UTILITIES - electricity, water & fuel
We make ongoing efforts to increase our efficiency in use of resources. The chart below shows how much we've saved over the years as a result of these measures - an estimated $9.89 million dollars in 2009, which is $1.11 million above the $8.78M target.
Electricity
Our electrical consumption has stayed relatively consistent despite a growth in both cumulative building size and campus population:
data file: electricity consumption and cost from July-December, 2009
Water
Our water consumption has dropped dramatically since water conservation efforts began in 2000.
What we're doing to reduce consumption
The UW Conservation Project Development Team meets semi-monthly. The goal of the team is to identify and carry out conservation projects. A representative from the Seattle Public Utilities (the source of the UW's electricity) attends these meetings. A list of conservation projects can be found here.
In addition, building audits are being conducted by the engineering department to identify new conservation projects.
Housing and Food Services is responsible for the Residence Halls and Food outlets. They are also involved in identifying and carrying out new ways to conserve water. A description of their efforts can be found here.How to get involved:
- A significant amount of the electricity used by the University is under the control of individual users (including computers, lighting, applicances and laboratory fume hoods). Facilities Services maintains a list of ways to reduce your individual impact.
- Washing clothes (for dorm residents) and showering are signficant sources of water consumption that individuals have control over.
Resources
Where our electricity comes from:
The electricity purchased by the UW from Seattle City Light is carbon neutral. In addition, the UW purchases 6% 'Green Power' to offset the small percentage of Seattle City Light Power which is from non-renewable sources. The UW also generates a small amount of electricity (5MW) with a cogeneration turbine that burns natural gas and produces both steam to heat campus buildings and electricty. We have 2 solar panel installations which generate a very small amount of electricity (primarily for demonstration purposes).