form that automatically transfers
funds from their department’s account to an offset fund. The offset fund is then used to support on-campus
carbon mitigation strategies. In effect, this system offsets the carbon emissions of University air travel while
providing an additional source of funding for sustainability projects.
TRACKING & REPORTING
The URI President’s Council on Sustainability will oversee the tracking of emissions reductions from
implemented projects as well as the reporting progress to the ACUPCC. Tracking benefits from the Climate
Action Plan will occur annually through both an update of the University greenhouse gas inventory and a
progress report to the ACUPC. Every three years the University of Rhode Island will re-evaluate its goals
and projects and formulate an updated Climate Action Plan.
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Education, Research and Outreach
Many of the country’s future leaders – politicians, educators, chief executive officers, small business owners
and homeowners – are currently being educated and engaged by institutions like the University of Rhode
Island. Because of this unique position, universities have not only the opportunity but also the responsibility
to instill an ethic of sustainability into each and every graduate. Universities also serve an important role in
society as sources of innovation and drivers of economic development. By enhancing education, research
and outreach in sustainable energy, URI can make significant contributions to the knowledge economy and
can facilitate the emerging green economy. The Office of the Provost recently completed an ambitious plan
to guide URI academics through the next five years. The plan emphasizes integration of sustainability
concepts and issues into curriculum, research and outreach.
EDUCATION
URI is known for its robust curriculum in the natural sciences, environmental and resource economics,
oceanography and marine affairs. In addition to these traditional disciplines, a minor in sustainability is
offered as an interdisciplinary series of courses compatible with all fields of study. These courses include
topics like climate change science and policy; philosophy, culture and the environment; sustainable
landscape design; the economics of globalization; hunger studies; literature, the environment and the
American culture; field Investigations of sustainable models in tropical landscapes; sustainable oceans and
coastal zones; and communication and sustainability.
Students who graduate with the minor are expected to be proficient in understanding and articulating core
values of sustainability, identifying personal and societal barriers to change and possible solutions,
demonstrating knowledge of sustainable practices and their effects on the environment, social equity, and
the economy and finally, displaying the ability to think across scales, from home to global. URI will continue
to expand its catalogue of sustainability courses and programs with the goal of sustainability concepts
permeating through all disciplines, including engineering, business, humanities and social sciences.
Faculty members are currently being encouraged to develop interdisciplinary seminars on issues of
contemporary significance that simultaneously engage and challenge freshmen to explore new perspectives
on topics of social and environmental significance. These “grand challenge” courses will allow students to
hone analytical and communication skills while gaining an appreciation of the complexities inherent in
developing sustainable social and economic systems.
Climate change represents a major challenge and opportunity to a broad range of businesses and the
global economy. In turn, there is a growing demand for leaders with skills in business and science,
particularly climate-related science. To address this need, a new program has been developed at URI that
merges the Master of Business Administration program with a Master of Oceanography (MBA–MO). The
16-month MBA–MO, also referred to as the Blue MBA, provides tomorrow’s leaders with the knowledge and
skills they need to develop business models to ensure an environmentally sustainable world for future
generations.
All freshmen are required to take a course called URI 101 which introduces them to the University and
engages them in a service learning project. Integrating a sustainability component into all sections of URI
101 would ensure that each and every student that passes through the University will be exposed to these
important issues.
Experiential learning has always been a priority at the University of Rhode Island where students have
unique opportunities to participate in fellowships in a variety of interdisciplinary studies. The Coastal
Fellows and Energy Fellows programs engage students in real-world experiences within the professional
community. Moving forward, the University should consider establishing a Sustainability Fellows program
that would bring together creative young minds to address campus and community sustainability
challenges.
Finally, the University can use its campuses as green learning laboratories to educate students on
sustainable practices through demonstrating green architecture, landscape architecture, infrastructure and
living.
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RESEARCH
URI receives over $80 million annually for research including $60 million of federal funds. URI researchers
strive to be at the forefront of national and international research and development, especially in the fields
of energy, sustainability and the environment.
In 2007, the University established the URI Energy Center (URIEC), which brings together a crossdisciplinary
team of research faculty, outreach staff and ambitious students to address energy concerns in
the state and to catalyze energy research while giving students experiential learning opportunities.
Current research under Dr. Brett Lucht, professor of chemistry and co-director of the URI Energy Center,
explores methods of enhancing lithium ion battery life and vitality for the use in hybrid electric vehicles.
Professors of chemistry, engineering, cellular and molecular biology, and ocean engineering have also
been conducting research on a variety of energy and sustainability topics. Energy research topics include
switchgrass for biofuels, hydrogen and microbial fuel cells, smart grid technology, photovoltaic devices and
wave energy.
The URI Graduate School of Oceanography, the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and the
College of Business Administration are working closely with state and federal energy officials and regulatory
agencies and the private sector to develop an Ocean Special Area Management Plan, which would help to
site an offshore wind farm. This work entails cutting edge research in ocean engineering and supply chain
economics and ecology and will lead to a 100-turbine wind farm that will produce about 15% of Rhode
Island’s electricity within the next decade.
The University encourages students to propose new research in the fields of energy, climate change and
sustainability. Through the creation of the Student Sustainability Initiative Fund, the Office of the Provost
offered students the opportunity to receive small grants to fund research and implementation of projects that
would reduce URI’s ecological impact. Each project must include a mechanism to make the project visible
in the Rhode Island community to demonstrate real solutions to sustainability challenges.
As the state’s Land Grant University, URI will strive to expand the use of its federal funding to include new
opportunities for research into alternative energy and sustainability according to the new transformational
change in land grant research priorities, as directed through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture
and the United States Department of Agriculture. Five new priorities set forth by the national departments
include global food security and hunger, climate change, sustainable energy, childhood obesity and food
safety. Expanding on our current research and outreach effort in these areas will help develop local
solutions to these global issues.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
URI has a proven track-record of connecting academic research to the Rhode Island community through
outreach and extension. The Kathleen M. Mallon Outreach Center provides a window to the URI College of
the Environment and Life Sciences and RI Cooperative Extension through which citizens, communities,
government agencies or businesses can access research-generated knowledge and obtain assistance to
address a broad range of socioeconomic and environmental issues. The Center offers a variety of
programs and services related to sustainable landscaping and agriculture and also field requests for
assistance from College and Cooperative Extension experts.
The URI Energy Center organizes the Master Energy Program, a training program that provides interested
homeowners and business owners with practical information on how to save money and the environment
with energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. This program also covers energy use in the
community, from collaborative initiatives in green building and business to the latest information on energy
legislation, government incentives and policy. The URIEC has also formed partnerships with a variety of
community stakeholders, including several municipalities, state agencies, other education institutions and
non-profit organizations.
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Additionally, the URIEC houses the Ocean State Clean Cities Coalition, a government-industry partnership
designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector by advancing the use of alternative
fuels and vehicles, idle reduction technologies, hybrid electric vehicles, fuel blends, and fuel economy
measures.
The botanical gardens surrounding the URI Outreach and Energy Center are already a valuable
demonstration site for sustainable landscaping and local community agriculture. The Center itself, a
residential sized building, boasts a 4.4 kW solar photovoltaic system which currently produces about 30% of
its electrical consumption. The Center will continue efficiency, conservation and renewable energy projects
to create URI’s first “net zero” building. This building will demonstrate how conservation behaviors, low-cost
efficiency measures and cutting-edge energy technologies can reduce a homeowner’s energy bill and
emissions to zero.
Partnerships between URI’s Landscape Architecture Department and local municipalities and non-profit
organizations have led to class projects designing more sustainable parks and streetscapes, the greening
of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (2007) and developing a master plan for the Greene School, a
charter environmental/ecological high school to be located at the W. Alton Jones campus (2009). For these
projects, classes of students get real world experience while helping communities develop green solutions
for a range of land use and design challenges.
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Appendix A: ASSUMPTIONS FOR ASSESSING PROJECTS
For calculating greenhouse gas emissions, payback periods, and net present value some figures were
established to set a baseline for comparison. Maintenance of all projects was included in yearly cost when
not equivalent to previous system maintenance. When the life cycle of the project is shorter than the
payback, N/A is used.
GHG emissions by electric or fuel
According to EPA values, also we are doing CO 2 e (equivalent) which includes CH 4 (methane) and NO 2
(nitrogen dioxide) for emissions from electricity. All other fuels are only calculated for CO 2 .
Natural Gas = 0.005 metric ton CO 2 /therm
Oil #2 (Diesel) = 2778 grams CO 2 /gal
Gasoline = or 19.4 lbs CO 2 /gal
Electricity = 927.68 lbs CO 2 /MWh, 86.49 lbs CH 4 /GWh, 17.01 lbs NO 2 /GWh
Escalation Rate
Based on information from the Energy Information Administration, a 2.1% escalation rate was used for
electricity and a 3.1% escalation rate was used for fuels.
Discount Rate
A discount rate of 0.06 was used to evaluate all projects. This rate was chosen based on the standard
government discount value for public projects as well as values used by other university Climate Action
Plans.
Initial Investment
Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4 show the estimated initial investment of each project. This value does not include the
yearly costs of the projects, such as maintenance, advertising and labor costs. These values were used to
calculate the net present value (NPV) of each project as well as payback period.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
Carbon dioxide equivalent is a metric measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse
gases based upon their global warming potential (GWP). Carbon dioxide equivalents are commonly
expressed as "million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MMTCO2Eq)." The carbon dioxide
equivalent for a gas is derived by multiplying the tons of the gas by the associated GWP. The use of
carbon equivalents (MMTCE) is declining. MMTCO2Eq = (million metric tons of a gas) * (GWP of the gas).
In this report, we use MTCO 2 e to represent metric tones of carbon dioxide equivalent.
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Appendix B: EMISSIONS BY PROJECT CATEGORY
EFFICIENCY PROJECTS
Project Annual GHG Reduction (MTCO 2e) % of Total GHG Reduction
NORESCO Project 7 - Option A 3,259 6%
NORESCO Project 8 and Beyond 1,293 2%
10MW Combined Heat & Power Plant 27,142 51%
Vending Misers 105 0%
Outdoor Lighting 3 0%
TOTAL 31,802 59%
CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Project Annual GHG Reduction (MTCO 2e) % of Total GHG Reduction
Nightly Desktop Shutdown 1,323 2%
Real-time Energy Monitoring 610 1%
Heating Setpoint 445 1%
Cooling Setpoint 240 0%
Summer Building Consolidation 124 0%
Nightly Monitor Shutdown 53 0%
TOTAL 2,795 5%
RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS
Project Annual GHG Reductions (MTCO 2e) % of Total GHG Reduction
Purchased Wind Power 4,498 8%
Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 7.5m/s 3,278 6%
Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 6m/s 1,639 3%
Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 4.5m/s 820 2%
Solar Thermal One Dorm (Oil) 66 0%
Solar Thermal One Dorm (Steam) 24 0%
Geothermal - New Pharmacy Building 12 0%
50kW Photovoltaic System 11 0%
TOTAL 10,348 19%
TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
Project Annual GHG Reductions (MTCO 2e) % of Total GHG Reduction
Biodiesel Fuel Transition 3,734 7%
Increased RIPTA Bus Trip Frequency 1,125 2%
Fully Subsidized Bus Passes 1,127 2%
Carpool Parking Lot 880 2%
Freshman Parking Ban 810 2%
Marketing program 319 1%
Car Sharing Program 180 0%
Employee Telecommuting 181 0%
Infrequent Parking Permits 158 0%
TOTAL 8,514 16%
GRAND TOTAL 53,459 100%
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Appendix C: PROJECT RANKING TABLES
Rank
Project
ENVIRONMENTAL RANKING
Annual Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
Total Reductions
(MTCO 2e)
1 10MW Combined Heat & Power Plant 27,142 1,085,680
2 Purchased Wind Power 4,498 134,940
3 Biodiesel Fuel Transition 3,734 93,350
4 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 7m/s 3,278 98,340
5 NORESCO Project 7 - Option A 3,259 48,885
6 NORESCO Project 7 - Option B 2,858 42,870
7 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 6m/s 1,639 49,170
8 Nightly Desktop Shutdown 1,323 6,615
9 NORESCO Project 8 and Beyond 1,293 19,395
10 Fully Subsidized Bus Passes 1,127 28,186
11 Increased Bus Trip Frequency 1,125 28,113
12 Carpool Lot 880 22,000
13 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 4.5m/s 820 24,600
14 Freshman Parking Ban 810 20,250
15 Real-time Energy Monitoring 610 6,100
16 Heating Setpoint 445 4,449
17 Transportation Marketing Program 319 7,974
18 NORESCO Project 7 - Option D 276 4140
19 Cooling Setpoint 240 2,397
20 Employee Telecommuting 181 4,516
21 Car Sharing Program 180 4,500
22 Infrequent Parking Permits 158 3,960
23 NORESCO Project 7 - Option C 125 1875
24 Summer Building Consolidation 124 1,241
25 Vending Misers 105 2,627
26 Solar Thermal One Dorm (Oil) 66 1,980
27 Computer Monitor Shutdown 53 265
28 Solar Thermal One Dorm (Steam) 24 708
29 Geothermal – New Pharmacy Building 12 360
30 50kW Solar Photovoltaic System 11 330
31 Outdoor Lighting 3 81
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Rank
ECONOMIC RANKING BASED ON NET PRESENT VALUE
Project
Duration
(years)
Net Present
Value
Payback
Period
Internal
Rate of
Return
1 10MW Combined Heat & Power Plant 40 $88,680,759 7 >100%
2 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 7.5m/s 30 $10,643,738 5 41%
3 NORESCO Project 7 - Option A 15 $5,806,347 12 >6%
4 NORESCO Project 7 - Option B 15 $5,284,226 12 >6%
5 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 6m/s 30 $3,721,869 11 18%
6 Nightly Desktop Shutdown 5 $1,777,937 100%
7 NORESCO Project 7 - Option C 15 $1,584,875 13 >6%
8 Real-time Energy Monitoring 10 $1,343,970 1 >100%
9 Heating Setpoint 10 $1,127,387 1 >100%
10 Cooling Setpoint 10 $493,568 2 >100%
11 Vending Misers 20 $488,411 1 >100%
12 NORESCO Project 7 - Option D 15 $369,993 5 >6%
13 Summer Building Consolidation 10 $307,234 1 >100%
14 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 4.5m/s 30 $260,934 26 8%
15 Outdoor Lighting 25 $213,077 13 14%
16 Nightly Monitor Shutdown 5 $71,117 100%
17 Geothermal - New Pharmacy Building 30 $33,052 13 17%
18 Increased Bus Trip Frequency 25 $0 100%
19 Employee Telecommuting 25 $0 100%
20 Biodiesel Fuel Transition 25 ($36,644) No Payback

ECONOMIC RANKING BASED ON DISCOUNTED PAYBACK PERIOD
Rank
Project
Duration
(years)
Payback
Period
Net Present
Value
Internal Rate
of Return
1 Nightly Desktop Shutdown 5 100%
2 Nightly Monitor Shutdown 5 100%
3 Increased Bus Trip Frequency 20 100%
4 Employee Telecommuting 25 100%
5 Real-time Energy Monitoring 10 1 $1,343,970 >100%
6 Heating Setpoint 10 1 $1,127,387 >100%
7 Vending Misers 20 1 $488,411 >100%
8 Summer Building Consolidation 10 1 $307,234 >100%
9 Cooling Setpoint 10 2 $493,568 >100%
10 NORESCO Project 7 - Option D 15 5 $369,993 >6%
11 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 7.5m/s 30 5 $10,643,738 43%
12 10MW Combined Heat & Power Plant 40 7 $88,680,759 >100%
13 Wind 1.5MW XLE @ 6m/s 30 11 $3,721,869 0.19
14 Outdoor Lighting 25 13 $213,077 0.14
15 NORESCO Project 7 - Option A 15 12 $5,806,347 >6%
16 NORESCO Project 7 - Option B 15 12 $5,284,226 >6%
17 NORESCO Project 7 - Option C 15 13 $1,584,875 >6%
18 Geothermal - New Pharmacy Building 30 13 $33,052 16%
19 Wind 1.5MW XLE @4.5m/s 30 26 $260,934 8%
20 Biodiesel Fuel Transition 25 No Payback ($36,644)