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Michael D. Chason |
IMMEDIATE SEPTEMBER 26, 2008
ABAC Saving Money on Energy Bills
TIFTON-The sweltering days of July and
August usually make the energy bills at
This year, the college actually saved $40,000 over 2007 because of a variety of energy-saving measures, according to Andy Bihl, Director of Facility Services for Sodexo, the building maintenance contractor for the campus.
"I think the entire college is more cognizant of the need to turn things off when they are not in use," Bihl said. "President (David) Bridges sent out an e-mail last spring which encouraged everyone to pay more attention. I think it worked."
Bihl said the college has also installed newer and more efficient chillers and boilers as well as upgraded HVAC systems.
Chillers cool water which is piped to the buildings on campus where air is forced over the cool water which results in air conditioning. Boilers heat water in the same fashion so that warm air comes out of the vents in the cold months.
Does it cost more to cool ABAC in the summer or warm ABAC in the winter?
"The cooling costs more because we have so many more hot days in the summer than we have cold days in the winter," Bihl said. "Utility costs in August are roughly double what utility costs are in January."
A new energy management system also helps the college save money since it allows for precise control of lights and the heating/cooling system in buildings. Director of Maintenance Mike McLean heads up that area.
"We program our system to lower the thermostat or raise the thermostat, depending on the season, when buildings are not in use," Bihl said. "When people are in a building, it needs to be comfortable. When it's empty, we can adjust the temperature to the most cost efficient levels."
Bihl said the college is also looking into installing motion sensors for classrooms and hallways that automatically turn off lights when that area is not in use and putting in special window films to reduce excessive heat gain in buildings with large windows.
"There are
areas such as the library that need more of a constant
temperature," Bihl said. "We program for that."
Bihl said that by the end of 2008, ABAC should have over $500,000 in what he termed "energy avoidance costs." He said Georgia Power is taking notice.
"We're already getting recognition and feedback from Georgia Power on the energy we have saved," Bihl said. "We're doing extremely well."
Bihl said electrical consumption was down over 19 percent in 2007 when compared to 2005.
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